Key Features of a 10 Gigabit Industrial Managed Switch

Designed and standardized by IEEE and based on 802.3 guidelines and rules, 10G Ethernet has been in use for more than a decade. In fact, there has been astronomical developments in terms of speed, data rate transmission reaching even over 50G. Therefore, 10G is still used in most legacy networks and is even combined with fiber optics using a fiber optic cable, 10 Gigabit Ethernet switches, media converters, and other related network devices. Here, in a blended network, the 10 Gigabit switch and the media converter play a crucial role. Often we see a 10 Gigabit industrial managed switch being used in such networks for businesses, but people are largely unaware of their working and other features. This white paper offers a comprehensive overview of these switches, their working, and also offers tips for their selection.

Deciphering the Meaning of 10 Gigabit Industrial Managed Switch

If we try to decipher this as a term, here is what it means. Let’s decipher the three terms independently- managed switch, 10 Gigabit switch, and Gigabit Ethernet switch.

• First, 10G means 10 gigabits per second which implies the data rate or speed of transmission. Gigabit Ethernet is an IEEE standardized technology which enables the connectivity among multiple devices in a network.
• A Gigabit Ethernet switch supports 10/100/1000 Base-T data rate and offers an improved bandwidth to the network devices. Also, with this you can connect 4K gaming or live steaming devices directly onto the network, without having to connect to the internet.
• Next, we come to managed switches. There are managed and unmanaged switches, wherein a managed switch can efficiently control and monitor network traffic and facilitate inter-device communication. It offers better functionality compared to unmanaged switches, and is suitable for industrial networks.

This is what implies as a whole when we discuss 10 Gigabit industrial managed switch. Ethernet switches are compatible with Cat5e or Cat6 cables in a copper cable network. In case of network expansion to fiber optics, Gigabit Ethernet switches are compatible with fiber optic cables as well.

Applications of 10 Gigabit Switches

10G connectivity is now an essential aspect of any business or organizational network owing to the increasing demand for data transfer over reasonably long distances, high speed, and seamless connectivity. It is essential for even the smallest of businesses, as large scale corporations are gradually moving towards fiber optics or adopting hybrid architectures comprising copper and fiber cables. Here are some uses of 10 Gigabit Ethernet switches.

• They are used in campuses of educational institutions or other organizations.
• They are used to connect two or more buildings in a gated community or commercial buildings.
• They form the backbone of data centers.
• These switches are used to connect manufacturing units, office, and warehouse across a few meters.

Why Using 10G Ethernet Switches is Crucial?

Selecting the right network devices including Gigabit managed switches and using 10G are crucial aspects to get the right speed and connectivity for your network and prevent any repair and compatibility issues, and all possible bottlenecks. Here are some reasons for using 10G:

• This is because of the demand for a large bandwidth, increasing number of personal devices such as cell phones being a part of the network or an industrial process.
• There is an increasing usage of remote access, digitized infrastructure such as door locks, and so on. All of these factors really demand increased bandwidth.
• There is a humungous amount of data received and sent by businesses to and from various sources. For this, you need good transmission speeds as well as network security to prevent data leaks.
• More and more data is being sent and received in the form of audio, video, live streaming, and so on.
• Businesses are expanding globally with a manufacturing facility in one place and the corporate office in another. While geographical distances for doing business are shrinking, networks need to be more robust and with increased capacities in terms of speed and distance of transmission in km.
• 10G helps prevent network congestion even as more and more users log in to the system.
• 10 Gigabit Ethernet switches help save physical space in a network room and facilitate virtual connectivity among devices in the network.
• This is why more and more businesses use 10G networks with a blend of copper and fiber. Getting the right 10G devices including the network switch is crucial.

Factors to Consider When Selecting the Right 10 Gigabit Industrial Managed Switch

These switches come with a number of ports. It is ideal to select a switch with up to 24 ports for most networks. Here are some factors which may help when choosing the right 10 Gigabit switch based on your network requirements:

• As mentioned, there are two categories of switches- managed and unmanaged. While managed switches have more features and benefits, they may not be a requisite in some networks. If you have a simple network in a small setup, an unmanaged switch may just work for you. It is also cost effective and facilitates inter-device communication. However, it is not intelligent like managed switches. Hence, if you have a medium to complex network, or plan to expand in the future, ensure your network is scalable and meets the increasing demands and complexities. Here, ruggedized managed switches are required.
• These switches can be used as standalone devices; however, this is applicable in small and less complex networks. Standalone switches are also managed switches; however, for complex networks with several devices, you may require stackable switches. Stackable switches ease the network management process and also enhances its capacity.
• Complex networks of huge businesses with a separate data center as well as multiple server rooms may lead to a lot of heat generation in the absence of an effective device cooling system. Hence, in such cases fan-based switches are the best option. This results in better heat dissipation. Fanless switches are an option in case of a small to medium network with minimal devices and a decent area with good ventilation. Fanless switches do have holes on each side which facilitates natural flow of air and heat dissipation.
• Using PoE or Power over Ethernet switches is a great option for organizations using IP phones and surveillance systems, which most businesses have today. They are also useful to establish network connectivity in remote areas. PoE switches prevent the need for extra power supplies, especially in hard to access or remote areas. Also, they are flexible enough with several end points.

Conclusion

Gigabit Ethernet switches are an integral part of a modern business network. It is essential to choose the right switch based on the type of network and device compatibility. To meet the demands pertaining to high speed, opting for a part fiber optic network would be a wise decision. With most Ethernet switches being compatible with copper as well as optical cables, you can use 10G Ethernet switch along with a media converter to blend copper and fiber networks and continue with 10G data rate. This also helps extend the network area geographically and does not hamper the speed in case of long distances. VERSITRON offers Ethernet switches, connectors, fiber media converters, and various other network devices which are compatible with both fiber and copper networks. The company offers them in various configurations and also offers installation kits to upgrade your network. For details, you can visit www.versitron.com and go through the information on various fiber optic network devices such as media converters, network switches, connectors, modems, and so on.