Based on our prior knowledge of industrial switches, we understand that industrial Ethernet switches employ a store-and-switch method, which improves Ethernet communication speed and features built-in intelligent alarm designs that monitor network operation, thus ensuring their reliable and stable operation within the network. This is crucial for the reliable and stable operation of Ethernet in harsh and hazardous industrial environments. So, what are the differences between different industrial Ethernet switches?
Industrial Ethernet switches, also known as Ethernet switching devices used in industrial control, offer excellent openness and a wide range of applications due to their adoption of network standards. They are adaptable to both low and high temperatures and possess strong resistance to electromagnetic interference, salt spray, and shock. Industrial Ethernet switches use the transparent and unified TCP/IP protocol, and Ethernet has become the dominant communication standard in industrial control. They are primarily used in industrial control automation, road traffic control automation, building automation systems, mine automation systems, oilfield control automation, hydropower station control automation, power system control automation, and data center monitoring systems.
Many Ethernet switches now offer speeds of 100Mbps, which is sufficient for most users' needs. Currently, switches have rapidly replaced hubs as the preferred choice for building networks. In modern network design, the use of Ethernet switches can significantly improve the application performance of the entire user network, making them increasingly popular among network users. Besides their speed advantages, Ethernet switching devices also offer more functionality than traditional network sharing devices. As competition in the switch market intensifies, the price of switch equipment is becoming more affordable for users. Currently, home switches have rapidly replaced hubs as the preferred choice for building networks.
An Ethernet switch is a switch based on Ethernet used for data transmission, and Ethernet is a local area network (LAN) that uses a shared bus transmission medium. The structure of an Ethernet switch is that each port is directly connected to a host and typically operates in full-duplex mode. A switch can connect to multiple pairs of ports simultaneously, so each pair of hosts communicating with each other can transmit data without collisions, as if it were a dedicated communication medium. Ethernet switches are the most common application, relatively inexpensive, and available in a full range of grades. Therefore, they are widely used and can be found in both large and small LANs. Ethernet switches typically have several to dozens of ports, effectively functioning as a multi-port bridge. Furthermore, their port speeds and operating modes can vary.
Industrial Ethernet switches are primarily used for real-time Ethernet data transmission in complex industrial environments. Due to the use of Carrier Sense Multiplexing Collision Detection (CSMA/CD) mechanisms in Ethernet design, the reliability of Ethernet is significantly reduced in complex industrial environments, rendering it unusable. The switch connects each port to a high-bandwidth backplane bus (at least an order of magnitude higher than the port bandwidth) and links it to the switch. Encapsulated data packets dropped from the ports enter the switch via the backplane bus and are switched using both direct forwarding and store-and-forward methods.
Industrial Ethernet switches are functionally closer to industrial network communication, offering features such as interconnection with various fieldbuses, device redundancy, and real-time operation. Performance differences primarily lie in their adaptability to external environmental parameters. Besides harsh industrial environments like coal mines and ships, there are environments with specific requirements for EMI (electromagnetic compatibility), temperature, humidity, and dust resistance. Among these, temperature has the most widespread impact on industrial network equipment.
Industrial switches operate at temperatures ranging from -40°C to +85°C, are highly resistant to dust and moisture, and have an IP40 or higher protection rating. Due to their wide range of applications, industrial switches are suitable for installation in various environments. Commercial switches, on the other hand, operate at temperatures from 0°C to +50°C, lack resistance to dust and moisture, and have a lower protection rating. While commercial PoE switches can also be manufactured, they lack PoE power management capabilities.
This switch is more cost-effective. In the past, the high price of home switches was a major reason why we hesitated and opted for hubs. In recent years, with the continuous development of switching technology, the price of Ethernet switches has dropped dramatically. Today, the price-performance ratio of switches far surpasses that of hubs. During the research and design process, there will inevitably be various problems, which requires our researchers to continuously summarize experience during the design process to promote continuous product innovation.
