Siemens has expanded its range of managed industrial Ethernet switches with a new product line. The cost-effective Layer 2 Scalance XB-200 switches provide high data rates up to 100 Mbps and a multitude of functions. They support, for example, both the Profinet standard and the EtherNet/IP standard. Users can choose between both standards using a switchover function. As a result, the devices can be used for real-time communication in a variety of automation environments. The space-saving switches provide comprehensive functions for increasing safety and for configuration, diagnostics, and management of networks. Typical applications include machine networking in plants of the manufacturing industry and of the process industry such as oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals. In addition, the switches can be used in logistics, building technology, and transportation.
The compact switches support VLANs (virtual local area networks) and are also certified for use in hazardous areas (IECEx/ATEX Zone 2/UL HazLoc). Security functions such as multicast blocking, loop detection and access control via Radius Server allow them to be integrated into security concepts for the protection of networks. Comprehensive SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) functions such as SNMP V3 allow the monitoring of large networks with monitoring tools such as Sinema Server.
The four device versions in a plastic enclosure with widths of 40 mm, 80 mm, or 120 mm save space in the control cabinet. With up to 16 electrical and three optical connections (SC, ST/SC, and SC LD), the devices offer great flexibility in choosing the right switch and can even cover distances up to 26 km in single mode. A new slide on the enclosure simplifies unlocking and allows easy manual installation of switches on the DIN rail.
Network communication is not interrupted even during a power failure due to the redundant power supply with two 3-pin connectors. The console port allows users to connect to a terminal for configuration, diagnostics, and management of the network using a CLI (command line interface). Alternatively, these settings can be made via the web interface of the Scalance XB-200.
Transforming pulp and paper with automation and digitalisation ABB South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
The pulp and paper industry in South Africa is undergoing a significant transformation from traditional manual processes to embracing automation technologies. Automation in pulp and paper mills aims to improve various production stages, from raw material preparation to final product creation.
Read more...Protecting industrial networks with resilient defence RJ Connect
IT in Manufacturing
Network security is no longer just about preventing hacking or data breaches. For operational technology networks, resilient defence and consistent uptime are crucial. They are the core tenets that underpin Moxa’s guarded uptime and resilient defence (GUARD).
Read more...The metaverse is now: are you ready to reimagine your business?
IT in Manufacturing
The convergence of the digital and physical worlds, driven by spatial computing and the metaverse, is rapidly reshaping business landscapes. This transformation extends beyond the mere novelty of virtual reality headsets and augmented reality filters, signalling a fundamental shift in how organisations operate, collaborate and innovate.
Read more...Electromagnetic flow measurement Siemens South Africa
Flow Measurement & Control
The SITRANS FM electromagnetic flowmeters from Siemens deliver high-precision volume measurement of electrically conductive liquid applications – from water, wastewater and irrigation to hygienic processes and even mining slurries with magnetic particles.
Read more...AI and cyber security: South Africa’s next battleground
IT in Manufacturing
Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming a double-edged sword in the world of cybersecurity. In South Africa, where cybercrime is on the rise, AI presents both an opportunity and a threat.Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming a double-edged sword in the world of cybersecurity. In South Africa, where cybercrime is on the rise, AI presents both an opportunity and a threat.
Read more...Addressing the cooling needs of the modern data centre Schneider Electric South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
The rise in hardware density in data centres is gaining speed and is largely driven by the demands of artificial intelligence and machine learning, requiring more powerful servers and specialised hardware.
Read more...South Africa’s next cyber security frontier
IT in Manufacturing
AI-powered agents are rapidly transforming how South African businesses operate, from chatbots managing customer inquiries to automated systems processing financial transactions. While these AI-driven assistants increase efficiency and reduce operational costs, they also present a new, and often underestimated, cybersecurity challenge: identity management.