What Game Plan Do You Have for Meeting Varied Network Requirements?

As IIoT applications gain popularity, we are progressing towards a more intelligent future where different machinery, equipment, and software are interconnected. Industries globally are leveraging IIoT technology to explore fresh avenues for innovation. However, with the constant evolution of end devices in terms of number and types, how do you tackle the growing complexity at various stages of your industrial network’s lifecycle?

Obstacles

When considering the integration of IIoT into your network, you need to address the following probable challenges:

• How can you predict the quantity and kinds of Ethernet switches required to support the expanding network scope?
• With the integration of bandwidth-heavy connections for video surveillance essential in industrial control and monitoring processes, how do you combine this with adequate PoE power distribution?
• How can you maximize uptime in an increasingly intricate network infrastructure?
• The complex network topologies complicate daily operations and maintenance. How can you lessen the concealed costs and extra workload involved in managing intricate networks?

Let’s consider electronic toll collection (ETC) networks as a real-life example to illustrate the diverse network requirements and challenges in today’s transportation infrastructure context.

Diverse Network Needs

Many highways utilize ETC systems to gather tolls through linked toll gantries. These setups capture and transfer data and images within milliseconds as vehicles pass through them.
While all toll gantries serve the same purpose, each one necessitates its personalized network segment to support its specific facility, differing in scope, capacity, and functionality. For instance, some toll gantries oversee broader road sections with more lanes, while others incorporate additional speed detection equipment, cameras, or traffic signs.

These varied requirements in ETC networks result in increased expenses and more work in several areas as integrators must:

• Assess each toll gantry installation to ascertain the needed quantity and types of Ethernet switches tailored to the corresponding network segment.
• Plan and manage spare switch component inventory to facilitate timely maintenance.
• Review connectivity needs when adding or changing switches in case of alterations in the network topology.

Costly Measures to Avert Downtime

Inhospitable outdoor conditions like severe temperatures, high humidity, and dust significantly accelerate the deterioration of network equipment. Worn-out equipment can lead to network instability and expensive downtime.

Hence, allocating additional resources towards procuring spare switch components, conducting routine inspections, and promptly diagnosing issues is crucial to minimizing downtime.

Complex Administration

To ensure every driver smoothly pays and passes through the tollgate, the entire ETC system depends on seamless cooperation among diverse subsystems for vehicle detection, toll collection, and surveillance tasks.

Managing numerous subsystems makes it challenging to oversee the entire network. Network operators often have to follow time-consuming procedures to pinpoint network problems and dedicate extra time to locating the faulty device before dispatching an engineer for on-site troubleshooting.

Industrial Network Solutions

With more than three decades of experience in industrial networking, we grasp the anxieties and hurdles that accompany evolving network needs. Having delivered numerous effective responses to our clients’ dilemmas, Moxa exhibits a proven capacity to put forth solutions and concepts that alleviate these urgent challenges.

Smart Flexibility as a Tactic

When grappling with varied connectivity demands as exemplified in the ETC scenario, we recommend adopting industrial modular Ethernet switches that offer remarkable flexibility and decrease the total cost of ownership (TCO) through these advantages:

• Customize multiple media interface modules on a single switch to suit an array of connectivity scenarios.
• Replace interface and power modules as needed without system shutdown. The hot-swappable design simplifies network adaptation and maintenance.
• Utilizing common interface and power modules across all networking stations trims costs by reducing spare part stock, slashing lead times, streamlining staff training, and enhancing overall maintenance.

Dependability as a Foundation

Network dependability is crucial to avert downtime and productivity loss. The bedrock of all robust network infrastructure lies in sturdy switches delivering millisecond failover redundancy and high tolerance for extreme temperatures, ensuring operations remain dependable in challenging environmental conditions.

Based on our amassed industry experience, we also recommend selecting Ethernet switches meeting specific industry benchmarks tailored to distinct application settings.

Designs for Effectiveness

As networks expand, cabinets must accommodate more equipment within the same space. Compact-sized network devices enable more expansion possibilities within these confines. Multiple mounting alternatives also offer added installation adaptability.

In managing a broad and bustling network, having an intuitive and user-friendly management interface that presents quick device status information, features simple navigation, and makes configuring various devices straightforward and accessible is vital.

Additionally, a network management tool capable of delivering real-time alerts to your mobile device to stay informed about your network’s status while on the move can be advantageous.

Adaptability Out of the Box Complete modularity to match diverse ETC segment requirements Hot-swappable design for uninterrupted operations Interchangeable modules to cut down spare parts inventory NEMA TS2-compliance to adhere to ITS standards User-friendly functionality for efficient management

A Transition towards Sustainable Prosperity

Though the challenges of ever-evolving IIoT networks may seem formidable, there are substantial prospects to boost the efficiency of your industrial applications.

Our MDS-G4000 Series modular switches, designed leveraging our expertise in industrial networking, offer adaptability straight out of the box to guarantee future-proof flexibility, enhanced reliability, and usability tailored to meet the requirements of your IIoT applications.

Smaller than a 3U half-rack, our MDS-G4000 Series industrial switches present 12/20/28-port Gigabit fully modular design, ideal for swift network adaptation, link aggregation, and setup in confined spaces and harsh settings like power substations, mining, and oil and gas sectors.