IT in Manufacturing


Westermo's newest Ethernet line extender

September 2012 IT in Manufacturing

Westermo has enhanced its series of Ethernet line extenders with the release of a high-speed, compact device that is capable of meeting the increasing data transfer demands within industrial applications. The DDW-142 is the latest addition to the Wolverine range, which uses SHDSL technology to establish a high-speed connection between Ethernet networks using any existing copper cables. This can enable considerable cost savings to be made when installing new systems where in the past the only option would have been fibre.

The DDW-142 is a fully managed device with Layer 2 switch functionality that enables effective Ethernet networks to be created over distances of up to 15 km. Data rates of up to 30,4 Mbits/s are possible, making the device suitable for connecting complex networks that may include a large number of devices requiring high bandwidth. An integral 2-port 100 Mbit switch allows two Ethernet devices to be attached and a RS-232 port enables legacy devices to be easily incorporated into the IP network.

To support engineers that are installing and maintaining ever increasingly complex networks, the DDW-142 has been designed to be easy to set up, requiring no configuration for simple point-to-point communications. For larger networks, a web interface is provided and a CLI allows more complex configuration. The Wolverine range is also supplied with a unique cable distance calculator. This uses data from real-world applications to enable installers to calculate the speed and achievable distances using different types of cable. Once installed, SHDSL diagnostics and management functions enable indication of line degradation allowing planned maintenance. Should maintenance be required, a back-up and restore facility enables configurations to be downloaded from a USB stick.

The DDW-142 is designed for use in tough environments and mission-critical railway, road or utility applications where device failure could result in significant costs. The rugged and very compact unit can operate in extreme temperatures


(-40 to +70°C) and where EMC and vibration levels are high. Total galvanic isolation and transient protection of the electronics contribute to a Mean Time Between Failure of 437 000 hours, ensuring high operational reliability and a long service life.



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