The
Industrial Automation Group of Advantech introduces
the EKI-7656C 16+2 combo port industrial managed
redundant Gigabit Ethernet switch. This compact
and industrially hardened switch offers advanced
traffic control for optimum network performance
and security, along with rapid self-healing fiber
optic ring capabilities to ensure network uptime
in adverse environments.
The
18-port EKI-7656C features 16 Fast Ethernet (10/100Base-TX)
and two combo gigabit (1000Base-T) ports, which
support both copper (RJ-45) connections and optional
industry-standard Small-Form-factor Pluggable (SFP)
modules, giving users the power and flexibility
to configure the switch for their unique application
requirements. About the size of an "AA"
battery, SFPs are available in single-mode and multi-mode
fiber models, for fiber connections ranging from
500M to 110km (1,800 feet to 68 miles).
To
meet the real-time fault-tolerant needs of manufacturing,
Advantech developed the ultra fast X-Ring, which
in the event of a fiber cable fault or similar problem,
switches to the backup connection in less than 10ms,
ensuring solid and reliable network communications.
"Where
an interruption of a few seconds is acceptable in
the office, it's an eternity for most manufacturing
environments," said Paul Wacker, Advantech's
Product Manager for Industrial Communication products.
"By deploying Advantech's self-healing X-Ring,
which is several hundred times faster than conventional
solutions like RSTP (Rapid Spanning Tree), customers
can ensure maximum network uptime and reliability."
For
even greater network resiliency, X-Ring supports
advanced architectures including dual rings and
coupled rings. There is even backward compatibility
with enterprise and back-office to factory-floor
connections, with support for RSTP (Rapid Spanning
Tree Protocol) and its predecessor STP (Spanning
Tree Protocol).
The
EKI-7656C provides a broad range of advanced traffic
control functions. QoS (Quality of Service) ensures
priority delivery of critical data, and rate limiting
can shape excessive traffic from connected devices.
Ethernet MAC and IP address filtering limits access
to only authorized devices and users.
Virtual
Local Area Networks (VLANs) allow the creation of
multiple logical networks within a single physical
network, providing network segmentation for improved
performance and enhanced security. For customers
using Ethernet/IP "Implicit" messaging
for I/O devices, IGMP Snooping allows the switch
to listen to multicast traffic, and limits it to
just the ports using it.
For
easier network troubleshooting and maintenance,
the switch also supports advanced traffic monitoring
and diagnostics. Port Mirroring allows eavesdropping
on data traveling in or out of switch ports. Used
with a PC-based diagnostics program or protocol
analyzer, it is a valuable tool for rapidly troubleshooting
device problems. Also a built-in Dynamic Host Configuration
Protocol (DHCP) server allows automatic assignment
of network settings for attached devices. It can
even be configured to assign static IP (Internet
Protocol) addresses to specific ports, eliminating
the need for manual configuration of attached network
devices.
For
centralized remote management, and integration with
enterprise network management systems, the EKI-7656C
also features Simple Network Management Protocol
(SNMP).
Ideal
for demanding environments, the EKI-7656C features
industrial-grade components, is designed to withstand
extreme shock and vibration, and includes redundant
12 to 48 VDC power inputs for resiliency with
a built-in fault relay output to signal external
logic or a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC).
Its compact size allows it to fit in even the tightest
spaces, using either standard DIN-rail or direct
panel mounts. Plus, it is cUL (UL/CSA), FCC, CE,
and RoHS/WEEE certified.
Harry
Forbes, ARC Advisory Group, commented, "This
new product is part of the growing number of Advantech
products for industrial Ethernet infrastructure.
Advantech is initially focused on high performance
but lower cost managed switches. With 18 Ethernet
ports, this new managed switch can serve larger
and more critical applications than earlier Advantech
products."
Click
here
for more about the EKI-7656C.
