Ethernet has been the standard for computer networking since the early 1990s. It’s a tried and true technology that is not going anywhere anytime soon. However, as with any technology, there are always new advances and innovations. One such innovation is managed industrial Ethernet switches. These are designed for use in harsh environments and offer a number of benefits over traditional Ethernet switches. In this blog post, we will explore managed industrial Ethernet switch and discuss whether or not they are right for your industry. We will also touch on some of the benefits they offer and what you should look for when choosing a supplier.
What are managed industrial Ethernet switches?
As industries increasingly adopt Ethernet-based networking to connect their critical systems and devices, managed industrial Ethernet switches provide a robust and reliable way to maintain those connections. Industrial Ethernet switches are purpose-built to withstand the harsh conditions of industrial environments and can offer features like redundant power inputs and advanced port security.
Managed industrial Ethernet switches give network administrators more control over their network by allowing them to configure settings and monitor traffic remotely. This level of visibility and control is essential for keeping mission-critical systems online and running smoothly. When combined with an industrial firewall, a managed switch can provide an extra layer of protection against malicious attacks.
Many managed industrial Ethernet switches also support Power over Ethernet (PoE), which can simplify installation by eliminating the need for separate power cabling. PoE capabilities also open up new possibilities for powering devices like IP cameras or WiFi access points in remote locations.
If you’re responsible for managing an industrial Ethernet network, consider investing in a managed switch to give yourself more peace of mind. Not sure where to start? Our team of experts can help you find the right solution for your needs.
How can managed industrial Ethernet switches benefit my business?
There are many benefits that managed industrial Ethernet switches can provide to businesses. Perhaps the most obvious benefit is that they can help to improve the efficiency of your network. By having a centralised management system, you can more easily monitor and control the traffic flowing through your network, which can help to reduce congestion and improve performance.
Another key benefit is that managed industrial Ethernet switches can offer enhanced security features. For example, many switches come with access control lists (ACLs) which can be used to restrict access to certain parts of the network or specific devices. This can help to safeguard your network against unauthorised access or tampering.
In addition, managed industrial Ethernet switches can offer improved reliability and redundancy. For example, some switches come with built-in redundancy features such as hot-swappable power supplies or dual-redundant fans. This means that if one component fails, there is a backup in place which can take over without any interruption to service.
Ultimately, managed industrial Ethernet switches can offer significant benefits to businesses in terms of improved efficiency, security and reliability. If you are considering upgrading your network infrastructure, then investing in a managed switch may be the best option for you.
What are the challenges of implementing managed industrial Ethernet switches?
One of the key challenges of managed industrial Ethernet switches is ensuring that they are properly configured for your specific network topology. Managed switches also need to be able to handle a variety of different traffic types, including time-sensitive traffic, and this can be a challenge to configure correctly. Additionally, it is important to have proper redundancy and failover capabilities in place in order to avoid any downtime in the event of a switch failure.
Are there any industries that are not ready for managed industrial Ethernet switches?
The fact is that many industries are not ready for managed industrial Ethernet switches. These include:
- Oil and gas: The oil and gas industry has been using non-managed switches for years, and they seem to be getting by just fine. There is no need to change what isn’t broken.
- Manufacturing: Many manufacturers are still using older technologies that work just fine for their purposes. They see no need to invest in new switches when their current ones are doing the job.
- Transportation: The transportation industry is another that has been using non-managed switches for a long time. They are reluctant to switch to managed switches because of the cost involved.
- Healthcare: The healthcare industry is another that is hesitant to switch to managed switches because of the cost. They also have concerns about the security of their data if they were to make the switch.
- Education: The education sector is another that relies heavily on older technologies. They are reluctant to switch to managed switches because of the cost involved and because they don’t see a need for the added features that come with them.
Conclusion
When it comes to making the switch to managed industrial Ethernet switches, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on a variety of factors unique to your industry, such as the types of equipment you use, the size and location of your facilities, and your company’s overall IT strategy. However, if you’re looking for a way to improve the efficiency of your operation and reduce costs, managed industrial Ethernet switches may be worth considering.