An industrial switch can also be called an industrial Ethernet switch, which is a highly reliable and cost-effective Ethernet switch device. Designed for harsh environments, which are typically subject to shock, vibration and extreme temperature fluctuations ranging from -40°C to 75°C. You will find them making a significant contribution to industries such as transportation, energy, and more. Compared with ordinary Ethernet switches, they do have many bright spots in harsh environments.
Nowadays, industrial switches play a vital role in various industries, such as energy, environmental protection, and transportation. Now the demand for them is also increasing. How much do you know about industrial switches?
There is not fundamentally different from the regular network in data link layer, network layer, protocol layer and so on, but in view of the real-time needs of industrial control, Ethernet solves the technical problems of real-time communication , network security, and explosion-proof technology, and adopts some measures suitable for harsh environment, such as waterproof, anti-vibration. It is like the difference between a PC and an IPC.
Features of Industrial Switches
Flexible mounting options for DIN-rail and wall mounting
Most industrial switches have DIN rail or wall mount options. For the DIN rail option, it is ideal for efficient use of cabinet space in harsh environments. It also helps simplify installation as DIN rail industrial switches can be more easily attached to standard component rail mounting systems or long metal bars within standard cabinet racks. Also, industrial switches with DIN rail mounting options really help protect sensitive electrical equipment.
Fast ring network, fast redundancy
In general, industrial Ethernet switches are characterized by fast rings and fast redundancy. The modular design of the industrial switches provides the flexibility to expand Gigabit Ethernet ports through a range of expansion module options.
Excellent construction for industrial environments
They typically have rugged construction, such as rugged housings with IP30, IP40, or higher protection ratings, to withstand humidity, shock, vibration, and extreme temperatures. Some of them are even equipped with 6KV lightning protection to prevent damage from lightning strikes when used outdoors. With a rugged design, industrial switches can stably transmit data in extreme temperatures ranging from -40° to 75°C, which ordinary network switches cannot support.
Redundant power supply design
Power supply is another distinguishing feature of industrial switches. They usually use dual power redundancy to avoid power failures, which account for a large proportion of industrial switch failure rates, and ensure stable and reliable connections in harsh environments.
Fanless Design
They typically use metal enclosures instead of fans to dissipate heat faster. The fanless design of the industrial switch minimizes the problem of dust and moisture ingress. In this regard, industrial switches ensure long-term reliability in industrial applications.
Electromagnetic environment
Ethernet switches have strong anti-electromagnetic interference capabilities.
Operating voltage
They have a wide operating voltage range, while regular switches require higher voltages.
The service life
Generally speaking, the service life of industrial switch is more than 10 years, while the service life of ordinary switch is only 3 to 5 years.
Industrial Ethernet switches are particular about their product design and selection of components. They are designed for the needs of industrial field and can still work normally under severe mechanical, climatic, electromagnetic and other environments. Therefore, they can be widely used in industrial production scenarios with severe conditions.
