According to market research data, the global market for industrial Ethernet switches was worth $2.94 billion in 2020. By 2028, it’s expected to hit $4.99 Billion. This impressive increase shows industrial switches’ vital role in today’s industrial networks.
But what does the term “industrial switch” mean, and how is it different from regular, commercial types? An industrial switch acts as the vital link within any robust industrial system. In contrast to business switches made for regular offices, they are formulated to weather the rigors of factory settings.
They are constructed to work dependably under the most severe temperatures, shake-ups, and other challenging situations. Choosing the suitable industrial switch guarantees smooth connections and discussions, something incredibly important for keeping industries working at peak performance.
How to Choose the Right Industrial Switch
1. Understand Your Network Needs
Industrial networking isn’t a “one size fits all” scenario. Every network is as distinct as the business it aids, and grasping your unique requirements is crucial in picking the suitable industrial switch. Let’s delve deeper into the elements that will steer your choice:
Number of Devices
Your network’s structure depends on how many devices you’re linking. With the expected growth of the industrial Ethernet switch market, showing a consistent yearly increase (CAGR) of 7.1%, networks are getting more tangled and linked. You must choose the right industrial switch that works with all current devices and can accommodate changes in your business as it grows.
Scalability
In the ever-changing business world, your network needs to be versatile and expandable. As your company enlarges, your network system should easily handle this expansion. The appropriate industrial switch should allow for growth when required, guaranteeing that your network system doesn’t hold back your business’s progress.
Data Transfer Speeds
During this time of big data, the amount of details being managed and shared across industrial networks is incredible. Your switch needs to manage extensive data amounts effectively to keep perfect operation. As the market moves towards higher bandwidth requirements, your switch needs to support speedy data sharing to meet the needs of present business applications.
2. Environmental Considerations
Industrial switches don’t simply endure harsh environmental conditions — they need to. Here’s their response to environmental stress:
Operating Temperature Range
Industrial switches work in various temperature ranges. They perform in situations which can make regular devices freeze or overheat. For example, industrial-grade switches can work from -40°C to 85°C. It makes them usable in different settings, from the cold conditions at a food processing factory to the intense heat of a steel making facility.
Dust and Moisture Resistance
Electronic gadgets don’t like dust and moisture, but factory-level switches are tough and created to fight these common dangers. Ratings such as IP67 indicate they’re resistant to dust and can survive short-term underwater. That’s how they can keep working in a dusty building zone or a moist wastewater processing plant without any issues.
Vibration and Shock Resistance
The industrial world is harsh, and machines constantly shake and jolt equipment. Industrial switches are made to handle a lot of shock and shaking and still work properly. Whether they’re fitted on a conveyor belt that shakes or a mobile crane that gets lots of shocks, these switches are tough and keep the network running under pressure.
3. Key Features to Consider
Changes in industrial switch technology are happening fast. They’re adding more and better qualities to keep up with complex network environments. Let’s closely examine the key aspects to think about:
Managed vs. Unmanaged Switches
Managed and unmanaged switches are discussed based on the need for control and personalization. Managed switches have bonus features like Quality of Service and Virtual Local Area Networks. These are essential for handling data flow and improving safety in complicated networks. They offer more authority over your network, leading to enhanced performance and control of data movement.
Port Types and Speeds
Industrial networks have evolved to accommodate faster speeds and various port types. This evolution ranges from Gigabit Ethernet to Fast Ethernet, where the quantity and speed of ports are customized based on your network’s needs. The switch, whether fixed or modular setup, should back the needed data flow to manage your traffic effectively.
Power over Ethernet (PoE)
With PoE tech, we’ve seen a change in how we power devices. It twines the power supply and network connection into one Ethernet cord. As a result, setting up wiring for devices such as sensors and IP cams in tricky spots has become easier. When equipped with PoE, industrial switches can provide power of up to 90W for each port. It benefits high-powered devices over longer distances.
Redundancy and Fault Tolerance Features
Keeping networks running is vital in factories, as breaks can cause big problems. Industrial switches have important backup features to keep things up and running, even when there are troubles. They can quickly switch to different routes if needed. People often use Fast Linking Tree Rules (FLTR) and Media Safety Rules (MSR). These gives the network the strength to keep steady and reliable.
Conclusion
Choosing the right industrial switch is vital in improving your industrial network’s performance and dependability. Think about the factors mentioned earlier. Learn more about industrial switches and what they can offer. This piece aims to help you make a well-informed decision and guarantee a strong, expandable, and safe industrial network for the coming years.