Optimal tuning for Hirschmann switches
October 2011
IT in Manufacturing
Belden has announced release 7.0 of its software platform from the Hirschmann product series, used in the Mach, Mice, Rail and Octopus families of managed switches from Hirschmann. Like previous versions, the latest release of this software platform offers a range of functions normally only found in backbone systems for the office area. These include comprehensive management, diagnosis and filter functions plus various redundancy methods, security mechanisms and real-time applications. In addition to DVMRP and PIM-DM, the new PIM-SM multicast protocol is provided for Layer 3, enabling optimum utilisation of bandwidth. The configuration, security and service functions have also been further enhanced.
Thanks to this latest software update, it is now possible to create configurations offline, without any active connection to the switches. These can be stored locally and copied to the devices later on. What is more, the ARC protocol makes it possible to configure an MRP ring automatically, enhancing the speed and reliability of this process. Only one switch must be modified in order to configure all others in the ring. All settings are then automatically stored on every switch.
Using IEEE802.1x multiclient authentication, several users can be authenticated on the same switch port. Blocked users can be automatically added to a ‘guest VLAN’ that only has restricted usage rights. In addition, ports which have faulty electrical or optical connections can be automatically deactivated in order to ensure the stability of the network.
Over and above this, the new software platform also provides additional service functions for IP telephony. LLDP for media endpoint devices (LLDP-MED) permits automatic assignment of network rules. The incorporation of IP phones into a Voice VLAN is also automatic, ensuring uniform voice quality.
With release 7.0 of its software platform for managed switches, Belden is setting new standards for industrial Ethernet. “Not only does it offer by far the largest range of standard features for the automation area, but this release also provides a whole series of special functions,” says product manager Jürgen Schmid. “The ARC-protocol, for example, enables automatic configuration of a complete MRP ring. This means that installation is simpler, faster and even more reliable.”
For more information contact Fons de Leeuw, Profitek Industrial Communications, 086 165 4321, [email protected], www.profiteksa.com
Further reading:
Siemens ecosystem strengthens data and AI integration
Siemens South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Siemens has announced significant expansions to its Industrial Edge ecosystem, accelerating data and AI integration and releasing enhanced cybersecurity functionalities. These enable a seamless integration of IT and OT environments, optimise processes and reduce operational disruptions.
Read more...
Siemens manages shipbuilding process for HD Hyundai
Siemens South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Siemens has been selected by HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering as a preferred partner to establish an integrated platform to manage the entire shipbuilding process as a single data flow to help ensure consistency across all its global shipyard facilities.
Read more...
Transforming the process industry through digitalisation
Endress+Hauser South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
By connecting field devices, systems and people, digitalisation creates new opportunities to optimise operations, enhance maintenance strategies and support continuous improvement. As a leading instrumentation provider and major source of process data, Endress+Hauser plays a key role in enabling this transformation.
Read more...
The OT operator’s guide to security and uptime on the plant
RJ Connect
IT in Manufacturing
The article addresses three common questions about industrial network deployment and maintenance, exploring ways to achieve better control and visibility with more efficiency.
Read more...
The assets you can’t see are the ones that can shut you down
IT in Manufacturing
ABEGuardOT is an asset management solution that delivers continuous, non-intrusive visibility across multi-vendor environments, including Siemens, Rockwell, ABB, Honeywell, Schneider Electric, Emerson, GE and Yokogawa, with support for OPC UA, EtherNet/IP, Modbus and Profibus.
Read more...
Edge I/O NTS and the need for industrial speed
Schneider Electric South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
One of the most compelling solutions to emerge from industrial automation is Edge I/O NTS, which represents a natural evolution of computing from centralised servers to localised, device-level input/output processing, offering improved speed, efficiency and resilience.
Read more...
The next wave of AI-driven process automation
Schneider Electric South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
As process industries hurtle toward an AI-driven future, four powerful trends are set to redefine automation strategies in 2026: hyper automation, AI-first automation, low code/no code platforms, and advanced process intelligence.
Read more...
Huge increase in denial-of-service cyber threats
IT in Manufacturing
NETSCOUT has released its Distributed Denial-of-Service Threat Intelligence report, revealing sophisticated attacker collaboration, resilient botnets and compromised IoT infrastructure that drove more than eight million DDoS attacks worldwide.
Read more...
Sustainable manufacturing
ABB South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
ABB’s production facility in Shandong province, China is delivering measurable energy and emissions reductions through the implementation of advanced digital energy management and electrification solutions.
Read more...
Open automation is breaking legacy chains
Schneider Electric South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Industrial automation is now entering a new era defined by open, software-driven principles that are breaking decades of hardware-bound limitations.
Read more...
printer friendly version