The Essential Guide To Industrial Ethernet Switches

Are you having network issues in tough places?

Industrial Ethernet switches are built for extreme conditions. This guide breaks down what you need to know, making it easier to choose the right switch.

Keep reading for insights that could help your network setup.

What is an Industrial Ethernet Switch?

An Industrial Ethernet Switch is an important component in industrial networking, particularly designed to withstand extreme environments where traditional network equipment would fail.

These durable devices offer durability and reliability, ensuring continuous operation in places like oil rigs, manufacturing plants, and railways. They connect various industrial control systems and facilitate smooth Ethernet communication across extensive networks.

Unlike their commercial counterparts, these switches operate efficiently under extreme temperatures, vibrations, and exposure to dust or moisture. This capability allows industries to maintain uninterrupted connectivity and data transmission even in challenging physical conditions.

Types of Industrial Ethernet Switches

Industrial Ethernet switches come in various forms to meet the different needs of factory floors and extreme environments. They differentiate mainly into managed and unmanaged types, each offering unique benefits for network control and simplicity.

Unmanaged vs. Managed Switches

Below is a comparison table focusing on essential aspects such as control, setup, functionality, and suitability for industrial networks.

Key Features of Industrial Ethernet Switches

Power over Ethernet (PoE)

Allows powering devices like IP cameras and access points through the same Ethernet cable, eliminating the need for separate power supplies.

Durability/IP67-rated

Industrial switches with an IP67 rating are dustproof, waterproof, and built to withstand tough environments like factory floors.

Upgradability

Modular and scalable designs allow networks to grow and adapt to changing demands without overhauling the entire infrastructure.

Cybersecurity Protection

Features like disabling unused ports and monitoring for attacks help strengthen cybersecurity against threats targeting industrial systems.

Embedded Options

Integrating Ethernet switches directly into devices provides compact, reliable solutions for enhancing network connectivity and performance.

Management Options and Protocols

Industrial Ethernet switches should provide various management options for easy control and configuration, such as web-based management, Command Line Interface (CLI), and support for Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) for remote monitoring and troubleshooting.

VLAN Support and Network Segmentation

Switches should offer Virtual LAN (VLAN) support to segregate network traffic into logical groups, optimizing data flow and enhancing security.

Quality of Service (QoS) Capabilities

QoS features allow prioritizing critical data traffic over less time-sensitive data, ensuring low latency for real-time control systems.

Redundancy and Fault Tolerance Features

Switches should support network redundancy protocols like Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) or Media Redundancy Protocol (MRP), as well as hot-swappable modules and power supplies, to minimize downtime and ensure continuous operations.

Industrial Ethernet Switches for Specific Applications

Room Automation

Industrial Ethernet switches are important for reliable and real-time control in room automation systems, such as lighting and temperature controls. Managed switches with features like traffic prioritization ensure high performance. PoE switches simplify deployment by powering devices through network cables, enhancing efficiency and flexibility.

Extreme Environments

Industrial Ethernet switches are built to withstand extreme conditions like heat, cold, dust, and vibrations found in environments like oil rigs and railways. Their hardened exteriors ensure uninterrupted connectivity and data flow where typical devices would fail.

Single Pair Ethernet

SPE is a technology that reduces the size and weight of Ethernet cables by 50% while delivering up to 1Gb/s speeds over a single wire pair. Originally driven by the automotive industry's demands, SPE promises to transform industrial networking across sectors with its compact, high-bandwidth, and space-saving design, particularly in applications where space is limited.

Advantages of Using Industrial Ethernet Switches

Improved network performance

• Support gigabit speeds for faster data transmission
• Optimize traffic management to minimize congestion
• Provide faster response times and efficient edge networking

Flexibility

• Adaptable to various industrial environments
• Allow customizable network solutions
• Enable redundant network systems for resilience

Increase operational efficiency

• Streamline operations with faster data speeds
• Enable rapid fault correction for continuous production
• Optimize information flow and minimize downtime

Enhance cybersecurity

• Advanced security features protect against cyber threats
• Secure edge networks from unauthorized access
• Enable remote monitoring and network optimization
• Safeguard valuable data and ensure uninterrupted processes

Factors to Consider When Choosing an Industrial Ethernet Switch

Network Requirements

Assess port availability, power consumption, compatibility with existing systems, and redundancy features to meet your network's performance and scalability needs.

Environment and Operating Conditions

Industrial Ethernet switches must be able to withstand extreme environments with high temperatures, humidity, vibrations, and dust exposure. Evaluate temperature tolerance, humidity resistance, vibration resilience, and dust resistance to ensure reliable operation in challenging settings.

Budget

Consider the maximum power budget for Power over Ethernet (PoE) switches to ensure the total power consumption of connected devices does not exceed the limit. This helps manage power allocation effectively and optimize cost-effectiveness.

DIN Rail vs. Rack Mount

DIN rail mounting is cost-effective and requires less hardware and accessories, while rack-mount solutions serve environments where space consolidation and organized cable management are important. Choose based on your specific needs for industrial automation and networking infrastructure.

Common Uses of Industrial Ethernet Switches

Manufacturing

Industrial Ethernet switches are made durable and support Power over Ethernet (PoE), enabling smooth communication between computer-controlled equipment on production lines and optimizing operational productivity.

Transportation (railways, seaports, etc.)

These switches support the digitalization of public transit vehicles and maritime operations, providing high-speed connectivity and reliable data transmission for efficient cargo and passenger movement.

Power and utilities

Industrial Ethernet switches manage network infrastructure, ensuring efficient data transmission and power supply to essential components across wide networks. PoE technology simplifies installation and reduces costs.

Oil and gas industry

Managed switches maintain network connectivity in extreme environments, ensuring real-time, secure, and efficient data communication for critical infrastructure and operational efficiency.

Smart cities

Industrial Ethernet switches act as the backbone for advanced urban areas, enabling reliable data transmission and seamless communication among various IoT devices, supporting applications like traffic management and remote monitoring.

Conclusion

Industrial Ethernet switches connect industrial equipment and devices to networks, enabling efficient communication and control. They are durable and designed to operate in extreme environments, with features like Power over Ethernet (PoE) and enhanced cybersecurity.

Choosing the right switch optimizes network performance, ensures durability, and secures critical data, making them essential for modern industrial operations and smart factories.