Belden’s flexible switch design meets network demands
June 2015
IT in Manufacturing
Belden has introduced its latest addition to the Octopus family from Hirschmann – the Octopus OS30/34 switch. Delivering maximum network availability under extreme environmental conditions, the new, ruggedised switch has been specifically designed for transportation, manufacturing and machine building settings.
Taking into account customers in today’s data-rich industrial settings, the new switch series features Gigabit ports for connecting high speed backbones and Gigabit end devices, while its Power over Ethernet (PoE) support reduces cabling. Additionally, a bypass relay – according to the IEC 61375 standard for Ethernet in trains – extends the redundancy mechanisms and broadens the functional range of the Octopus series.
“Permanent access to systems and machines is an absolute prerequisite for everyday business and industrial operations,” said Rolf-Dieter Sommer, product manager at Belden. “To keep pace with the data demands of transportation and manufacturing applications, our product series features an unparalleled combination of functionality and serviceability for instant visibility into network performance.”
Two customisable housings are available, allowing customers to choose a switch that meets specific needs:
• The well-known, mid-sized Octopus allows for a maximum of 20 ports, including four Gigabit ports and up to 15 PoE ports.
• The full-sized version adds eight additional Fast Ethernet ports for a total of 28 ports per device.
• The Octopus OS30/34 is available either with Layer 3 software, including routing functionalities, or with Layer 2 software for switching.
With configurable features in two different housings, engineers and installers now have increased access to high-speed uplink ports and Gigabit ports for local devices powered through PoE, including digital video recorders and wireless local area network (WLAN) access points.
The switch gives customers the option of fibre or copper cabling, and offers high-vibration resistance and broad protection to electrostatic discharges. With an IP67 rating, the switch meets the requirements of routing functions in waterproof and dust-tight housings for mounting outside of cabinets, and operates at temperatures ranging from -40 to 70°C.
These features make the Octopus specifically relevant for many transportation applications, including onboard train networks, passenger information systems in train stations, conveyer systems, and traffic surveillance on highways, bridges and in tunnels.
For more information contact Fons de Leeuw, Profitek, +27 (0)12 345 6544, [email protected], www.profitek.co.za
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