The new EKI-8528 modular Ethernet switch from Advantech is available at ESIS. This switch is designed to enhance network management and connectivity within digital substations and power utilities.
Engineered to meet the rigorous IEC 61850-3 standards, it offers tailored solutions to the complex and demanding requirements of medium- to large-scale industrial networks. The EKI-8528 supports up to 24 gigabit ports and 4 10-gigabit uplink options, accommodating a variety of networking requirements.
The EKI-8528, a robust Layer 3 switch, supports advanced routing protocols such as RIPv1/v2, OSPFv3 and VRRP, along with PIM multiple routing features. It boasts a substantial 3K routing table size, ensuring efficient and reliable data exchange across multiple network nodes. The switch features three front slots for modular managed configurations, supporting either 8 SFP ports or 8 RJ-45 port modules, with two back slots reserved for AC or DC power input modules.
Designed for extreme conditions, varied industries
This modular design enhances system flexibility and scalability, accommodating different industrial scenarios. The EKI-8528 offers Layer 2 functionality, allowing for seamless integration over various network architectures and providing enhanced control over data traffic and network performance.
Designed to operate in harsh substation environments, these managed Ethernet switches endure continuous and transient electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) challenges. Their rugged, fanless design and wide operating temperature range of -40 to 75°C ensures stable performance under extreme conditions. The switches are also EN 50121-4 certified, making them ideal for intelligent transportation systems.
Redundancy built in
The L3 managed Ethernet switch features a redundant power supply and X-Ring Pro network redundancy, which are essential for uninterrupted operations in mission-critical applications. The EKI-8528 supports optional high-availability seamless redundancy (HSR) and parallel redundancy protocol (PRP) modules with zero packet loss, ensuring continuous network connectivity and reliability. These protocols are crucial for smart grid networks to maintain a stable energy supply.
The EKI-8528 integrates time-sensitive networking (TSN) protocols to support precise time synchronisation and deterministic data transmission, vital for applications in industrial automation and robotics, and critical IoT implementations. The IEEE 1588v2 PTP precision time protocol enhances these capabilities by providing stringent timing, reliable clock synchronisation, and heightened security measures.
ESIS Industrial Electronics offers a range of industrial computing solutions, including rugged tablets, data loggers, industrial displays, integrated computing platforms and programmable interfaces for direct PLC integration. Talk to us about solutions to keep your business operations running efficiently.
Article courtesy of: Advantech
