Why implement an industrial-grade Ethernet solution?
As we know, the commercial-grade rackmount Ethernet switch infrastructure is generally placed in a climate-controlled environment that is carefully monitored to ensure optimum network performance for its terminal control servers. The environment for normal IT applications is almost always temperature controlled at 25°C and kept very clean. Although commercial-grade switches seldom require long service lives, an Ethernet switch with a service life of over 20 years is often specified in mission-critical processes.
The industrial rackmount Ethernet switch is not only used in a wide range of vertical markets, but it is also finding uses in different facets of each mission and business critical application. Many industrial network system environments, particularly those in power automation applications and transportation, have higher ambient temperatures (i.e. > 30°C) and particulate contamination in the air. Industrial Ethernet equipment is designed to tolerate moderate amounts of non-conductive dust and high ambient air temperatures of at least 75°C, and usually have an optional design for 85°C ambient temperature. In the power automation industry, gas and coal power plants often contain sulfur compounds. Vehicles in the transportation industry also emit these compounds. The combustion of these compounds generate sulfur dioxide. Sulfur dioxide gas forms dilute sulfuric acid when combined with moist air. Moxa industrial rackmount Ethernet switches designed for these applications have epoxy-coated and acid resistant metal coatings that feature the highest level of reliability and durability.
Strict requirements for industrial applications
Moxa industrial rackmount Ethernet solutions have built-in design margins to preserve operation life in less than perfect environments. Our rackmount Ethernet switch also has a high MTBF backed by a 20-year parts replacement program.
Wide operating temperature range
In industrial environments, extremely high and low temperatures can be a big problem affecting normal operation. Moxa's rackmount Ethernet switches are designed for fan-less operation in a wide temperature range of -40 to 75°C, provide the highest operation reliability, and are especially suitable for harsh environments.
Redundancy for higher network availability
For mission-critical applications, even a small breakdown may lead to a huge loss of money or other resources. Moxa's rackmount Ethernet switches provide multiple levels of redundant features to help maximize network availability.
Media redundancy
Media redundancy is a key factor in maintaining efficient network communication and ensuring minimal data loss. When network connections fail, media redundancy helps to reconnect networks in a very short time. Moxa's managed rackmount Ethernet switches come with the world's fastest Turbo Ring redundancy (20 ms @ 250 switches), and standard STP or RSTP redundant protocol. In addition to a single ring redundancy structure, Turbo Ring also provides multiple ring-coupling functions, such as "Ring Coupling," "Dual Homing," and "Dual Ring."
Power input redundancy
Huge losses may be caused by small and sudden power failure. Thus, non-stop operation is the key criterion for mission-critical applications. The IKS-6726 supports dual redundant power supplies with universal power sources (24/48 VDC or 110/220 VAC/VDC input voltage). For example, you can choose 110/200 VAC/VDC as your main power source, and 48 VDC from a battery as your back up power source.
Configuration redundancy
Easy and time-saving orientations help users to maintain the system efficiently. The ABC-01 backup configuration tool can both save and load configurations automatically when connected to a Moxa managed Ethernet switch. This novel management tool helps reduce downtime, and can be used for fast configuration duplication of large-scale networks.
Certifications to ensure reliable operation
Each industrial vertical market has its own requirements and certifications, and meeting those certifications can ensure a reliable operation. Moxa developed the IKS industrial rackmount Ethernet switch series to meet the needs of a variety of applications, including power automation, traffic control center, and marine and offshore operations.
Road traffic control system standard – NEMA TS2
The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) established the TS1 standard to define technically adequate and safe traffic control equipment. The TS2 standard was later introduced to address some drawbacks of the original guidelines. NEMA TS2 defines controllers, cabinets, and systems more completely than TS1, promotes better interchangeability, and allows for future expandability. Section 2 contains the environmental and testing requirements, including guidelines for temperature, humidity, voltage, vibration, and shock. IKS series switches are compliant with the NEMA TS2 traffic control system standard.
Test
NEMA TS2
Temperature
-34 to 74°C
Humidity
8 % to 90 % RH, non-condensing
Voltage
120 to 135 VAG @ 57 to 63 Hz
Vibration
0.5 g @ 5 to 30 Hz
Shock
10 G's for 11 ms
Railway control system standards – EN50121-4, EN50155
EN50121-4 and EN50155 define the emission and immunity of signaling and telecommunication apparatuses. They outline the issues that need to be addressed to ensure that railway electrical systems are integrated successfully.
Safeguarding life and property in marine environments
DNV certification
establishes the suitability of products for
use in maritime and offshore environments.
DNV helps the maritime industry manage risks
in all phases of a ship's life; DNV certification
for devices used as part of maritime and offshore
applications is highly coveted. Moxa's rackmount
Ethernet switches have obtained DNV and GL
certifications, and are being tested for ABS,
LR, and NK certifications, verifying their
suitability for use in critical maritime workplaces,
such as on ships and offshore platforms.
Safety standard – UL60950-1
The UL standard represents the European Union's requirements for CE marking. The scope of any safety standard is to establish minimum criteria to reduce the likelihood of injury or damage. All Moxa rackmount Ethernet switches meet UL 60950-1 certification.
Moxa's IKS series industrial rackmount Ethernet solutions provide a reliable and open network infrastructure that allows the various systems used in today's industrial automation applications to communicate effectively. This results in the highest level of reliability and availability for communications, which is ideal for setting up diverse automation applications, such as power automation, traffic control, marine and offshore operations, and more.
Industrial vs. commercial rackmount Ethernet switches
Evaluation Factors
Moxa Industrial rackmount Ethernet Switch
Commercial rackmount Ethernet Switch
A. Electrical - Surge Levels & EMI/RFI
ESD
Enclosure port
(direct contact)
± 8 KV
± 4 KV
Enclosure port
(no direct contact)
± 15 KV
± 8 KV
Radiated RFI Standard(RS)
Signal ports
10 V/m @ 80 to 1 GHz
3 V/m @ 80 to 1 GHz
Surge
Signal ports
± 1 KV CM
n/a
DC power port
± 2 KV CM / ± 1 KV DM
0.5 KV
AC power port
± 2 KV CM / +/- 1 KV DM
2 KV
EFT
Signal ports
± 1 KV
± 0.5 KV
DC power port
± 2 KV
± 0.5 KV
AC power port
± 2 KV
± 1 KV
PF Magnetic
Field
Enclosure ports
100 A/m continuous
1 A/m
1000 A/m 1 s to 3 s
B. Physical Environment
Low air temperature operation
-40°C, 24- and 48-hour cycle tests
0°C
High air temperature operation
+85°C, 95% humidity test, 24- and 48-hour cycle tests
40°C
Low air temperature for storage and
transportation
-40°C, 16-hour test
-40°C
High air temperature for storage and
transportation
+85°C, 20-hour test
70°C
Stationary vibration
5 to 150 Hz random vibration
n/a
Shock
Half-sine duration: 30 ms
Peak acceleration: 50 m/s² along the x-axis and 30 m/s² along the y- and z-axes
n/a
Freefall
Under 20 kg:: 0.9m
n/a
C. Longevity
Design life
20-25 years
5-7 years in IT application
Warranty
5 years
1-2 years
D. Performance Testing
100% Burn-in
All models undergo a 100%
bum-in test
Not usually required
Certification
EN60950-1, NEMA TS2,
DNV/GL, FCC Part15,
CISPR(EN55022) class A
