How to pick the right Industrial Ethernet Switch for critical networks

Industrial Ethernet switches are high-reliability and cost-effective network devices designed to be applied in harsh industrial environments where they are likely to be subject to shocks, vibration and extreme temperatures. With the ability to operate in temperatures from -10 to 60°C (-14 to 140°F), industrial switches are widely implemented in the transportation and energy networks. They are usually equipped with redundant power inputs to ensure uptime in case a power source fails. Power input is usually DC, with some models having options for AC power. Industrial switches come in both managed and unmanaged versions. 

Industrial Ethernet switches are employed in factories, where they play a key role in modern automation systems. Other applications include power stations, intelligent transportation systems (ITS), railway systems, and water treatment plants. Because many of these application locations will have relatively higher levels of electromagnetic interference (EMI), industrial switches are built with extra shielding and filtering for operation in these environments. Industrial switches are also built and tested for higher Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), the ability for devices to function in electromagnetic environments. 

Regular Ethernet switch used in offices and schools are often called “commercial switches.” Most commercial switches are designed to operate in a temperature range of 0 to 45°C (32 to 113°F), which is usually very suitable for indoor use. As opposed to industrial switches, commercial switches are not protected against excessive shock, vibration, and EMI. They will often use an internal fan to dissipate heat, and are designed to be installed in a rack instead of a DIN rail. Commercial switches almost always use AC input power, and are not equipped with redundant power inputs. 

The initial decision to make when selecting an industrial Ethernet switch is whether to go with a managed switch or an unmanaged switch. Unmanaged switches are simple, straightforward to operate, and generally more affordable.  However, unmanaged switches do not provide monitoring, alert, or alarm functions. Moreover, they often do not allow administrators to control network traffic through protocols such as Quality of Service (QoS). Managed switches  include all of these functionalities and more.

It is important to determine if you need Power over Ethernet (PoE). PoE switches can deliver power to and transfer data from external devices such as IP cameras, wireless hotspots, VoIP phones, and other PD devices. Industrial PoE switches have different power output capacities per port and varying total power budgets. 

Port count and speed are also factors to consider. You will need enough ports to connect all devices, and those ports must be fast enough to handle your data requirements. Port speed options include fast Ethernet, gigabit Ethernet, and 10G, which require fiber ports or a small form-factors (SFP) pluggable transceiver.

10G Ethernet switches are often used as core switches: Switches installed at the backbone of a hierarchical network. 10 Gb Ethernet switches operate at full-duplex, eliminating the need for collision detection and devices such as repeater hubs. 

Both copper and fiber cables can be used for 10 Gb transmissions. Fiber options include Single-mode fiber (SMF) and Multi-mode fiber (MMF). At higher speeds, copper cables are best used for shorter distances.

Unmanaged Ethernet switches are relatively simple devices that are easy to install and use. Little to no configuration is required, and they are much more affordable than managed switches. However, unmanaged switches have a very few functionalities beside receiving and sending data. This is often acceptable for low to normal levels of network traffic.

Managed Ethernet switches are more expensive but have wide range of features and functions. They let administrators control and monitor their network and often have more robust security features. Managed switches are used in large networks where network traffic needs to be prioritized. These switches are also better in terms of network scalability – the ability to expand a network’s size and capacity. See more information