Quick Answer: What replaced EKI-2706G-1GFPI-AE?
Discontinued: EKI-2706G-1GFPI-AE | Replacement: EKI-2706G-1GFPI-BE
Why B+B SMARTWORX Discontinued the EKI-2706G-1GFPI-AE
The B+B SMARTWORX EKI-2706G-1GFPI-AE is fully discontinued and no longer available for purchase. The official reason for the EKI-2706G-1GFPI-AE end of life was a phased-out PoE IC. According to the product change notice for the EKI-2000 PoE series, the discontinuation process was announced on 2021-12-01, with the product officially phased out by 2022-12-31.
For buyers still searching for EKI-2706G-1GFPI-AE, the practical takeaway is simple: this part is obsolete, and procurement should move to EKI-2706G-1GFPI-BE. Distributor lifecycle data also supports that EKI-2706G-1GFPI-AE is obsolete, with no ongoing supply after the phase-out period. If your BOM, maintenance records, or installed base still reference EKI-2706G-1GFPI-AE, the supported replacement is EKI-2706G-1GFPI-BE.
Advantech identified EKI-2706G-1GFPI-BE, along with the regional variant EKI-2706G-1GFPI-BU, as the successor to EKI-2706G-1GFPI-AE. In most upgrade discussions, the focus should be on validating input power requirements, since the main published change between EKI-2706G-1GFPI-AE and EKI-2706G-1GFPI-BE is the DC input range.
What's New in the EKI-2706G-1GFPI-BE
Wider Power Input Range
The most important change from EKI-2706G-1GFPI-AE to EKI-2706G-1GFPI-BE is power input. The discontinued EKI-2706G-1GFPI-AE used a 48V~53VDC input range. The replacement EKI-2706G-1GFPI-BE supports 24~48 VDC. For industrial network deployments, that broader input range can simplify integration where 24 VDC plant power is standard.
Published Input Current for the Replacement
Another practical update is that EKI-2706G-1GFPI-BE has published input current figures: 1.92A at 48 VDC and 4.12A at 24 VDC. For EKI-2706G-1GFPI-AE, input current was not specified in the research provided. That means engineers replacing EKI-2706G-1GFPI-AE with EKI-2706G-1GFPI-BE can size power supplies and panel capacity with clearer information.
Network and Environmental Specs Remain the Same
Outside of power-related details, EKI-2706G-1GFPI-BE is positioned as functionally equivalent to EKI-2706G-1GFPI-AE. Both versions use the same basic port layout: 4x Gigabit Ethernet PoE RJ45, 1x Gigabit Ethernet RJ45, and 1x Gigabit SFP. Both support IEEE 802.3 af/at PoE and are rated for -40~75°C operation. For most applications, that means an upgrade from EKI-2706G-1GFPI-AE to EKI-2706G-1GFPI-BE should preserve the original network design.
Why This Matters for Procurement
If your organization has open repair requirements or planned expansions based on EKI-2706G-1GFPI-AE, the replacement EKI-2706G-1GFPI-BE should be used for new purchases. Because EKI-2706G-1GFPI-AE is fully discontinued, continued sourcing attempts can slow projects and create unnecessary purchasing delays. Updating internal part references from EKI-2706G-1GFPI-AE to EKI-2706G-1GFPI-BE helps avoid obsolete-part issues in future orders.
At-a-Glance Comparison
| Feature | EKI-2706G-1GFPI-AE | EKI-2706G-1GFPI-BE |
|---|---|---|
| Status | Fully discontinued / obsolete | Active replacement |
| Manufacturer | B+B SMARTWORX | B+B SMARTWORX |
| EOL Date | 2022-12-31 | Current replacement offering |
| Discontinuation Reason | PoE IC phased out | Not applicable |
| Power Input | 48V~53VDC | 24~48 VDC |
| Input Current | Not specified | 1.92A @ 48 VDC; 4.12A @ 24 VDC |
| LAN Ports | 4x GE PoE RJ45 + 1x GE RJ45 + 1x G SFP | 4x GE PoE RJ45 + 1x GE RJ45 + 1x G SFP |
| PoE Standard | IEEE 802.3 af/at | IEEE 802.3 af/at |
| Operating Temperature | -40~75°C | -40~75°C |
Upgrade Checklist
- Replace obsolete part references. Update ERP, BOM, and approved vendor lists from EKI-2706G-1GFPI-AE to EKI-2706G-1GFPI-BE.
- Verify input power available on site. Confirm whether your panel or cabinet provides 24 VDC or 48 VDC and validate that it aligns with EKI-2706G-1GFPI-BE requirements.
- Review power budget. Use the published EKI-2706G-1GFPI-BE input current values when checking PSU sizing and circuit protection.
- Confirm port mapping. Match the installed EKI-2706G-1GFPI-AE network layout to the EKI-2706G-1GFPI-BE configuration: 4x GE PoE RJ45, 1x GE RJ45, and 1x G SFP.
- Check PoE device compatibility. Validate that attached endpoints still align with IEEE 802.3 af/at expectations during the swap from EKI-2706G-1GFPI-AE to EKI-2706G-1GFPI-BE.
- Review environmental fit. If the original EKI-2706G-1GFPI-AE was deployed in harsh environments, confirm the replacement EKI-2706G-1GFPI-BE is being installed within the same -40~75°C operating envelope.
- Standardize future purchasing. Because EKI-2706G-1GFPI-AE is no longer for sale, direct all new orders and maintenance spares to EKI-2706G-1GFPI-BE.
Bottom Line
EKI-2706G-1GFPI-AE is fully discontinued, with end of life completed on 2022-12-31 due to a phased-out PoE IC. The correct replacement is EKI-2706G-1GFPI-BE, which keeps the same core switching, PoE, and temperature profile while changing the input power range to 24~48 VDC and adding published input current figures.
For IT buyers, maintenance teams, and industrial network engineers, the main task is moving documentation and procurement from EKI-2706G-1GFPI-AE to EKI-2706G-1GFPI-BE and validating the power input at the installation site.
Ready to switch? Shop EKI-2706G-1GFPI-BE →
