What really is an industrial managed-switch?
In this article, we delve into the defining characteristics of an industrial-managed switch.
To start, it’s essential to understand what constitutes an industrial setting. We categorize an industrial environment as any workspace that subjects network equipment to severe physical demands. Such environments typically include exposure to elements like moisture, dust, chemicals, extreme temperatures, oil, vibrations, impacts, and unstable power conditions.
Having established the industrial context, we’ll focus on explaining a managed switch and its crucial elements.
There are two types of Industrial Ethernet switches: managed and unmanaged. Managed switches offer advanced features compared to their unmanaged counterparts, allowing network administrators to fine-tune individual port settings for enhanced network management, configuration, and monitoring. These switches offer detailed management of data flow and access, which is vital for efficient network traffic handling and security.
Key Components of an Industrial-Managed Switch
An industrial-managed switch, like those in Antaira‘s extensive range, relies on high-quality components for optimal performance and reliability. Understanding these components is crucial, as poor quality can lead to malfunctions and productivity losses while IT staff diagnose issues. Here’s an overview of the essential components:
Processor: This is the switch’s ‘brain,’ executing instructions that govern its behavior and functions. It manages operations such as packet forwarding and maintaining the switch’s forwarding table.
Memory: The memory stores the operating system, configuration data, and other vital information needed for the switch’s operation.
Network Interface Controllers (NICs): NICs are the physical connectors or ports, like Ethernet, serial, or USB ports, that link the switch to the network.
Switch Fabric: This component, made of copper or fiber, is responsible for forwarding data packets between different ports on the switch.
Management Interface: This interface allows administrators to configure and manage the switch remotely using web-based interfaces or specialized software.
Power Supply: The power supply provides the necessary electrical power. Industrial Ethernet switches often have a wide voltage range and may include redundant power supplies for increased reliability. Meanwell is a notable brand known for producing standalone power supplies.
Functionality of Managed Switches
The rapid adoption of Ethernet devices in industrial settings has underscored the limitations of unmanaged switches, particularly in areas like cybersecurity, network segmentation, redundancy, and control over packet priority. Industrial-managed switches stand out from their unmanaged counterparts by offering features that guarantee superior network availability and performance in industrial environments. Key functionalities include:
• Quality of Service (QoS)
• Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs)
• Security Features
• Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP)
• Remote Management
• Advanced Reporting and Monitoring
ANTAIRA IS DESIGNED INDUSTRIAL
Integral to Industry 4.0, industrial switches have evolved significantly since their early days when they were prone to frequent failures and required constant maintenance. Nowadays, these switches, especially the industrial-managed types, are built to withstand harsh conditions. They come with robust packaging that provides extended protection against ingress, temperature extremes, shocks, vibrations, and electrical surges.
Maktonet remains a solution provider and trusted distributor of well-known industrial-managed switches designed for demanding environments such as Antaira. Our switches are known for their resilience and are packed with features that ensure high performance and enhanced visibility into cyber threats, essential for building a powerful and secure industrial network. Antaira’s switches carry IP30 or IP67 ratings, ensuring they are shielded against harmful elements. They also provide superior EFT and ESD protection and can operate in extreme temperatures ranging from -40 °C to 75°C. Furthermore, Antaira Ethernet switches are available in DIN-Rail designs for easy mounting in electrical cabinets, racks, or walls and in rackmounts, offering modular flexibility with options like 26 or 28 port routing and switching capabilities. For more information about our fast Ethernet switches and other fast speed options, we encourage you to speak with a Maktonet expert today.