Room for Expansion: Effortless Growth of Networks at the Edge

As sectors develop towards enhanced durability, their network setups also become more intricate. Setting up, managing, and resolving issues on such networks can seem overwhelming. Industrial unmanaged switches provide a convenient and cost-efficient method for expanding evolving networks with minimal hassle.

This article delves into three uses of unmanaged switches for extending industrial edge networks. Moreover, we will detail the considerations to ponder for choosing the most optimal switch.

Scenario 1: Enhancing Availability and Decreasing Maintenance Expenses for Field Instrumentation Data

A company in the oil and gas sector required network expansion to keep up with oil well exploration. Their field network was constructed to monitor and manage field instruments placed among oil wells. The control cabinets needed simple, high-durability connections to network cabinets to ensure that alert notifications reach the remote OCC control center for on-site monitoring purposes.

The widened network had the subsequent specifications:

• Application and Environment: Sturdy devices designed for operation in risky locations
• Reliability: Prioritizing immediate warnings for on-site monitoring
• Network Requirements: Enhanced resistance to electromagnetic noise for EMS and I/O data transfer to a local network console

Scenario 2:Introducing Automated Guided Vehicles to Optimize Logistics

A logistics firm opted to implement AGV systems (Automated Guided Vehicles) in their warehouses, enhancing warehouse logistics to facilitate swifter deliveries for customers. The implementation needed to integrate numerous devices into a space-limited AGV, including:

• PLC
• Motors
• RFID readers
• Wireless clients
• Network switch

Network dependability is critical for the control center to continuously oversee and manage AGV systems and streamline delivery operations.

System prerequisites involve:

• Installation: Compact devices that can be effortlessly installed in a space-constrained AGV
• Application and Environment: Tough, industrial-grade devices capable of withstanding severe environments
• Reliability: Install-and-forget durability to ensure continual uptime

Scenario 3: Proactive Maintenance to Enhance Operational Effectiveness

A manufacturer aimed to provide proactive maintenance and improved efficiency to customers. To support these new services, enhanced connectivity and monitoring within their machine cabinets were necessary to gather machine data supporting these services. The vast number of devices made reliable data transmission crucial.

The extended network had these prerequisites:

• Network requirements: Upgrade to Gigabit Ethernet, as Fast Ethernet was no longer adequate to cater to a rising number of device connections
• Installation: Ensure swift deployment without the necessity for specialized IT skills, guaranteeing smooth operation and simple maintenance
• Reliability: Prioritizing the transmission of vital data for real-time applications

From these instances, we deduce that when networks expand at the edge, it’s crucial that they maintain simplicity and adaptability. Unmanaged Ethernet switches provide a simple-to-install, flexible, and highly reliable solution, enabling control engineers to concentrate on their responsibilities without connectivity concerns.

Discover the Best Match for Your Requirement

Industrial unmanaged switches are easy to install, but these useful devices come in various variations. Here are some aspects to factor in when selecting switches to identify the most suitable match for your requirements and demands.

Reliability

• Dual Power: Opt for switches with redundant power inputs if network uptime is critical to prevent disruptions from power failures.
• Software Features: Functions like QoS (Quality of Service) and BSP (Broadcast Storm Protection) can ensure smooth data flow to designated destinations.
• Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF): Downtime costs can elevate in an industrial context. Invest in switches from reputable brands with higher MTBF ratings.

Installation

• Configuration Convenience: Unmanaged switches are plug-and-play, which is favored by OT engineers.
• Device Size: Compact switches allow flexible installation and room for future network expansion within space-limited control cabinets.

Application and Environment

• Industrial Grade Housing: Opt for a switch with sturdy housing that can endure harsh environmental conditions, crucial for industrial networks.
• Operating temperature: The operational temperature range of the switch should cover potential extreme conditions adequately.
• Certifications: Certain industries necessitate additional certifications, for instance, transportation, maritime, railway, etc.

Network Requirements

• Bandwidth: Select a switch with sufficient bandwidth for your applications. In scenarios where Fast Ethernet doesn’t offer ample capacity, Gigabit Ethernet might be more suitable.
• Media Type: Fiber-optic media resists electromagnetic and radio frequency interference, ensuring data integrity even in harsh settings.

Perfect for Edge Network Expansion

Moxa provides an array of industrial unmanaged switches characterized by a compact outline and exceptional durability. Ideal for facilitating network expansion at the edge, the EDS-2000 Series ensures proven reliability, straightforward deployment, ample bandwidth, and adaptability across a variety of industrial applications. Discover how we can assist you in meeting your evolving connectivity needs with these resources:

• Explore the product page to gain insights into how these compact devices enhance your network functions while saving you time and effort.
• The EDS-2000/G2000-EL Series unmanaged switches are perfectly suited for AGV systems. Download the application note to delve deeper.
• EDS-2000-ML Series unmanaged switches are optimal for critical industries like oil & gas and marine. Download the application note for further insights.