Compare VERSITRON Managed Industrial Switches

Managed Industrial Switches for Network Management and Redundancy

Unlike unmanaged switches, managed industrial Ethernet switches provide network administrators with greater control over how devices communicate and how network traffic is handled.

A managed industrial switch can serve as a central connection point between Ethernet equipment, fiber optic links, cameras, automation systems, control equipment, and other network devices. Management capabilities allow network operators to monitor network conditions and configure network behavior based on application requirements.

For industrial networks, redundancy is also an important consideration. VERSITRON managed industrial switches incorporate Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) and, on applicable models, rapid ring recovery technology to help maintain network operation when a network path becomes unavailable.

This makes managed industrial Ethernet switches particularly well suited for networks where downtime, difficult access, or loss of communications can affect operations.

Copper and Fiber Connectivity for Industrial Networks

Industrial networks frequently contain a combination of copper Ethernet equipment and fiber optic infrastructure. VERSITRON managed industrial switches are designed to accommodate both.

Depending on the model, configurations include:

• 10/100Base-T Fast Ethernet RJ45 ports
• 10/100/1000Base-T Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 ports
• 100Base-FX fiber ports
• 100/1000Base SFP slots
• Multimode fiber connectivity
• Singlemode fiber connectivity
• Copper-to-fiber network integration
• Point-to-point and ring network configurations

This flexibility allows a managed industrial switch to connect local Ethernet equipment while providing fiber uplinks to remote buildings, control rooms, substations, cameras, or other network segments.

Industrial Construction for Demanding Environments

Managed industrial switches are often deployed in locations where conventional commercial networking equipment may not be appropriate.

VERSITRON managed industrial switches feature ruggedized construction intended for environments that may expose network equipment to temperature extremes, vibration, shock, and other demanding operating conditions.

The current product information specifies operating temperatures up to -40°C to +80°C for this product family. VERSITRON also manufactures industrial switches in compact enclosures designed for DIN rail installation.

These characteristics make managed industrial Ethernet switches suitable for applications where networking equipment must operate reliably outside a conventional office or data-center environment.

Features of VERSITRON Managed Industrial Switches

Depending on the model, VERSITRON managed industrial switches offer features including:

• 10/100Base-T Fast Ethernet RJ45 ports
• 10/100/1000Base-T Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 ports
• 100Base-FX ST fiber ports
• 100/1000Base-SX/LX SFP slots
• Managed Layer 2 switching
• Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (IEEE 802.1w RSTP)
• Rapid ring recovery on applicable models
• Non-blocking store-and-forward switching
• Full- and half-duplex operation
• Auto-negotiation
• Auto MDI/MDIX
• IEEE 802.3x flow control
• Ring and point-to-point configurations
• Redundant dual power inputs on applicable models
• Real-time monitoring through the embedded device management system
• DIN rail mounting
• Compact, corrosion-resistant enclosures
• Industrial-rated emission and immunity performance

This combination of network management and industrial construction makes these switches appropriate for networks that require more control than a basic plug-and-play Ethernet switch can provide.

Network Redundancy with Managed Industrial Ethernet Switching

Network redundancy can be especially important in industrial environments where a single failed link can interrupt communication between critical devices.

VERSITRON managed industrial switches support RSTP, which provides a mechanism for managing redundant network paths and helping prevent network loops.

Applicable models also support rapid ring recovery, allowing industrial networks to be designed around ring topologies where appropriate.

These capabilities can be useful when designing self-healing or redundant Gigabit Ethernet backbone networks where maintaining communications is an important design objective.

Typical Applications for Managed Industrial Switches

VERSITRON managed industrial Ethernet switches can be used in a variety of applications requiring managed copper and fiber network connectivity, including:

• Industrial automation
• SCADA systems
• Industrial IP connectivity
• Self-healing Ethernet backbone networks
• IP surveillance and security
• IP cameras
• Access control systems
• VoIP communications
• Transportation networks
• Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS)
• Airport communications and surveillance
• Gated communities and perimeter security
• Networks combining copper Ethernet and fiber optic links

Managed switching can be particularly valuable in these applications because network administrators can maintain greater visibility and control over the infrastructure than with an unmanaged switch.

Managed Industrial Switches for SCADA and Industrial Automation

SCADA and industrial automation networks depend on reliable communication between control systems, remote equipment, sensors, and monitoring stations.

A managed industrial switch can provide the network infrastructure needed to connect these devices while allowing the network to incorporate fiber optic links between distant locations.

Fiber also provides an important advantage in industrial environments because it eliminates concerns associated with electromagnetic interference that can affect copper communications around industrial machinery and electrical equipment.

For applications requiring SCADA connectivity, remote monitoring, or industrial automation, a managed industrial fiber switch can therefore provide both network management and the physical-layer advantages of fiber optic communications.

Why Choose VERSITRON Managed Industrial Switches?

VERSITRON has been developing fiber optic communications equipment since 1958, giving the company more than six decades of experience in fiber-based networking.

Our managed industrial switching solutions combine:

• Industrial-grade construction
• Managed Layer 2 functionality
• Copper and fiber connectivity
• Multimode and singlemode fiber options
• Gigabit Ethernet capability
• RSTP and network redundancy features
• DIN rail installation
• PoE options available elsewhere in the industrial switch family
• Lifetime warranty
• Free and unlimited technical support

Whether you are building an industrial automation network, SCADA system, surveillance network, transportation system, or another infrastructure application, VERSITRON can help identify the appropriate managed industrial switch configuration.

Need Help Selecting a Managed Industrial Switch?

The right managed industrial switch depends on the network topology, number of copper and fiber connections, Ethernet speed, fiber type, transmission distance, environmental conditions, redundancy requirements, and other application requirements.

Contact VERSITRON to discuss your network requirements or request a quote for a managed industrial Ethernet switch.