Industrial sites are rough, from the constant vibration inside a train tunnel, the scorching heat in an outdoor cabinet, or a factory floor coated in fine dust. So, the general-purpose switches designed for benign IT rooms fail to survive in those conditions. This is why ruggedized networking equipment is a fundamental necessity rather than a luxury.

An industrial network is the heart of modern industry, from automated factories to remote power substations. But as you know, industrial sites are rough. The environments are nothing like a climate-controlled office. They are brutal and constantly challenge the function, capacity, and longevity of standard IT equipment. 

In demanding industrial space, the Hirschmann brand of industrial switches is gaining a strong reputation. They stand out for being engineered to endure. Keep reading to learn more about the features that make an advanced Hirschmann managed Ethernet switch and the simple unmanaged models the go-to choice when failure is not an option.

What Counts as a Harsh Environment?

To be able to appreciate the design of a Hirschmann switch, you first need to understand what exactly is meant by a harsh industrial environment. Standard, commercial IT gears crumble under the kind of pressure they need to deal with in industrial sites. So, here are the conditions of a harsh industrial environment, which also makes it important to choose a purpose-built industrial switch.

Table 1: Conditions That Make the Industrial Environment Harsh

Overview of the Hirschmann Portfolio

The Hirschmann offers a range of options. You will find a solution for the most severe conditions and complex networks.

Hirschmann Unmanaged Switches

At the entry level, you will find unmanaged switches. These are simple, reliable, plug-and-play devices. Examples of Hirschmann unmanaged switches include SPIDER III Standard Line (SL), Power over Ethernet (PoE), and Premium Line (PL). 

Hirschmann Managed Switches

If your networks require more control, resilience, and intelligence, then you will find a Hirschmann managed Ethernet switch more suitable. The managed switches are industrial-ruggedized models, such as the modular GREYHOUND and the highly protected OCTOPUS families. Managed switch models like MACH102-24TP-F, MACH102-8TP-FR, and MACH104-20TX-FR-L3P are also designed to support critical applications in the harshest industrial environments.

Managed or Unmanaged?

A managed Hirschmann switch can be configured, monitored, and troubleshot remotely. You will get advanced features like network diagnostics. Important features like redundancy protocols are also included in managed switches. In order to help you deploy and maintain the sophisticated systems, a detailed Hirschmann managed Ethernet switch manual will also be provided.

Key Features for Harsh Environments

Here are the key features of Hirschmann industrial switches that make them suitable for harsh industrial environments and complex networks. 

Wide Operating Temperature & Rugged Mechanical Design

Saying that a switch is tough is not enough. This is why Hirschmann models are housed in durable metal housings. They are also rated for those extreme temperature swings, mostly supporting a wide range like -40°C to 70°C. 

Even the simple unmanaged SPIDER III PL can withstand the thermal range. The ruggedness is critical for installations in places like outdoor cabinets, tunnels, or factory floors. The managed and unmanaged Hirschmann switches are also engineered to withstand significant vibration and shock. 

Managed models like MACH104-20TX-FR-L3P and MACH102-8TP-FR are also tested for mechanical stability and immunity from electromagnetic interference. Here are some of the test standards used to assess the ruggedness of Hirschmann industrial switches.

Table 1: Test Standards to Access the Ruggedness of a Hirschmann Switch

Robust Environmental Certifications & Approvals

In regulated industrial sectors, it is important that any claim of ruggedness is supported by independent evidence. The certifications don’t just ensure compliance. They also assure the long-term reliability of a Hirschmann industrial Ethernet switch. Hirschmann delivers on this through these certifications and approvals.

Table 2: Hirschmann Certifications for Ethernet Switches

Flexible Media & Modular Design

Industrial network requirements are mostly non-static. So, a Hirschmann switch comes with interchangeable ports or modules, which support a flexible mix of copper and fibre media. For example, the GREYHOUND family has models that come with copper ports alongside SFP slots. 

The versatility allows the switch to effortlessly adapt to fibre backbones. This enables long-distance links, while also future-proofing the network against evolving communication demands at the same time. You will also be able to hot-swap modules in managed switches, which simplifies and speeds up maintenance.

Redundancy & High Availability

In mission-critical, harsh, and hazardous environments, downtimes can be extremely expensive and even dangerous. A Hirschmann managed Ethernet switch can help you prevent it through sophisticated, built-in redundancy protocols.

Features like ring redundancy and Media Redundancy Protocol (MRP) will ensure that your network remains connected even upon the failure of a significant segment or component. The managed switches support advanced diagnostics and fault-tolerance, which will help you achieve maximum uptime.

Advanced Management, Diagnostics, and Security

A Hirschmann managed Ethernet switch can make a huge difference. Beyond simple data forwarding, the managed switches come with important features like remote configuration and advanced diagnostics. They also have essential security measures such as VLANs and network monitoring. Are you wondering why these features and measures matter so much in harsh industrial conditions? 

You want an early warning of faults along with the ability to remotely isolate and fix issues. This will reduce the need for costly and time-consuming onsite intervention. Moreover, a comprehensive managed Ethernet switch manual will serve as an indispensable tool in helping you deploy and service teams.

Compact, Field-Friendly Installation & Maintenance

Hirschmann industrial switches are engineered and built for tight spaces. Their rugged form-factor generally features a DIN-rail mounting, a compact footprint, and a fan-less design. In harsh environments, you will often find that installation space is limited and cooling is unreliable. 

The ease of maintenance in harsh conditions is a major plus point of a Hirschmann switch. You will have the flexibility to upgrade ports or media modules right in the field, thus significantly reducing both downtime and effort.

Practical Considerations When Selecting a Hirschmann Switch for Harsh Environments

You must choose the right switch by carefully matching its capabilities with your specific industrial environment and operational needs. Here is what you must consider. 

• Gauge Your Operating Environment: Understand the temperature extremes in your site by gauging how much vibration and shock it will face. Determine the level of ingress protection required from dust and humidity.

• Decide Between Managed and Unmanaged: Deciding between unmanaged and managed switches requires a trade-off between initial cost and long-term functionality. If your application is mission-critical and requires diagnostics or advanced redundancy, then you must go for a managed model.

• Future-Proofing: Look at the necessary port counts and the mix of copper versus fibre. Also, check the modularity of the design. Moreover, ensure that configuration, firmware updates, and spare parts are easily handled. 

Ready to Implement Hirschmann Industrial Switches?

Hirschmann industrial switches are a powerful and reliable choice for the most challenging applications in the harshest of industrial environments. A combination of rugged design, stringent certifications, modularity, built-in redundancy, and advanced management features makes them a great industrial solution.

Consider your industrial environment’s specific demands, temperature, vibration, and media type when going through the technical specifications of switches. Also, decide whether you want a managed or an unmanaged model. Choosing the right solution will mean significantly less downtime, lower long-term maintenance costs, and better reliability. So, get a free consultancy from a Hirschmann switch supplier today!