Across commercial office spaces, data centers, and educational institutions, today’s buildings are expected to do more than ever before. They must be intelligent, sustainable, and seamlessly connected. But delivering on that promise requires more than a smart device. It demands smarter power.
This is where Cisco, Panduit, and MHT Technologies come in. Through powerful engineering alliances, these companies are redefining how Fault Managed Power (FMPS) and Power over Ethernet (PoE) solutions can work together to meet the demands of modern infrastructure. Their collaboration is not just about innovation, but more about solving the real-world challenges that building owners, engineers, and facility managers face every day.
The Growing Challenge of Powering Smart Infrastructure
As buildings become more connected, traditional power systems are struggling to keep up. High-voltage systems can be dangerous and complex to install, while low-voltage options often lack the capacity needed to support a growing network of IoT devices, sensors, and automation systems.
Building owners and developers are also under pressure to meet sustainability goals, reduce energy use, and comply with evolving electrical codes. All of this demands a new approach to power distribution that is scalable, safe, and easy to deploy. This is where FMPS and PoE solutions enter the conversation.
Cisco and Panduit: A Safer, Smarter Approach with Fault Managed Power
To address these demands, Cisco and Panduit launched a strategic engineering alliance focused on Fault Managed Power Systems (FMPS). This breakthrough power delivery model allows for high-power, long-distance DC power transmission while meeting the safety requirements of Class 4 circuits under the National Electrical Code.
The system uses a power source to deliver 360V DC current as a series of controlled pulses through Panduit’s Class 4 cabling infrastructure. If a fault is detected, the system can shut off power within milliseconds, ensuring a level of safety comparable to Class 2 and 3 systems.
When paired with Cisco’s Catalyst 9200 and 9300 Series switches, the FMPS infrastructure supports seamless integration of power and networking—ideal for security systems, wireless access points, lighting, and more. By consolidating power and communication, FMPS reduces the need for costly electrical infrastructure, enabling easier deployment and maintenance across an entire building.
Together, Cisco and Panduit are equipping system integrators and building operators with a safe, code-compliant, and future-ready DC power solution that aligns with decarbonization and electrification trends.
Cisco and MHT: PoE Solutions for Intelligent Building Control
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In addition to the FMPS collaboration, Cisco formed other strategic alliances. One of these is with MHT Technologies. The purpose of this alliance is to optimize and expand the role of PoE in smart buildings. MHT’s Inspextor platform acts as a centralized control system for PoE-powered lighting, shading, occupancy sensors, and sit-stand desks.
By combining MHT’s DC-based smart building controls with Cisco’s secure Catalyst PoE infrastructure, this partnership delivers a comprehensive PoE solution that is efficient, scalable, and cyber-secure. The system encrypts and segments traffic to protect critical building automation networks while supporting plug-and-play deployment of devices. MHT’s PoE solutions make it easier to manage and monitor everything from energy usage to workspace utilization.
Occupancy sensors and shade controls adjust based on real-time conditions, reducing unnecessary power consumption and enhancing occupant comfort. Installations like Cisco’s NYC PENN1 and Atlanta Collaboration Centers have proven the model’s ability to scale in enterprise environments.
Beyond comfort and efficiency, this alliance also dramatically reduces wiring complexity and installation costs. Compared to traditional systems, MHT’s PoE architecture can cut lighting energy usage by up to 90% and reduce cabling by 80%, making it ideal for renovations, retrofits, and new builds alike.
A Unified Vision: Smarter, Safer, and More Sustainable
Cisco, Panduit, and MHT Technologies each bring critical components to the table. Cisco has the trusted network infrastructure, Panduit’s FMPS Class 4 power system, and MHT has Inspextor and the PoE platform. Combined, these pieces create a powerful ecosystem for modern building design.
These alliances show that powering the future isn’t just about higher voltages or faster speeds. It’s about harmonizing intelligent power delivery with data infrastructure, sustainability goals, and user-centric automation.
Whether it’s through FMPS for long-distance high-power safety or PoE solutions for fine-grained control of environments, these companies are providing real answers to some of today’s most pressing challenges in building design and operation.
To learn more about how these integrated power and control solutions can elevate your next project, contact MHT Technologies. Whether you’re designing a new smart building or looking to retrofit an existing space, MHT can help you implement intelligent, sustainable systems that meet your unique needs.
