Discover the difference types of industrial fiber switch

author: Olycom

2023-10-20

Introduction to industrial fiber switch

Are you looking different types of industrial fiber switch?If so, Olycom has the perfect solution to meet your needs. Industrial-grade switches, commonly referred to as industrial Ethernet switches, are designed for use in industrial control Ethernet switch equipment. These switches possess carrier-grade performance features and are capable of operating in harsh environments. The product series is diverse, and the port configuration is flexible, catering to the requirements of various industrial sectors. The product design features a wide-temperature range, ensuring a protection level of no less than IP30. It also supports standard and private ring network redundancy protocols. With excellent openness and vast applicability, it is suitable for low and high-temperature conditions, offers robust anti-electromagnetic interference, anti-salt spray, and fantastic earthquake resistance. These potent devices successfully bridge the gap between multiple network types by converting signals from one medium to another. However, with such an extensive range of options on the market, determining the suitable industrial fiber switch for your specific needs can be challenging. In this blog post, we will investigate the different types of industrial fiber switches and offer tips to choose the ideal device for your network setup. So, let us explore together!

The main different types of industrial fiber switch

Speed

100M
1000M
10G

When it comes to communication services, the speed is of utmost importance. In terms of industrial network switch ports, they are generally categorized into 100M, 100M, and 10G. To ensure that your business data is carried seamlessly, it is crucial to select the port that best meets your requirements. However, if your network environment is uncomplicated and the transmission rate requirements are not extensive, investing in a Gigabit industrial switch may not be necessary. In such scenarios, to optimize cost efficiency, a 100M industrial switch can be a viable choice.

If you have high requirements on the network environment, such as large-scale online games and server hosting, it is more appropriate to choose Gigabit industrial switches, because Gigabit industrial switches have obvious advantages in speed and performance. In addition, as a medium-to-large enterprise that has multiple users accessing the same network device or needs to add PoE+ power supply equipment, considering the future network growth trend, choosing a gigabit industrial switch will be more efficient, network upgrades will be more convenient, and can meet the needs of different network cabling requirements.

Number of fiber and network ports

When selecting a switch, it needs to be based on the current business situation and future scalability. The number of switch ports represents the number of terminals you need to access. The number of ports of a switch device is the most intuitive measurement factor of a switch. Usually this parameter is for a fixed-port switch. Common standard fixed-port switch port options range from 8 to 48, while non-standard options may include 4, 5, 10, 12, or 20 ports.

Although fixed-port switches are affordable, they do have limitations due to their fixed number of ports and interface types. This restricts the number of users that can be connected and the transmission media that can be utilized. However, fixed-port switches are commonly used in workgroups and are suitable for small networks and desktop switching setups.

Managed or unmanaged

If your network structure is uncomplicated, a plug-and-play unmanaged industrial network switch may suffice. However, to ensure subsequent maintenance and management convenience, a network-managed industrial network switch is an excellent choice，because only managed switches can achieve redundancy. Simply put, managed switches allow you to configure the network, while unmanaged switches can only communicate between Ethernet devices. With managed switches, you can supervise your network using the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP). You can examine a range of network settings, such as traffic throughput, network error information, and port configurations.

Managed industrial network switches also have some advanced features that can control the network. Features such as communication quality (QoS), virtual LAN (VLAN), port mirroring, multicast listening IGMP Snooping, redundancy and SNMP are only available in network-managed switches. So if you have a small network that doesn't require advanced features, then an unmanaged switch may suffice. However, if you manage a larger network and need fiber control over traffic flow and security, it might be worth investing in a managed fiber switch.

Poe or non-poe

Power over Ethernet (PoE) is an innovative technology that delivers power to powered devices over twisted pair Ethernet cables. This technology is widely used across various settings such as residential homes, workplaces and educational institutions. PoE eliminates the need for separate cables for each device by allowing a single RJ45 cable to provide both data connectivity and power to multiple devices. PoE is an incredibly cost-effective networking technology that enables professionals to install remote or external equipment without requiring AC power. In addition, it can provide power to multiple locations without the need for additional cables or outlets at each site. With PoE (Power over Ethernet), organizations can easily expand their networks and respond quickly to changing needs. This technology supports a wide range of devices, including low-power networking equipment that adheres to PoE Standard - such as IP telephone devices, network cameras, wireless access points, and monitoring devices.

The decision on selecting Poe or non-Poe is contingent upon the state of your existing network infrastructure. If the powering of your PD device is already feasible, then choosing this feature may not be necessary. However, if powering your PD device is inconvenient, then opting for the Poe option is still advised. Ultimately, the Poe function offers a cost-effective and time-saving solution, eliminating the need for additional electrical wiring installation.

Conclusion：

After examining the discrepancies between industrial fiber switches, do you have a clear understanding of which one suits your needs best? Ultimately, the appropriate choice varies based on your specific requirements. Olycom is well-equipped to provide a tailored solution to meet your needs. Feel free to contact us if you have any further inquiries.