Switches are an interface between two or more networks and help establish connectivity among various network devices. It functions at the layer 2 or the data link layer of the network. The main functions of switches are identifying data headers and packet forwarding to the right destinations. There are a variety of switches such as Industrial Ethernet switches, regular switches, PoE switches, and so on. While a switch is an important part of a network, choosing the right type based on your application requirements is crucial for the network to function normally. Also, device compatibility is an important aspect when choosing a switch. This post offers a comparison of industrial Ethernet switches vs regular switches.

Difference Between Industrial Ethernet and Regular Switches

The important aspect when choosing switches is their flexibility. While most switches accommodate copper as well as fiber networks, the number of ports for these networks must be considered separately as this decides the scalability of the network. There are many differences between industrial Ethernet switches and regular switches on a physical level as well as in terms of features and functionality. Here are some of them which will help you distinguish between both types of switches.

  • Regular Switches: A regular switch is a simple, easy-to-use device which has a conventional plastic enclosure and a fan for cooling purposes. Typically, these switches are suited for functioning in normal environments as they cannot withstand dust, dirt, moisture, or any other environmental parameters. They may not function normally in very high or low temperatures. Regular switches require a high voltage to operate. Regular switches work on single mode power supply and do not generally have backup mechanisms. Normally, these switches have an operating life of about three to five years. These switches can connect to a limited number of devices, and are applicable for domestic or enterprise-level networks.
  • Industrial Ethernet Switches: These switches have a metal enclosure and do not require an externally fitted fan to prevent overheating. There is a separate case for heat dissipation. These switches are designed to withstand harsh industrial environments, and thus are rugged. They can withstand exposure to water, heat, dust, vibration, and so on. They can also withstand and function in a wide temperature range from about -40 to 70 degrees Celsius. They also have a wide operating voltage range, and hence can bear fluctuations in voltage to some extent. These switches accept various means of power supply and do have a backup mechanism in place. These switches are rugged and can last for more than 10 years, even in a rough environment. These are applicable only if you have a complex network and require high-speed connectivity.

Industrial Ethernet Switches for Harsh Environments

While it is quite easy to choose a regular switch for a small to medium network with a minimum number of devices, it requires a bit of technical understanding when it comes to selecting the right Here are some pointers which may enhance your understanding of various types of industrial Ethernet switches.

  • Industrial fiber switches are gaining traction because of the rising scope of blended as well as fiber optic networks. They have ports for copper cables too, and hence can be effectively used in blended networks, which helps enhance network speeds.
  • These switches come with a varied number of ports ranging from 4 to 20 and beyond. Selecting the right number of ports depends on the size and expansion plans of your network.
  • Ensure the switch has at least one or two SFP or SFP+ ports and five or more RJ45 ports. The number of SFP ports may increase if you have more number of fiber cables.
  • Usually, these are managed switches; however, some industrial switches may be unmanaged too.
  • They support various types of installation and mounting options.
  • Selecting switches with10/100/1000 data rates may be the right choice for most times as they support fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, as well as normal Ethernet networks.
  • They can auto-adjust speeds vis-à-vis the transmission distance.
  • Opting for PoE switch may also be a wise decision, especially if your network runs through remote areas which may be cut off from the grid and need additional power supplies to power devices on the network.
  • Look for a switch with GBIC module technology for additional benefits, and do not forget to check the industrial rated emission for that model.

If you plan to source switches for your existing network, ensure they have your RJ45 as well as SFP ports to accommodate copper and fiber networks. This must always be decided based on the long-term planning of business expansions which will accordingly require a better network. For any business, whether big or small, a robust network with excellent signal strength as well as seamless connectivity is an important prerequisite. If your business is in the expansion mode, and if you have a legacy network in place, it may not suffice your near future requirements. So, blending your existing network with fiber optics is the way to go to achieve the required transmission speed, distance, security, and bandwidth. For the same purpose, you require the right type of switches, whether industrial or regular, which are compatible with most devices on the network. Ensure you source these switches and various other network devices from a reliable manufacturer and supplier.