Abstract of this article
● What is an industrial switch
● The role of industrial switches
● How to choose a switch
● What are the characteristics of PUSR switches?
● Application scenarios of industrial switches
● Why use industrial switches
● The difference between industrial switches and ordinary switches
● Precautions for using switches
1、What is an industrial switch
Industrial switches, also known as industrial Ethernet switches, are network devices specifically designed for the industrial control field. It is based on Ethernet technology and uses TCP/IP protocol, which has the characteristics of good openness, wide application, and low price. It has become the main communication standard in the field of industrial control.
Industrial switches not only have the data forwarding function of ordinary Ethernet switches, but also have special design and optimization for industrial environments to adapt to harsh working environments and high reliability requirements.
2、The basic role of industrial switches
2.1 Bridge of data communication
The most basic and core role of industrial switches is to serve as a bridge for data communication. In complex industrial networks, various industrial devices such as PLCs, sensors, and actuators are connected to each other through switches to achieve real-time transmission and sharing of data. The switch intelligently identifies the destination address of the data packet and forwards it to the correct port, ensuring efficient and accurate data flow between devices.
2.2 Flexible construction of network topology
Industrial switches support a variety of network topologies, such as star, ring, tree, etc., making the design of industrial networks more flexible and diverse. Through reasonable network planning and switch configuration, a network architecture that meets the needs of different industrial applications can be constructed to achieve centralized management, decentralized control, and rapid isolation and recovery of faults for equipment.
2.3 Guarantee of redundancy and fault tolerance mechanism
In an industrial environment, the stability and reliability of the network are of utmost importance. Industrial switches usually use redundant power supplies, redundant links, ring network protection and other technical means to ensure that the network can quickly switch to a backup path when a single point failure occurs, maintaining the continuity of communication and the integrity of data. This redundancy and fault-tolerant mechanism greatly improves the robustness and disaster resistance of industrial networks.
The role of industrial switches in expanding their functions
2.4. Promote industrial automation and intelligence
With the continuous improvement of industrial automation and intelligence, the role of industrial switches in it is also increasingly prominent. Industrial equipment connected through switches can achieve remote monitoring, fault diagnosis, predictive maintenance, and other functions, greatly improving production efficiency, reducing operating costs, and enhancing product quality. At the same time, the switch also supports multiple industrial communication protocols and interface standards, providing the possibility for interoperability between different brands and models of devices.
2.5 Support large-scale IoT deployment
In the era of the Internet of Things, industrial switches have become key nodes for connecting massive IoT devices. The industrial IoT platform built through the exchange mechanism can achieve comprehensive perception, intelligent analysis, and decision optimization of the production site. The high-speed data transmission capability and powerful network management capabilities of switches make large-scale IoT deployments possible, providing strong support for the digital transformation and intelligent upgrade of industrial enterprises.
2.6 Strengthen network security and isolation
Industrial networks face various security threats from both internal and external sources. Industrial switches can effectively isolate network areas and device groups with different security levels by supporting security features such as VLAN segmentation, port security, and access control lists (ACLs), preventing unauthorized access and data leakage. At the same time, the switch can also work with security devices such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems to jointly build a comprehensive and multi-level industrial network security protection system.
1、How to choose industrial switches
3.1 Clarify requirements and scenarios
① Demand analysis
Before purchasing an industrial switch, it is necessary to first clarify your own needs. This includes network size, bandwidth requirements, device types, communication protocols, security requirements, and future expansion plans. By analyzing these requirements in detail, we can initially determine the key parameters such as the type of switch, the number of ports, the port speed, and the management functions required.
② Consideration of the scene
Different industrial application scenarios have different requirements for switches. For example, in harsh industrial environments, switches need to have high protection levels and anti-interference capabilities; In application scenarios requiring high reliability, priority should be given to fault-tolerant mechanisms such as redundant power supplies and redundant links; In large-scale IoT deployments, switches that support a large number of device access and high-speed data transmission may be required.
3.2 Focus on core performance indicators
① Port type and quantity
Select the appropriate port type and quantity according to actual needs. Common port types include Ethernet electrical ports, Ethernet optical ports, PoE Power over Ethernet ports, and so on. The number of ports should be determined based on the number of access devices and future expansion needs.
② Transmission rate and bandwidth
The transmission rate and bandwidth of the switch directly affect the communication efficiency and performance of the network. When purchasing, you should choose the appropriate transmission rate such as 100M, 1G, 10G, etc. and sufficient bandwidth resources according to your actual needs.
③ Forwarding performance
Forwarding performance is an important indicator to measure the ability of a switch to process data packets. It includes parameters such as switching capacity and packet forwarding rate. When purchasing, you should ensure that the forwarding performance of the switch can meet current and future network requirements.
④ Reliability and stability
In industrial applications, the reliability and stability of switches are of utmost importance. Therefore, when purchasing, it is important to pay attention to fault-tolerant mechanisms such as redundant power supplies, redundant links, and ring network protection, as well as whether they support hot swapping, fanless design, and other features to improve the reliability and stability of the device.
3.3 Consider management and scalability
① Management function
Industrial switches usually support multiple management methods, such as Web management, CLI command line management, SNMP network management, and so on. When purchasing, you should choose a switch with appropriate management functions based on your actual needs to facilitate daily maintenance and troubleshooting of the network.
② Expandability
With the continuous development of industrial Internet of Things, the network scale and the number of devices will continue to increase. Therefore, when choosing a switch, you should consider whether its scalability can meet future needs. This includes port expansion capability, stacking capability, software upgrade, and other aspects.
3.4 Emphasize on brand and service quality
① Brand selection
In the industrial switch market, there are many brands with different quality. To ensure the purchase of high-quality and high-performance switch products, it is recommended to choose products from well-known brands. These brands usually have a well-established R&D system, strict quality control processes, and excellent after-sales service systems that can provide users with more reliable products and services.
② After-sales service
After-sales service is one of the important factors that cannot be ignored when purchasing a switch. When selecting a supplier, it is important to understand their after-sales service policies, technical support capabilities, and repair response times to ensure timely and effective resolution of equipment malfunctions.
5、Application scenarios of industrial switches
5.1 Automated production line
In the automated production line, the industrial switch is responsible for connecting the PLC programmable logic controller, sensors, actuators and other equipment to achieve real-time collection, transmission and processing of production data. By building an efficient and stable communication network, industrial switches can ensure the smooth operation and efficient output of production lines.
5.2 Smart Factory
Smart factory is one of the important application scenarios of industrial Internet of Things. In the smart factory, industrial switches are not only used to connect various production equipment, but also bear the responsibility of integrating with advanced technologies such as cloud computing, big data, and artificial intelligence. By integrating advanced network management and security functions, industrial switches can support efficient operation and security management of smart factories.
5.3 Remote monitoring and maintenance
Industrial switches support remote monitoring and maintenance functions, allowing engineers to monitor the operating status and performance parameters of equipment in real time from remote locations, and perform fault diagnosis and repair. This greatly improves maintenance efficiency and reduces maintenance costs. This feature is especially important in remote or hard-to-reach industrial sites.
5.4 IoT Deployment
With the continuous development of Internet of Things technology, more and more industrial equipment is beginning to access the network. As one of the core devices for IoT communication, industrial switches can support the access of large-scale IoT devices and efficient data transmission. By building an IoT platform based on industrial switches, enterprises can achieve comprehensive sensing and intelligent control of the production site.
6、Why use industrial switches
6.1 High reliability
Industrial switches usually use fault-tolerant mechanisms such as redundant power supplies and redundant links, as well as fanless designs to improve the reliability of the equipment. In harsh industrial environments, these features ensure the stable operation of switches and reliable transmission of data.
6.2 Strong adaptability
Industrial switches are optimized for the special needs of industrial environments, such as higher protection levels and stronger anti-interference capabilities. This allows industrial switches to adapt to various harsh industrial environments and maintain stable operation.
6.3 Ease of Management
Industrial switches support multiple management methods such as Web management, CLI command line management, SNMP network management, etc., allowing network administrators to easily configure, monitor, and maintain devices. At the same time, industrial switches also provide rich management functions and scalability to meet the needs of different users.
6.4 High performance
With the development of the Industrial Internet of Things, the performance requirements for switches are also increasing. Modern industrial switches usually have high-speed data transmission capabilities and powerful forwarding performance to meet the needs of large-scale IoT device access and efficient data transmission.
7、The difference between industrial switches and ordinary switches
7.1 Basic functional differences between the two
① Industrial switch
Industrial switches are Ethernet switches designed specifically for industrial environments, featuring high reliability, stability, interference resistance, and high protection levels. It can adapt to harsh industrial environments, such as high temperature, high humidity, dust, vibration, and strong electromagnetic interference, to ensure the stable operation of industrial automation systems. Industrial switches not only support traditional Ethernet protocols but also widely support industrial standards and protocols such as Modbus, Profinet, and EtherCAT to meet the efficient communication needs between industrial production devices.
② Common switch
A common switch is a network device widely used in local area networks (LANs), which can connect multiple computers, servers, printers, and other devices to achieve high-speed data exchange and transmission. Ordinary switches usually use store-and-forward technology or clip-and-forward technology, which has fast and accurate data transmission capabilities. It is mainly used in relatively stable environments such as offices and homes, and has low requirements for environmental adaptability.
7.2 Key differences
① Anti-interference performance
Industrial switches can operate stably in harsh industrial environments and have good anti-interference performance against electromagnetic interference, temperature changes, and vibration. However, ordinary switches are susceptible to environmental interference and malfunction, especially in environments with strong electromagnetic interference.
② Protection level
Industrial switches usually use metal housings with high protection levels such as IP67, which can withstand the erosion of dust, water, oil, and chemicals, ensuring stable operation in harsh environments. In contrast, ordinary switches mostly use plastic housings with low protection levels such as IP40 or lower, which are mainly suitable for relatively clean environments.
③ Communication protocol support
Industrial switches support a wide range of industrial standards and protocols, such as Modbus, Profinet, EtherCAT, etc., to meet the efficient communication needs between industrial production equipment. However, ordinary switches mainly support common protocols such as TCP/IP, which are suitable for non-real-time data transmission needs, such as file sharing and Internet access.
④ Network management function
Industrial switches usually have more powerful network management functions, support SNMP, RMON and other protocols, and can achieve remote monitoring and management. This allows engineers to easily configure, monitor, and maintain the network, improving network stability and reliability. In contrast, the management function of ordinary switches is relatively weak, and may only support basic network configuration and status viewing.
⑤ Power supply mode and durability
Industrial switches usually support multiple power supply modes, including AC/DC dual power supply, POE, etc., to adapt to different industrial environments. At the same time, industrial switches are made of high-quality materials and processes, with longer life and higher reliability. However, ordinary switches generally only support AC power supply, and their durability is relatively low, making them prone to malfunction and damage.
⑥ Real-time and redundancy capability
Industrial switches support real-time Ethernet protocols such as PROFINET and EtherCAT, ensuring low latency and high determinism in data transmission, meeting the high requirements for real-time performance in industrial automation. At the same time, industrial switches also have various redundancy and fault-tolerant mechanisms such as STP/RSTP/MSTP, which can quickly recover from network failures and ensure the continuity of the production process. In contrast, although ordinary switches also support some redundancy protocols, they are usually not as comprehensive and real-time as industrial switches.
7.3 Application Scenarios and Suggestions for Selection
① Application scenario
Industrial switches: suitable for industrial automation production lines, smart factories, remote monitoring and maintenance, and intelligent transportation, which have extremely high requirements for real-time performance, stability, and reliability.
Ordinary switch: It is suitable for relatively stable environments such as offices and homes, and meets daily data transmission needs such as file sharing and Internet access.
② Select Suggestions
When selecting a switch, it should be determined based on the actual application environment and requirements. If the application environment is harsh, the requirements for real-time performance and reliability are high, and multiple industrial standards and protocols need to be supported, an industrial switch should be selected; If the application environment is relatively stable and mainly meets daily data transmission needs, you can choose a common switch. At the same time, it is also necessary to consider factors such as cost-effectiveness, technical support, and after-sales service to comprehensively evaluate and select the most suitable equipment.
8.1 Selection and planning
① Clarify the requirements
Before purchasing a switch, it is necessary to first clarify the specific requirements of the network, including network size, bandwidth requirements, port types such as electrical ports, optical ports, PoE ports, and whether advanced features such as VLAN, QoS, and redundancy are required. These requirements will directly affect the selection of switches.
② Understand the application scenario
Different application scenarios have different requirements for switches. For example, industrial automation production lines may require switches with high reliability, real-time performance, and anti-interference capabilities; Data centers may be more concerned with the throughput and port density of switches. Therefore, when selecting a switch, it is necessary to fully consider the particularity of the application scenario.
③ Compatibility Considerations
When selecting a switch, it is also necessary to consider its compatibility with existing network devices and software. For example, if there are already a large number of Cisco devices in the network, choosing a Cisco-branded switch may be easier to manage and maintain.
8.2 Configuration and Deployment
① Reasonably plan network topology
Before deploying the switch, it is necessary to plan the network topology reasonably. This includes determining the location of the switch, the connection method such as cascading, stacking, and the division of VLANs. A reasonable network topology structure helps to improve the stability and manageability of the network.
② Precisely configure switch parameters
The configuration of the switch includes the setting of basic network parameters such as IP address, subnet mask, and gateway, as well as the configuration of advanced functions such as VLAN, ACL access control list, and QoS quality of service. During the configuration process, it is necessary to ensure the accuracy and consistency of parameters to avoid network conflicts and performance issues.
③ Pay attention to security settings
As one of the key devices in the network, the security of the switch cannot be ignored. When configuring the switch, it is necessary to enable essential security features such as port security, MAC address binding, and access control lists to prevent unauthorized access and attacks.
8.3 Operation and maintenance
① Regular monitoring and inspection
Switches may experience various faults and performance issues during operation. Therefore, it is necessary to regularly monitor and inspect the switch, including checking port status, traffic statistics, error logs, and performing necessary performance testing and tuning.
② Update firmware and software in a timely manner
Switch vendors regularly release firmware and software updates to fix known vulnerabilities, improve performance, and add new features. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to the update information released by the manufacturer in a timely manner and perform the update operation according to the actual situation.
③ Backup and recovery
To prevent network failures caused by data loss and configuration errors, it is necessary to regularly back up the configuration files and important data of the switch. At the same time, it is also necessary to master the recovery methods for switch configuration, so that network operation can be quickly restored in the event of a failure.
8.4 Environmental adaptability
① Suitable working environment
The switch needs to operate in a suitable working environment, including suitable temperature, humidity, and cleanliness. If the working environment is too harsh, such as high temperature, high humidity, dust, etc., it may have a negative impact on the performance and life of the switch.
② Reasonable power supply and grounding
The switch requires a stable power supply and good grounding protection. When deploying switches, it is necessary to ensure the stability and reliability of the power supply system and strictly follow the manufacturer's requirements for grounding operations.
③ Proper protective measures
In special environments such as strong electromagnetic interference and vibration, it is necessary to take appropriate protective measures for the switch, such as installing shielding cases and shock pads, to ensure its normal operation and extend its service life.
