A Legacy of Innovation
ThyssenKrupp Elevator has long been at the forefront of vertical transportation, pushing technological boundaries to redefine efficiency, safety, and user experience. With roots tracing back to 1811, this German conglomerate first made its mark in iron and steel before expanding into the elevator industry in 1977. Today, with a presence in over 150 countries, ThyssenKrupp continues to revolutionize urban mobility through cutting-edge solutions.
One of the most significant transformations in modern elevator technology is the integration of internet and Ethernet connectivity. By leveraging these advancements, ThyssenKrupp has enhanced its predictive maintenance, remote monitoring, security, energy efficiency, and user experience. At the core of this innovation is the partnership with Enable-IT, whose Ethernet and PoE extenders have played a crucial role in overcoming communication challenges in high-rise buildings.
Overcoming Communication Challenges in High-Rise Buildings
A prime example of this technology in action can be found in a high-rise office building in Miami, Florida. Twelve modern elevators transported passengers to various floors, but ThyssenKrupp sought to improve efficiency even further. Faster data transmission was needed to optimize multiple critical functions, including:
- Card Reader System – Verifies passenger identities.
- Override System – Grants clearance to authorized visitors.
- Elevator Call System – Ensures smooth dispatching of elevators.
- Floor Security Monitoring – Monitors floor activity in real-time.
- Emergency Stop Control – Enhances passenger safety.
High-rise buildings present unique challenges for network connectivity, particularly in vertical transportation systems like elevators. Traditional Ethernet connections are limited to 328 feet (100 meters), which is insufficient for skyscrapers where elevators must communicate across hundreds or even thousands of feet between control systems, security infrastructure, and management consoles.
A high-rise office building in Miami, Florida, with twelve modern elevators, faced a critical challenge in optimizing its communication network. ThyssenKrupp sought to integrate high-speed Ethernet connectivity into their elevator control systems to enhance efficiency and security. However, several key obstacles had to be overcome:
1. Distance Limitations of Standard Ethernet
The core of the elevator system relied on a CPU located at the top of the building and a computer console at the lobby level, a staggering 1,200 feet apart—well beyond the capabilities of standard Ethernet cabling. Without a reliable method of extending network signals, maintaining high-speed data transmission across such distances would be impossible.
2. Powering Remote Devices Over Long Distances
In a high-rise environment, many essential devices, including security cameras, access control panels, and monitoring systems, required both data transmission and power but were located far from traditional power sources. Running separate electrical wiring would be expensive and disruptive. A Power over Ethernet (PoE) solution was necessary to simplify installation and reduce infrastructure costs.
3. Maintaining Real-Time Communication for Elevator Operations
Elevator control systems depend on real-time data exchange between the CPU, security systems, and dispatch mechanisms to ensure seamless operation. Any network delays or failures could cause longer wait times, inefficient routing, or even safety risks in emergency situations. The solution needed to support low-latency, high-speed data transmission across extreme distances.
4. Ensuring Secure and Interference-Free Data Transmission
In a high-rise environment, network cables often run alongside high-voltage power lines, HVAC systems, and other electronic equipment, introducing risks of electromagnetic interference (EMI) and data corruption. Additionally, security was a major concern, as the network carried sensitive information about access control and emergency systems.
5. Supporting Future Expansion and Scalability
As buildings integrate smart IoT technologies, their network demands continue to grow. ThyssenKrupp needed a scalable solution that could accommodate future upgrades, including AI-powered predictive maintenance, remote diagnostics, and real-time analytics without requiring extensive rewiring or infrastructure changes.
Enable-IT PoE Extenders: The Perfect Solution
To address the challenges of long-distance Ethernet connectivity in high-rise buildings, ThyssenKrupp turned to Enable-IT’s industry-leading PoE Extenders. Enable-IT’s solutions provided a seamless, secure, and high-speed data transmission system that met all of ThyssenKrupp’s operational requirements.
1. Extending Ethernet Beyond Distance Limits
Enable-IT’s PoE Ethernet Extenders allow Ethernet and PoE signals to travel well beyond the standard 328-foot (100m) limit, reaching distances of up to 3,500 feet (1,067 meters) over standard copper wiring. For ThyssenKrupp’s 1,200-foot elevator communication network, this was the ideal solution, eliminating the need for costly fiber optic installations or repeaters.
Key benefits include:
✅ No signal degradation over long distances
✅ Plug-and-play setup with minimal downtime
✅ No need for additional power sources at intermediary points
2. Powering Remote Devices with PoE
In high-rise buildings, running separate electrical wiring to power security systems, access control panels, and monitoring equipment is both expensive and impractical. Enable-IT’s PoE Extenders deliver both data and power over a single cable, reducing infrastructure complexity and costs.
With Enable-IT 865W and 865XS PRO PoE Extenders, ThyssenKrupp was able to:
🔌 Power access card readers at every floor without extra wiring
🔌 Run surveillance cameras within elevator cabs and lobbies
🔌 Enable emergency communication panels inside elevators
3. Ultra-Fast and Reliable Data Transmission
To ensure real-time elevator operations, ThyssenKrupp needed a solution that could handle high-speed, low-latency data transfer. Enable-IT’s PoE Extenders support:
🚀 Gigabit Ethernet speeds for uninterrupted data flow
🚀 Low-latency transmission, ensuring elevator dispatch systems respond instantly
🚀 Secure and encrypted communication, protecting against cyber threats
4. Superior Resistance to Interference and Harsh Environments
High-rise buildings pose risks of electromagnetic interference (EMI) from nearby power lines, HVAC systems, and heavy machinery. Enable-IT PoE Extenders are built with advanced shielding and noise isolation, ensuring stable data transfer even in harsh conditions.
Additional protective features:
🔒 Industrial-grade surge protection, safeguarding against power spikes
🔒 Rugged, weatherproof enclosures, ideal for elevator shafts and control rooms
🔒 Reliable operation in extreme temperatures, ensuring uninterrupted performance
5. Future-Proof Scalability
Enable-IT’s modular PoE Extender solutions allow ThyssenKrupp to expand and upgrade their network without the need for major infrastructure changes. As the company integrates AI-powered predictive maintenance, IoT sensors, and real-time diagnostics, the same PoE infrastructure can support additional connected devices.
💡 Key advantages for scalability:
✔️ Support for multiple PoE devices per extender
✔️ Daisy-chaining capability for further expansion
✔️ Backward compatibility with existing Ethernet networks
Why Enable-IT is the Trusted Choice
ThyssenKrupp’s decision to standardize on Enable-IT’s Ethernet and PoE Extenders was based on several key factors:
✅ Made in the USA – Secure, high-quality products with strict manufacturing standards
✅45-Day Money-Back Guarantee – Risk-free investment for businesses
✅4-Year Warranty – Industry-leading reliability and support
✅Custom OEM Solutions – Tailored configurations to meet specific project needs
By implementing Enable-IT PoE Extenders, ThyssenKrupp successfully enhanced guest safety, improved operational efficiency, and reduced costs—all while preparing for the future of smart elevator technology.
The Power of Smart Connectivity in Elevators
ThyssenKrupp has integrated Ethernet and IoT-driven technologies into its elevator systems, bringing several transformative improvements:
- Predictive Maintenance
By equipping elevators with IoT sensors, ThyssenKrupp collects real-time performance data. This data is transmitted via Ethernet to a centralized system, where AI-driven analytics predict potential failures before they occur. This proactive maintenance approach significantly reduces downtime and service interruptions.
- Remote Monitoring & Diagnostics
Technicians can remotely access elevator performance data, enabling quick identification and resolution of issues. This feature minimizes service disruptions and allows for remote troubleshooting, reducing unnecessary on-site maintenance visits.
- Enhanced Security & Access Control
Ethernet connectivity seamlessly integrates elevator security systems with building management infrastructure. Card readers, surveillance cameras, and emergency communication devices work in sync, ensuring a secure passenger experience.
- Energy Efficiency
Smart algorithms analyze traffic patterns to optimize elevator movement, reducing unnecessary trips and conserving energy. With Ethernet-based systems, ThyssenKrupp maximizes efficiency without sacrificing performance.
- Personalized Passenger Experience
Modern ThyssenKrupp elevators offer interactive displays, real-time updates, and smartphone integration. Passengers can call elevators remotely, receive estimated wait times, and enjoy a seamless ride experience.
Final Thoughts and Conclusion
The collaboration between ThyssenKrupp Elevator and Enable-IT has revolutionized vertical transportation by overcoming long-distance communication challenges in high-rise buildings. By integrating Ethernet and PoE Extenders, ThyssenKrupp has significantly enhanced elevator efficiency, improved safety, reduced operational costs, and optimized user experience—all while ensuring a future-proof infrastructure that supports ongoing technological advancements.
As the elevator industry continues to evolve, internet-connected, AI-driven, and data-optimized systems will become the norm. With Enable-IT’s PoE Extenders, ThyssenKrupp is well-positioned to integrate advanced smart technologies, such as:
🚀 AI-powered traffic flow optimization to reduce wait times and energy usage
🚀 IoT-enabled predictive maintenance for even more proactive issue resolution
🚀 5G and cloud-based analytics for enhanced elevator management
🚀 Biometric security and facial recognition for personalized and secure access control
With Enable-IT’s robust and scalable solutions, ThyssenKrupp is ready to lead the next wave of intelligent, high-performance elevators that redefine urban mobility.
As ThyssenKrupp continues to push the boundaries of elevator technology, Enable-IT remains a key partner in delivering high-speed, long-range, and secure network connectivity solutions. With a shared vision for innovation, efficiency, and reliability, this partnership is setting new industry standards for the future of smart building infrastructure.
With Enable-IT and ThyssenKrupp Elevator working together, the future of vertical transportation is not only smarter and faster—it’s also safer, more efficient, and more connected than ever before.
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.
