When connecting multiple devices, be it computers, game systems, or even servers, to a Local Area Network (LAN), an Ethernet switch comes in handy. Your business or home office can benefit significantly from the switch’s ability to enable several devices to share data from a broadband internet connection.
An Industrial switch operates similarly but at very high speeds when it is a gigabit. It also has carrier-grade performance, and its design helps it survive hostile situations.
Unlike standard or commercial switches, whose design is mainly for everyday office use or typical business environments, Industrial switches are way more durable and have a higher cost component.
This article will teach you all you need to know about industrial switches. Stay tuned as we explore the manufacturing, design, and features of the industrial switch. Let’s start with an explanation of what Industrial switches are.
What is an Industrial Ethernet Switch?
An Industrial switch, also referred to as a power over ethernet (PoE) switch, is a network switch with specific engineering so that it can function efficiently in challenging industrial surroundings. Manufacturing, mining sites, and oil rigs are environments where industrial ethernet switches are most helpful.
Some of the best places to get industrial switches online are websites with excellent product reviews. This guarantees that many people who purchased the devices before you can vouch for their validity.
Industrial switches should thrive in even harsh environments. Its makeup is industrial-grade, and due to this, it can tolerate an extended range of vibration, physical contamination, temperature, humidity, and noise. Some even go as far as being waterproof and anti-vibration.
Functions of an Industrial Switch
An industrial switch has some functions it performs during data transmission capability and delivering electrical power to connected network devices. These are:
1. They learn MAC Addresses
Industrial switches learn, acquire, and retain MAC addresses linked at every port in what is known as the Content Addressable Memory or CAM table. The switch also has sophisticated features like a virtual local area network (VLAN).
2. Forward Data Packets
An industrial switch provides several cable ports that enable Star Topology Routing. The switch’s ports all use the exact Filter or Forward logic, and to transmit frames, the switch generates a Square Electrical Signal that is devoid of any distortion.
After mapping the data frame’s destination address into the MAC table, it will then route the data frame to the port of the associated destination node rather than all ports.
It also uses IP address settings to route data over Layer 3 network overlays. By employing the spanning-tree protocol, an industrial switch can eliminate redundant circuits within itself and also allow for the creation of a standby link.
3. Protection of Data Packets
By adding VPNs, firewalls, and more robust encryption within the software, they safeguard data packets.
4. Improve Bandwidth
The switch significantly enhances the bandwidth of a local area network (LAN); it separates the LAN into multiple conflict regions, each with its own capacity. Critical servers and network users may benefit from incredible connection speeds to handle more data flow.
Distinctions Between Industrial and Standard Switches?
Industrial and standard switches are similar in many ways, the chief of them being the data link layer, protocol, and network layers. However, there are some notable differences regarding real-time communication, network security, and intrinsic safety for industrial control. A closer look at the two will show that they differ in:
1. Appearance
Standard switches feature plastic or metal casings and a fan to dissipate heat. To dissipate heat, industrial switches often employ fanless designs and integrated metal shells.
2. Installation
Industrial switches are available in various configurations, including rack, wall-mounted, flat desktop, and DIN rail-mounted. Standard switches, on the other hand, are usually either put on a stand or on a desktop.
3. Environmental Application
Industrial switches can withstand the rigors of industrial environments, ensuring reliable network connectivity between machines and other devices. In contrast, standard network switches mainly apply to home or workplace networks. They provide primary connections between devices on the same LAN.
4. Resilience and Reliability
A standard switch can only work in temperatures ranging from 0 to 50 degrees Celsius. However, an industrial Ethernet can operate in a wide temperature range of -40 to 85 degrees Celsius. It also has high dust and humidity resistance to levels greater than IP40.
Additionally, industrial switches adapt ethernet to manufacturing automation, and industrial networking solutions’ strict, deterministic network needs to make it more robust and reliable. For instance, Railway Ethernet switches are industrial network switches designed to meet specific requirements of the EN 50155 railway-industry standard.
Bottomline
Industrial Ethernet switches outperform commercial switches in installation, environmental application, resilience and reliability, working voltage, climate, mechanical or electromagnetic environment, power supply design, and heat dissipation features.
However, before purchasing an industrial switch, you must carefully examine the working environment and other factors. If the climate at your industrial control site is harsh, ensure that your firm uses industrial-grade switches. If not, a standard switch may get the job done and save money.
