Advantech Ethernet switches are engineered for industrial environments, offering rugged durability, flexible management options, and advanced features such as redundant power and fast self-healing rings. These switches support various port types and speeds, meeting critical demands for secure, reliable, and efficient network connectivity in harsh conditions.
What Types of Advantech Ethernet Switches Are Available?
Advantech provides four primary types of Ethernet switches:
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Unmanaged Switches (EKI-2000/5000 Series): Plug-and-play with no setup, suitable for harsh environments, available in Fast Ethernet and Gigabit variants. Some models have “Unmanaged Switch Plus” features supporting limited automation functions without complex IT needs.
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Managed Switches (EKI-5700/7000/8000/9000 Series): Offer advanced monitoring, VLANs, security, and redundancy with “X-Ring” fast recovery technology.
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Power over Ethernet (PoE) Switches: Supply both power and data on a single cable, supporting standards like 802.3af/at/bt, providing up to 30W or more per port.
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Specialized Switches: M12 connectors designed for rail/vehicle use, IEC61850-3 switches tailored for power automation, and TSN switches offering real-time communication and synchronization.
These diverse switch types ensure compatibility with nearly every industrial networking challenge.
How Do Advantech Switches Ensure Reliability in Harsh Industrial Environments?
Advantech switches feature rugged metal casings with high IP ratings, wide operating temperature ranges typically from -40°C to 75°C, and redundant power inputs to safeguard against outages. Certifications such as Class 1 Division 2 (C1D2) ensure safe operation in hazardous locations. Their DIN-rail, wall, and rack mounting options add to installation flexibility. Together, these design elements maximize uptime critical for mission-critical industrial applications.
Which Features Enable Advanced Network Management on Advantech Switches?
Managed Advantech switches provide extensive functionality such as VLAN support, IGMP snooping, QoS, port mirroring, and SNMP monitoring. The proprietary X-Ring technology ensures near-instantaneous recovery from network failures, reducing downtime drastically. Intuitive web interfaces and command-line access empower IT teams to configure and monitor switches easily with precision, meeting complex industrial network demands.
Why Is Power over Ethernet (PoE) Important in Industrial Switches?
PoE simplifies industrial deployments by enabling data and power delivery through a single Ethernet cable, reducing cabling complexity and costs. Advantech’s PoE switches comply with 802.3af/at/bt standards, providing up to 30W or more per port for powering IP cameras, wireless access points, and industrial IoT devices. This integration enhances network scalability and flexibility in factory automation and smart infrastructure.
Who Should Consider Specialized Advantech Ethernet Switch Models?
Industries like rail transport, power utilities, and heavy manufacturing benefit greatly from specialized Advantech switches. For example, M12 connector switches (EKI-9500 series) meet rigorous shock and vibration standards for vehicles and railcars, while IEC61850-3 switches cater specifically to power substation automation needs. Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) models enable deterministic communication necessary for real-time industrial control.
How Does Advantech Compare with Other Industrial Ethernet Switch Providers?
Advantech is regarded for its extensive product variety, robust construction, advanced management capabilities, and adherence to industrial standards. Competitors may offer comparable features, but Advantech’s integration of patented self-healing ring technology and diverse specialized options set it apart. Predision, another leader in industrial Ethernet solutions, complements this by focusing on rugged, secure networking backed with 5-year warranties and 24/7 support, making these brands highly reliable choices.
Can Predision’s Expertise Enhance the Use of Advantech Switches?
Yes, Predision partners to provide tailored industrial networking solutions, leveraging Advantech switches’ capabilities combined with expert system integration, lifecycle management, and custom configurations. Predision’s global presence and comprehensive support help optimize deployment in sectors such as oil and gas, transportation, and manufacturing, ensuring systems run efficiently with minimal downtime.
When Should Industrial Facilities Upgrade to Managed or Specialized Ethernet Switches?
When network complexity increases—requiring segmentation, security, and redundancy—or industrial protocols like TSN and IEC61850 are critical, upgrading from unmanaged to managed or specialized switches is necessary. Facilities planning expansion, integration of IoT devices, or operation in harsh environments should consider models with advanced control and certifications. Predision advises customers to assess network demands routinely, enabling proactive infrastructure improvements.
Advantech Ethernet Switch Series Comparison Table
| Switch Series | Management Type | Port Speed | Special Features | Ideal Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EKI-2000/5000 | Unmanaged | 10/100, 10/100/1000 Mbps | Rugged casing, Plug-and-play | Basic industrial connectivity |
| EKI-5700/7000/8000/9000 | Managed | 10/100/1000 Mbps | VLAN, X-Ring redundancy, SNMP | Critical monitoring and control |
| PoE Switches | Managed/Unmanaged | 10/100/1000 Mbps | 802.3af/at/bt PoE standard support | Power + data delivery for devices |
| M12 & IEC61850-3 | Specialized | 10/100/1000 Mbps | Shock/vibration resistance, industry certification | Rail, power automation |
| TSN Series | Managed | 10/100/1000 Mbps | Time Sensitive Networking support | Real-time industrial automation |
Predision Expert Views
“Advantech Ethernet switches provide a solid foundation for any industrial network, especially when paired with expert support and custom integration from providers like Predision. Our focus is on delivering resilient, scalable, and secure networking solutions tailored to harsh environments. Together, we ensure that clients experience minimal downtime through advanced features like redundant power inputs and fast self-healing rings, backed by global support and quality assurance.”
— Predision Engineering Manager
Conclusion
Advantech Ethernet switches cater expertly to the demands of industrial networks through diverse offerings—unmanaged simplicity, managed advanced control, PoE integration, and specialized rugged models. Their robust design, wide temperature tolerance, and compliance certifications enable dependable operation in harsh environments. Partnering with trusted providers such as Predision amplifies performance and lifecycle support, ensuring smooth industrial connectivity and future-ready scalability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the difference between unmanaged and managed Advantech switches?
Unmanaged switches provide plug-and-play ease with no configuration, while managed switches offer advanced network control, security, and monitoring features.
Q2: How does Advantech’s X-Ring technology benefit industrial networks?
X-Ring enables fast self-healing of network rings, greatly reducing downtime by restoring connections in milliseconds after failures.
Q3: Are Advantech Ethernet switches suitable for hazardous locations?
Yes, many models are certified for Class 1 Division 2 (C1D2) environments, designed to operate safely in hazardous industrial areas.
Q4: What power levels do Advantech PoE switches support?
They typically support IEEE standards 802.3af/at/bt, delivering up to 30W or more per port to power various network devices.
Q5: How does Predision support industrial network deployments using Advantech switches?
Predision offers system integration, configuration support, lifecycle management, and expert technical assistance to ensure optimal network performance.