The Reality Behind Industrial Ethernet Switches: Essential Insights Before You Purchase

The rapid advancements in technologies like 5G, cloud computing, and big data have led to a substantial increase in the demand for network equipment. Many manufacturers in the communication equipment industry have contributed to the current state of the switch market, which can only be described as "chaotic." With such an abundance of options, it becomes increasingly difficult for consumers to distinguish between different switches on the market, especially those labeled as "industrial grade." Numerous articles suggest that a switch supporting wide-temperature operation and passing EMI (electromagnetic interference) tests qualifies as an industrial network switch. Surprisingly, this criterion applies to nearly 90% of the switches available today. So, how can you reliably identify true industrial-grade switches?

Key Considerations for Industrial Ethernet Switch Hardware

Industrial Ethernet Switch Chipset The chipset in industrial Ethernet switches dictates their overall performance, acting as the brain behind the operations. Industrial switches are designed to deliver high performance and low latency in subnet environments, making the switching core a critical component. Given the vast number of nodes in industrial networks, industrial Ethernet switches must also feature low power consumption and cost efficiency. The chip solutions employed in these switches typically fall into categories such as Broadcom, Marvell, VTS, and Realtek.

PCB Quality in Industrial Ethernet Switches High-quality industrial Ethernet switches often utilize PCB (Printed Circuit Board) technology with the "immersion gold" process. Gold’s stable properties and dense crystal structure resist oxidation, enhancing product longevity. Additionally, PCB boards in these switches are made to be waterproof, moisture-resistant, and dustproof.

Power Supply Redundancy in Industrial Ethernet Switches Industrial-grade Ethernet switches are designed with dual power supply redundancy, wide temperature, and voltage range. High reliability is achieved through anti-reverse connection protection and over-voltage/under-voltage safeguards. However, some market switches claiming dual-redundant power supply designs only feature a single power input. It’s essential to ensure that the power supply is robust to avoid potential communication disruptions.

Aluminum Alloy Shell in Industrial Ethernet Switches Industrial Ethernet switches utilize fanless designs and aluminum alloy shells, which offer superior heat dissipation and conductivity compared to iron counterparts. The rust-resistant aluminum alloy also enhances the product's stability and longevity.

Surge Protection for Industrial Ethernet Switches Deployed in harsh outdoor environments like wind farms, industrial Ethernet switches often encounter lightning strikes. Surge protection effectively channels lightning currents into the earth, preventing equipment failures.

EMC Compliance in Industrial Ethernet Switches Industrial Ethernet switches must maintain electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) by controlling electromagnetic interference (EMI) and reducing electromagnetic susceptibility (EMS). This ensures stable operation in environments such as railroad transportation without causing unacceptable interference to other devices.

IP Ratings for Industrial Ethernet Switches IP ratings assess the switch's waterproof and dustproof capabilities. Higher numbers after the IP signify better protection. For instance, IP45-rated industrial Ethernet switches are designed to prevent solid objects larger than 1mm from entering and to operate stably even in rain-soaked environments like integrated pipe corridors.

Shock Resistance in Industrial Ethernet Switches In challenging industrial settings like coal mines, industrial-grade Ethernet switches are exposed to risks such as impacts and falls. These switches are built with shock-resistant designs to protect internal components and ensure network stability and reliability.

Critical Software Factors for Industrial Ethernet Switches

Operating Temperature of Industrial Ethernet Switches Industrial-grade Ethernet switches typically operate between "-40 ~ 75 ℃." Devices operating at "-20 ~ 60 ℃," while better than commercial-grade temperatures, might not endure extreme weather in harsh environments like coal mines, leading to frequent network failures.

Compliance and Certification for Industrial Ethernet Switches Industrial Ethernet switches are intended for tough environments, requiring high safety, stability, and reliability standards. Certifications such as UL, FCC, CE, GB, and EN are crucial in identifying genuine industrial-grade products.

Configuration Software for Industrial Ethernet Switches Most manufacturers develop proprietary network management software. The focus should be on software stability and ease of use, as efficient software reduces labor and operational costs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a true industrial-grade Ethernet switch is not merely characterized by wide temperature ranges or EMI certification. A reliable switch for industrial applications should feature high reliability and longevity in harsh environments, taking into account the chipset, PCB, power supply, casing, IP ratings, EMC, IEC compliance, and software.