Switches
Selecting unmanaged switches for industrial networks
Ethernet switches are essential components of any network. They are used where additional ethernet ports are needed to connect devices. When it comes to industrial usage, selecting the right products is even more critical. Industrial switches are intended to connect devices in harsh weather and environmental conditions. They must ensure a secure and reliable network during operation. Usually, the customers are familiar with the speed, number, and type of ports that are required to use in their network. For this reason, we do not review these factors. In this article, Moxa looks at four critical criteria for selecting the right unmanaged switches that can be overlooked.
1. Reliability and cost of ownership A reliable connection is a vital part of industrial networking and can justify the higher prices of these devices. It is better to take a long-term perspective when purchasing industrial ethernet switches for your network. These devices will be in place for years and will connect to sensitive equipment. Here are some criteria to select reliable devices that can save costs and bring value to your network. Mean Time Between Failures
(MTBF): MTBF is a statistical value and is often expressed in hours or years. It indicates the reliability of the device. The cost of downtime in an industrial environment due to equipment failure can be high. Usually, industrial-grade products have higher MTBF than normal products and can operate for many years without any problems. In this case, it is beneficial to select switches from reputable brands with a higher MTBF. Power supply: Switches with a wide input voltage range can accept power from a variety of sources. This enables them to be used in different environments and saves stocking costs. In addition, during power fluctuations, surges, or drops, the switch can continue working. It increases the uptime and reliability of the network.
If uptime is extremely important in your network, selecting switches with redundant power supplies is better. A redundant power supply allows you to connect the switch to two power sources. It is useful when one source goes down, the other will continue to provide power to the device. Warranty: The warranty offers assurance of quality. It also gives peace of mind in case a unit is defective. Always review the warranty terms and conditions before purchasing the product from any company. Make sure you can receive enough support when a product fails. Lead time: The lead time for receiving
34 May 2024 Components in Electronics
www.cieonline.co.uk
the switch can easily be neglected. It is an important consideration depending on the project requirements. Delays in time-sensitive projects are costly and can damage the reputation of the responsible person. Carefully evaluate the lead time and select a reliable vendor. This will help you meet your project deadlines.
2. Durability and conformity Industrial switches, by design, are more sophisticated than commercial ones and are prepared to resist harsh conditions. Below are some points that you can consider when selecting your device.
Operating temperature range: It is important to consider the temperature range
at which the switches are going to be used. The device’s temperature can be very low or very high in certain situations. The operating temperature of the switches should be wide enough to cover potentially extreme conditions.
Industrial grade housing: Choosing a switch with ruggedized housing to endure
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