Industrial switch selection factors to ensure efficient and stable industrial networking
In the application scenario of industrial IoT, it is crucial to choose the right industrial switch, which directly affects the stability, reliability, and future scalability of the network. To ensure efficient and stable industrial networking, here are some key selection factors:
Reliability and environmental adaptability
The industrial field environment is complex and changeable, and industrial switches must have high reliability and be able to withstand extreme temperatures, humidity, dust, and vibration. The hardware of the equipment is crucial to the working environment, including the working temperature range, EMC electromagnetic compatibility, power supply mode, etc. Choosing hardware devices with fanless designs can prevent equipment damage caused by rotating parts malfunction. At the same time, it should be considered whether the equipment has passed the certification given by relevant industry organizations, such as IP67 protection level, CE mark, UL certification, etc.
Real-time performance
In industrial automation networks, real-time performance is crucial. The switch needs to strictly control the port delay during the forwarding of data frames. In a standard factory automation control system, the system can tolerate a response time of no more than 10 milliseconds, so when selecting a switch, the port delay should not exceed 10 microseconds. For applications with higher requirements for real-time characteristics, such as motion control, the system response delay should be less than 1 millisecond, and the jitter error should not exceed 1 microsecond. In this case, switches with Profinet IRT function or IEEE 1588 precise synchronization function should be selected.
Network protocol support
Industrial switches need to support various network protocols used in smart manufacturing, such as Modbus TCP, EtherNet/IP, Profinet, and so on. These protocols ensure the interconnection between different devices and are the foundation for realizing the Industrial Internet of Things. At the same time, the switch should also support redundant connections and fast fault recovery capabilities, such as ring network protocols STP, RSTP, MSTP, and link aggregation LACP, to improve network reliability and stability.
Safety function
In the industrial Internet of Things, data security is of utmost importance. Industrial switches should provide necessary security features such as access control lists (ACLs), VLAN isolation, and encryption. These functions can effectively prevent unauthorized access and data leakage, ensuring the safe operation of the network.
PoE power supply capability
In order to meet the power supply requirements of on-site sensors, cameras, and other devices, industrial switches should support PoE Power over Ethernet functionality. This not only simplifies wiring, but also reduces installation costs and improves the overall flexibility of the system.
Scalability and Compatibility
With the continuous development of the Industrial Internet of Things, the network scale and the number of devices will continue to increase. Therefore, the selected industrial switch should have the ability to easily expand and upgrade to meet the needs of future network expansion. At the same time, the switch should be compatible with conventional Ethernet communication and can adapt to various special industrial Ethernet standards to ensure interoperability with different devices and systems.
Remote management and monitoring
In order to facilitate remote management and monitoring of the network, industrial switches should support SNMP, RMON, or other monitoring protocols. These protocols can enable remote configuration, status monitoring, and fault alarming of devices, improving the efficiency and accuracy of network management.
Technical support and after-sales service
When selecting an industrial switch, one should also consider the technical support and after-sales service provided by the supplier. This includes warranty policies, technical support, and spare parts supply. A good supplier can provide timely and professional technical support to ensure that equipment can be quickly resolved when problems occur.
Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
Finally, the total cost of ownership of industrial switches, including purchase costs, installation, maintenance, and operating costs, also needs to be considered. When selecting, these factors should be considered comprehensively to choose the most cost-effective product.
By taking into account the above factors, it can be ensured that the selected industrial switches can meet the efficient and stable requirements of industrial networking, providing a solid foundation for the application of industrial IoT.
