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In the connected IoT world we make there will be many Ethernet ports. It is inevitable that these vital network connections will be exposed to external environmental hazards. External sensors, cameras, WiFi hotspots, WiFi repeaters, and microcell backhaul are all examples of devices that may connect to a switch or router, exposing them to harmful overvoltage threats. In an effort to maximize the survivability of their equipment (and minimize warranty returns), manufacturers will most certainly require their switches and routers to meet specific surge/safety standards or guidelines. What started as recommendations given by experts in the field to help maximize the likelihood of successful, robust operation when deployed in the real world, quickly becomes mandated requirements when your customer demands compliance to one or more of them. You won't have a choice. You'll find yourself wading through the murky waters of international standards. It can be intimidating. Figuring out which standards apply to your particular implementation is confusing. Ethernet standards exist in IEEE, IEC, Telcordia, and ITU documents. They're all similar, yet they're all different. The major Ethernet standards for lightning and surge protection are summarized below. It is important to only consider the most recent versions since fast-moving technology, such as PoE, will quickly make older versions obsolete. This blog will focus on ITU-T since, at the moment, it embodies the most stringent tests. The ITU-T Standards You Need to Know ITU (International Telecommunications Union) is a specialized agency of the United Nations dealing with Information and Communications Technologies (ICT). It is further divided into sectors, one of which focusses on standardization. It used to be known as CCITT but became ITU-T in 1993. Within ITU-T, the K series discusses protection against interference, including environmental hazards. | 17 | Clearing the Murky Waters of Ethernet Protection Standards By Paul Smith, Bourns, Inc. Document Notes GR-1089-CORE Issue 7, December 2017 IEC 61000-4-5 Edition 3.0 IEEE 802.3 2015, but currently being updated to include bt ITU-T K.20 7/2017, for central offices ITU-T K.21 7/2017, for customer premises ITU-T K.45 7/2017, for access and trunk networks Table 1: Major Surge Protection Standards