RATH Communications turned to Enable-IT to meet the global elevator safety requirements and increase the value of their solutions.
In today’s fast-paced urban world, elevators are more than just vertical transportation — they are lifelines, particularly in high-rise buildings, hospitals, and critical infrastructure. At the core of every elevator’s reliability and safety lies one critical yet often overlooked element: elevator communications. Whether it’s an emergency call button, a video surveillance feed, or a digital announcement system, consistent and uninterrupted connectivity is paramount. This is where Enable-IT, the inventor and leader in Ethernet and PoE extender technologies, is revolutionizing the vertical transport space — in partnership with RATH Communications (Avire).
With over 40 years in the industry, we’ve seen the transition from analog copper systems to digital and IP-based infrastructures. And we can tell you — never before has stable, long-range Ethernet been more essential in elevator communications than it is today.
The Importance of Stable PoE and Ethernet in Elevators
Elevators are challenging environments for network connectivity. The constant motion of the car, interference from building materials, and the vertical distances involved can wreak havoc on traditional networking solutions. Yet, as more elevators rely on IP-based systems — including VoIP emergency phones, IP cameras, digital displays, and real-time monitoring systems — reliable Power over Ethernet (PoE) and data connectivity has become non-negotiable.
Some key applications include:
- Emergency intercom systems: Ensuring passengers can communicate during power outages or critical events.
- Real-time video surveillance: Increasing safety and liability protection.
- Live monitoring and diagnostics: Allowing technicians to preemptively address malfunctions.
- Passenger information systems: Dynamic content delivery, wayfinding, and accessibility aids.
Without robust, long-distance PoE solutions, these systems can fail — leaving passengers vulnerable and building operators in violation of modern safety codes.
How Enable-IT Solves Elevator Connectivity Challenges
Elevators present some of the most complex technical environments for network deployment. Unlike typical static installations, elevator systems must contend with movement, vibration, metal interference, and vertical distances that exceed the limitations of standard Ethernet cabling. Traditional solutions often fall short — whether it’s due to signal degradation, the cost of running fiber, or the absence of power sources in the hoistway.
That’s where Enable-IT, a pioneer in Ethernet extension since 1982, provides a game-changing advantage. Their suite of industrial-grade PoE (Power over Ethernet) extenders is purpose-built to address the distinct demands of elevator communication systems, ensuring seamless integration and long-term reliability.
Among the standout solutions is the Enable-IT 821P PoE Extender, a plug-and-play workhorse that delivers both data and power across extended distances — without sacrificing performance or safety.
1. Breaking the 100-Meter Barrier
One of the biggest limitations of standard Ethernet is its 100-meter (~328 feet) range. In elevator shafts of high-rise buildings, this is often not enough. Installing additional switches or repeaters can be costly, require enclosure modifications, or introduce new failure points.
The Enable-IT 821P smashes this limitation by enabling PoE and Ethernet connectivity up to 3,000 feet (1 km) using existing 1-pair copper wiring. This allows integrators to span dozens of floors with a single, uninterrupted connection, significantly reducing installation time and cost.
2. No Power in the Shaft? No Problem
Elevator shafts rarely have convenient access to power at every level. Running separate electrical circuits just to power network switches or intercoms is not only expensive but can create compliance and safety issues.
The 821P extender is entirely powered from one end, drawing power from a standard PoE switch or injector in the building’s network closet. It then delivers both data and power to remote devices like IP cameras, VoIP intercoms, or emergency phones mounted inside the elevator car or on landing levels.
This design eliminates the need for mid-span power sources and dramatically simplifies installation.
3. Engineered for Harsh Elevator Environments
Elevator shafts are notorious for challenging physical conditions:
- Constant vertical motion and vibration
- Electromagnetic interference (EMI) from motors and control systems
- Fluctuating temperatures and humidity
The 821P is housed in an industrial-strength enclosure, rated to withstand extreme operating conditions. It’s EMI-hardened, corrosion-resistant, and built with internal surge protection, making it ideal for installation in elevator machine rooms, control cabinets, or even inside shaft walls.
It also meets and exceeds standards for fire safety, accessibility, and electrical code compliance — a key concern in high-occupancy or regulated environments.
4. Simple Deployment, Maximum Uptime
Unlike many network solutions that require complex configurations, the 821P is truly plug-and-play. Installers simply connect their existing CAT5e/6 wiring, and the unit begins transmitting power and data instantly — with no need for IT staff or software setup.
This means:
- Faster elevator modernization projects
- Less downtime for retrofits
- Reduced labor costs and site disruption
Maintenance is equally straightforward. With no moving parts and a rugged passive design, the 821P delivers years of zero-maintenance performance — even in high-traffic, high-rise environments.
5. Compatible with All Major Elevator Systems
Whether integrating with new IP-based elevator controllers or retrofitting legacy systems, Enable-IT’s solutions offer universal compatibility. The 821P supports any IEEE 802.3af/at/bt PoE device, including:
- RATH/Avire VoIP intercoms
- IP security cameras
- Digital signage and passenger notification panels
- Emergency help points
- Networked sensors and diagnostics equipment
This flexibility allows OEMs like RATH (Avire) to standardize their elevator communications across different building types — from office towers to healthcare facilities to government installations.
6. Flexible Topologies and Daisy-Chaining Options
Enable-IT solutions also support advanced topologies. In installations where multiple devices need connectivity at different shaft levels (e.g., cameras at every fifth floor), the extenders can be daisy-chained or paired with PoE switches to create distributed networks with precise control.
The result is a scalable, future-ready infrastructure that adapts as building technologies evolve.
RATH (Avire) and Enable-IT: Elevating Communications Together
In the elevator communications ecosystem, few names carry as much authority and reliability as RATH Communications, now operating under the Avire brand — a global leader in safety and communication systems for elevators and buildings. Known for their code-compliant, life-safety communication solutions, RATH has long been the go-to provider for mission-critical devices such as emergency phones, mass notification systems, and rescue assistance equipment.
To meet the evolving needs of the smart building revolution, RATH (Avire) turned to Enable-IT to help solve one of their most persistent and critical challenges: how to power and connect IP-based elevator communication systems over long distances without relying on complex, expensive infrastructure.
Shared Mission: Safety, Simplicity, and Scalability
Both RATH (Avire) and Enable-IT are driven by a commitment to safety, compliance, and innovation. Their partnership is a natural convergence of two specialized fields — RATH bringing decades of elevator communication expertise, and Enable-IT offering best-in-class long-distance PoE and Ethernet extension technologies.
By integrating Enable-IT’s hardware — especially the ruggedized 821P PoE Extender — directly into their elevator systems, RATH has been able to create solutions that are:
- Fully IP-compatible for next-generation smart elevators
- Power-efficient and easy to deploy in power-restricted areas
- Code-compliant under ADA, ASME, IBC, and NFPA guidelines
- Seamlessly scalable for multi-story or campus-wide elevator systems
This collaboration isn’t just technical — it’s transformational.
How RATH (Avire) Uses Enable-IT Extenders
RATH has strategically embedded Enable-IT extenders into several product lines and project deployments. Let’s take a closer look at how these integrations are used in real-world scenarios:
1. High-Rise Residential and Commercial Towers
In large buildings with 30+ floors, RATH deploys VoIP emergency communication phones inside elevator cabs and machine rooms. These devices need to be powered and connected to the building’s centralized communication network — often located hundreds of feet away.
Instead of installing multiple IDFs (Intermediate Distribution Frames) or pulling fiber — which is expensive and power-hungry — RATH uses the Enable-IT 821P to deliver PoE and data from a single location, running over existing copper twisted-pair wiring. This approach cuts costs by up to 50% and accelerates deployment timelines dramatically.
2. Hospitals and Healthcare Campuses
Hospitals require 24/7 uptime, accessibility compliance, and strict fire/life-safety protocols. RATH provides hands-free ADA-compliant phones with visual and audible indicators inside elevators. These are powered and networked via Enable-IT extenders, allowing RATH to guarantee reliable communication even during power outages or emergency evacuations — without needing local power sources inside the hoistway.
3. University and Government Facilities
In sprawling campuses with multiple buildings, elevators must be tied into a central command and monitoring system. Using Enable-IT’s long-distance PoE capabilities, RATH creates centralized, IP-connected elevator communication networks without trenching, drilling, or disrupting service.
The result: smart, resilient elevator systems that meet public safety codes while reducing the infrastructure burden on IT and facilities management teams.
Advantages of Using PoE Extenders for Elevator Communications
- Extended Range: Ethernet up to 3,000 ft — no need for repeaters or expensive fiber.
- Simplicity: One-cable solution for both power and data.
- Reliability: Industrial-grade durability in hostile shaft environments.
- Compliance: Meets ASME and ADA standards for emergency communications.
- Lower Cost: Reduces the need for electrical contractors or re-wiring.
- Future-Proofing: Supports migration from analog to IP without replacing the entire system.
- Rapid Deployment: No configuration, no downtime — plug-and-play functionality.
- Centralized Control: Consolidated IT network infrastructure for easier maintenance and updates.
The Future of Elevator Communications with Enable-IT & Avire
Elevators are evolving from isolated mechanical systems into intelligent, connected platforms within smart buildings. As buildings grow taller and more complex, the demand for reliable, power-efficient, and scalable communication infrastructure is accelerating. At the heart of this transformation is the powerful partnership between Enable-IT and Avire (RATH Communications).
Together, these industry leaders are setting new standards for long-distance Ethernet and PoE-based elevator communication, supporting modern applications such as:
- VoIP and SIP emergency phones
- Real-time surveillance and diagnostics
- Digital signage and infotainment
- AI-powered maintenance alerts
- Remote elevator monitoring and control
1. Infrastructure for Smart, Scalable Connectivity
Enable-IT’s rugged, long-range PoE extenders — especially the 821P — allow Avire systems to operate over existing copper wiring across hundreds of vertical feet. This simplifies upgrades and enables IP connectivity in retrofitted buildings without trenching or new power circuits.
Future collaborations aim to support multi-endpoint elevator networks, with one cable delivering power and data to emergency phones, cameras, sensors, and displays — all from a single PoE switch.
2. Data-Driven Elevators
Avire’s platforms already collect elevator performance data, and with Enable-IT’s connectivity solutions, that data can now be transmitted in real time. This unlocks:
- Predictive maintenance
- Real-time alerts
- Instant fault diagnostics
- Smarter energy usage and traffic flow insights
Together, they’re enabling elevators that not only talk back, but think ahead.
3. Future-Proofing for Tomorrow’s Technologies
As AI, edge computing, and smart city platforms evolve, Enable-IT and Avire are preparing elevator systems to:
- Handle real-time analytics and cloud integration
- Support next-gen safety systems
- Deliver low-latency, high-reliability communication even in disaster scenarios
Their work also supports global standardization, OEM integration, and training programs to ensure consistent performance worldwide.
4. Looking Ahead
The next 10 years will redefine how buildings interact with the people inside them. From contactless access to AI-enhanced emergency services, every layer of vertical mobility will rely on reliable communication and connectivity.
Through their strategic partnership, Enable-IT and Avire are building this future — one floor, one cable, one extender at a time.
Their combined vision goes beyond hardware. It’s about empowering building managers, protecting lives, and creating smarter, safer environments through elegant, invisible infrastructure that simply works.
Final Thoughts and Conclusion
Elevator communications are not just a convenience — they are a lifeline. As we lean further into digital transformation, the elevator industry must be supported by reliable infrastructure that guarantees uptime, compliance, and safety. Enable-IT PoE extenders — particularly the 821P — are the backbone of this new era in vertical mobility.
With visionary partners like RATH (Avire) embracing these technologies, we’re not just moving people between floors — we’re moving the entire industry upward.
The future of elevator systems lies in smart, safe, and scalable communication infrastructure — and that’s exactly what the Enable-IT and Avire partnership delivers. Through robust, plug-and-play PoE extenders like the 821P, they’re powering the systems that keep people safe, informed, and connected at every level.
When you hear that “ding” of the elevator arriving, know that behind it is a symphony of innovation working seamlessly — and often invisibly — thanks to pioneers like Enable-IT and Rath.
Extend any Ethernet Cable Beyond the Limits with Enable-IT Solutions !
The benefit of buying an Ethernet Extender from Enable-IT because our equipment leverages high throughput telecom signals over any wire – including coax, barbed wire fence, etc. Enabling distances unheard of in the industry. There are Ethernet Extender Solutions available that can extend this distance limit out to 9,000 feet or 2,743 m.
The industry uses are endless – as everyone has a need for extended Ethernet many times in their lifetime and sooner than later the need will arise and we are ready when you are to help select a solution.
Diverse Industry customers include the US, UK and Canadian Military; NASA; Aerospace manufacturers; Nautical Infrastructure (Marinas, Mega Yachts, Cruise Ships,Port facilities, US Nuke sub fleet, etc); Video Surveillance and Security Specialists; Advanced Telecommunications companies; Extreme Mining Operators; Global Construction Enterprises; Commercial Agriculture companies; major Healthcare providers; Live Entertainment, Broadcasting, and News agencies; Extreme Retail/POS organizations; Long-Distance Education Companies; International Hospitality Companies; Elevator manufacturers, Digital Signage and much more.
