Industrial switches feature carrier-grade performance characteristics and can withstand harsh operating environments. A comprehensive product range and flexible port configurations cater to the needs of various industrial sectors. The products employ a wide-temperature design, offer a protection rating of at least IP30, and support standard and proprietary ring network redundancy protocols.
Industrial Ethernet switch networking methods
Industrial Ethernet switches are specifically designed to meet the flexible and diverse needs of industrial applications, providing a cost-effective industrial Ethernet communication solution. Their networking methods focus primarily on loop design. Loops can be single-ring or multi-ring, and there are also proprietary loop protocols designed by various manufacturers based on STP and RSTP, such as RingOn, RingOpen, FRP rings, and turbo rings.
Managed switches can be managed in several ways: via RS-232 serial port (or parallel port), via web browser, or via network management software.
1. Serial port management
Managed switches come with a serial cable for switch management. First, plug one end of the serial cable into the serial port on the back of the switch, and the other end into the serial port on your computer. Then, power on both the switch and the computer. Windows 98 and Windows 2000 provide the "HyperTerminal" program. Open "HyperTerminal," configure the connection parameters, and you can then interact with the switch via the serial cable. This method does not consume the switch's bandwidth, hence the term "out-of-band management."
In this management approach, the switch provides a menu-driven console interface or command-line interface. You can use the "Tab" key or arrow keys to navigate through menus and submenus, press Enter to execute commands, or use a dedicated set of switch management commands. Command sets differ between brands of switches, and even switches from the same brand may have different commands. Using menu commands is generally more convenient.
2. Manage via Web
Managed switches can be managed via a web browser, but an IP address must be assigned to the switch. This IP address has no other purpose than managing the switch. By default, the switch does not have an IP address; an IP address must be assigned via serial port or other means before this management method can be enabled.
When managing a switch using a web browser, the switch acts like a web server, except the web pages aren't stored on the hard drive but in the switch's NVRAM. The web application in the NVRAM can be upgraded via a program. When an administrator enters the switch's IP address into a browser, the switch, like a server, transmits the web page to the computer, giving the impression of accessing a website. This method consumes the switch's bandwidth and is therefore called "in-band management."
If you want to manage the switch, simply click the corresponding function item on the webpage and change the switch parameters in the text box or drop-down list. Web-based management can be performed on a local area network, thus enabling remote management.
3. Managed through network management software
All manageable switches comply with the SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol), a complete set of internationally standardized network device management specifications. Any device that complies with the SNMP protocol can be managed through network management software. You only need to install SNMP network management software on a network management workstation to easily manage switches, routers, servers, etc., on the local area network.
Managed switches can be managed in three ways. Which method should you use? During initial switch setup, out-of-band management is often required; after configuring the IP addresses, in-band management can be used. In-band management allows for remote management because management data is transmitted over a public LAN, but security is weak. Out-of-band management uses serial communication, with data transmitted only between the switch and the management device, thus offering strong security; however, due to the limitation of serial cable length, remote management is not possible. Therefore, the choice of method depends on your requirements for security and manageability.
Industrial switches have a wide range of applications, mainly in industries such as coal mine safety, rail transportation, factory automation, water treatment systems, and urban security.
