News, updates, and expert insights from EtherWAN.
EtherWAN delivers industrial-grade Ethernet solutions including managed switches, media converters, and rugged network devices designed for harsh environments. Follow this channel for the latest from EtherWAN: product news, expert perspectives, and updates from the team.
Education, not spec sheets, sells industrial networking gear.
EtherWAN's podcast teaches buyers to choose the right PoE switches and media converters for harsh environments, positioning knowledge-first sales as the competitive edge.
EtherWAN argues that B2B sales win when vendors educate customers first, before the pitch. Jim Toepper, the company's Director of Products and Marketing, frames eLearning and educational content as the cornerstone of connection, grounded in the belief that informed buyers are more likely to purchase from the brand that shared knowledge. The podcast demonstrates this thesis by diving into real technical decisions—commercial vs. hardened PoE switches, media converter flexibility, PoE basics—treating each as a teaching moment rather than a product narrative.
Drawn from Getting Down to the Basics of Power Over Ether… and 1 more →
“eLearning should be a cornerstone of a company's content marketing. It's the new way to connect with customers.”
Jim Toepper, Director of Products and Marketing, EtherWAN Systems
By the numbers
What the channel argues
Who and what shows up
Jim Toepper
Director of Products and Marketing, EtherWAN
Advocates for education-first sales strategy and brings 25+ years of networking expertise to explain commercial vs. hardened equipment trade-offs.
Dylan Han
Product Specialist, EtherWAN
Frames network evolution in terms of speed and functionality, connecting media converter demand to IoT device proliferation.
Jei Mercado
Regional Sales Engineer, EtherWAN
Emphasizes that networks have evolved, not just improved, underscoring the need for flexible connectivity solutions.
Shelby Skrhak
Host, What About Power Over Ethernet? podcast
Guides conversations on PoE fundamentals and hardened vs. commercial switch comparisons.
Questions this channel answers
What is Power over Ethernet and why would I use it?
PoE transmits power to multiple devices through Ethernet ports instead of electrical outlets, simplifying installations and reducing cable clutter in industrial settings.
Getting Down to the Basics of Power Over Ethernet (PoE) →Should I buy commercial or hardened PoE switches?
Hardened PoE switches cost more upfront but provide greater consistency in harsh environments with extreme temperatures, excessive vibration, or high electromagnetic interference. Commercial switches suit standard settings.
The Nitty Gritty of Commercial vs. Hardened PoE Switches →What role do media converters play in modern networks?
Media converters are flexible, cost-effective solutions that transmit growing numbers of data types and handle rising bandwidth demands driven by IoT device proliferation.
The Rise of Media Converters in Addressing Growing Bandw… →How can sales teams win more deals in B2B networking?
Lead with educational content and eLearning. The more educated a customer is, the more likely they will buy from the brand that shared knowledge.
How Sales Can Leverage Educational Content to Build Rela… →Best place to start
Getting Down to the Basics of Power Over Ethernet (PoE)Introduces PoE fundamentals with 25+ years of expert insight, establishing the foundation for all equipment decisions.
The Nitty Gritty of Commercial vs. Hardened PoE SwitchesDirectly answers the most common purchase decision: when to invest in hardened equipment for harsh environments.Industry context
The Power Over Ethernet (PoE) switch market is experiencing significant growth, projected to expand from $1.2 billion in 2024 to $3.5 billion by 2033, driven by increasing demand for integrated power and network solutions.
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