Localised data management in the Industrial Internet of Things

Industrial Ethernet, the most widely used communication standard, allows for the simple connection to control levels while also ensuring good communication between localised field devices and the control system. With its new managed switches in the Advanced Line, Weidmüller is providing a guaranteed future-proof infrastructure with high levels of availability, reliability and transparency. The Advanced Line managed switches can increase network availability by means of redundancy and control mechanisms, and also offer a range of diagnostic options for sophisticated automation networks. They support common protocols such as STP/RSTP or SNMP and can be intuitively configured via a browser-supported web interface. With model variants for Fast Ethernet, Gigabit and PoE as well as versions fitted with between 5 and 24 ports, the switches also ensure high levels of flexibility. The large temperature range means that the switches can be used in challenging environments such as production applications or in the field. The Advanced Line product line ranges from Full Managed switches for complex applications such as those with port monitoring, to Lite Managed switches for simple tasks within a network representing very good value for money.

High level of operational reliability thanks to quick redundancy mechanisms

Ring redundancy is used as standard in today’s Industrial Ethernet networks. This ring redundancy method increases the availability of automation networks and reduces downtimes while also optimising configurability and operability within the network. The Weidmüller Advanced Line switches support the combination of ring and line redundancy, involving the interlinking of multiple Ethernet switches in a line network. The configuration of the head switch and the tail switch at the outer ends of the chain incorporates the two ends into the network. Using the ring and line redundancy method allows administrators to create redundant topologies with a high level of flexibility in each network segment. When using the Weidmüller Advanced Line switches, a back-up path is created if one of the network segments fails, meaning that the network is restored in just 30 ms in a setup with up to 250 switches. This increases network availability while reducing cost-intensive downtimes.

The Advanced Line switches support common protocols such as STP, RSTP or SNMP, making them particularly easy to integrate into different automation landscapes. The web-based configuration of the Advanced Line switches is performed using a simple and intuitive user interface. As a result, users are able to benefit from direct access to all status information and operational functions of the switches within their familiar software environment.

Weidmüller also offers an external Backup and Restore module for smooth operation even in the event of errors.  This module provides a backup of the device configuration, making sure that reconfiguration can be performed directly on the device if required. This means that the configuration can be backed up without a network or a computer. A replacement device can therefore be put back into operation directly on site.

Model variants for Fast Ethernet, Gigabit and PoE (Power over Ethernet – for the remote supply of the periphery) as well as the options to have between 5 and 24 ports ensure a high level of flexibility, meaning that there is the perfect device for every application. All Ethernet switches have an industrial IP30 metal enclosure with integrated clip-in base for easy installation on the terminal rail (TS35). In addition to its simple installation, the switch is also characterised by its large temperature range. The switches can be used in environments from –40 to +75 °C. This allows for operation both within production and in the field.

The right product for every application

Depending on the particular version, the switches are fitted with a number of combinable copper or fibre-optic interfaces, meaning that different media can be used and large distances covered. Whether multi-mode or single-mode, 500 metre or anywhere up to 20 km – the SFP slots help to guarantee flexible use. With the modular port assembly, the transceiver simply needs to be plugged in. It is therefore also possible to change the technology at a later point in time.

The Advanced Line switches are available in the "Full Managed" and "Lite Managed" versions. The Full Managed switches are particularly well-suited for use in networks with complex tasks and particular requirements regarding redundancy, secured data transfer or the monitoring of individual ports.  The Lite Managed switches are the economical alternative for simple tasks in networks with little demand for managed processes.