(Cincinnati, Ohio – 3/05/2008) - The Industrial Automation Group of Advantech introduces the EKI-7656C 16+2 combo port industrial managed redundant Gigabit Ethernet switch. This compact and industrially hardened switch offers advanced traffic control for optimum network performance and security, along with rapid self-healing fiber optic ring capabilities to ensure network uptime in adverse environments.The 18-port EKI-7656C features 16 Fast Ethernet (10/100Base-TX) and two combo gigabit (1000Base-T) ports, which support both copper (RJ-45) connections and optional industry-standard Small-Form-factor Pluggable (SFP) modules, giving users the power and flexibility to configure the switch for their unique application requirements.
About the size of an “AA” battery, SFPs are available in single-mode and multi-mode fiber models, for fiber connections ranging from 500M to 110km (1,800 feet to 68 miles).To meet the real-time fault-tolerant needs of manufacturing, Advantech developed the ultra fast X-Ring, which in the event of a fiber cable fault or similar problem, switches to the backup connection in less than 10ms, ensuring solid and reliable network communications. “Where an interruption of a few seconds is acceptable in the office, it’s an eternity for most manufacturing environments,” said Paul Wacker, Advantech’s Product Manager for Industrial Communication products.
“By deploying Advantech’s self-healing X-Ring, which is several hundred times faster than conventional solutions like RSTP (Rapid Spanning Tree), customers can ensure maximum network uptime and reliability.”For even greater network resiliency, X-Ring supports advanced architectures including dual rings and coupled rings. There is even backward compatibility with enterprise and back-office to factory-floor connections, with support for RSTP (Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol) and its predecessor STP (Spanning Tree Protocol).The EKI-7656C provides a broad range of advanced traffic control functions. QoS (Quality of Service) ensures priority delivery of critical data, and rate limiting can shape excessive traffic from connected devices.
Ethernet MAC and IP address filtering limits access to only authorized devices and users.Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs) allow the creation of multiple logical networks within a single physical network, providing network segmentation for improved performance and enhanced security. For customers using Ethernet/IP “Implicit” messaging for I/O devices, IGMP Snooping allows the switch to listen to multicast traffic, and limits it to just the ports using it.For easier network troubleshooting and maintenance, the switch also supports advanced traffic monitoring and diagnostics. Port Mirroring allows eavesdropping on data traveling in or out of switch ports.
Used with a PC-based diagnostics program or protocol analyzer, it is a valuable tool for rapidly troubleshooting device problems. Also a built-in Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server allows automatic assignment of network settings for attached devices.
It can even be configured to assign static IP (Internet Protocol) addresses to specific ports, eliminating the need for manual configuration of attached network devices.For centralized remote management, and integration with enterprise network management systems, the EKI-7656C also features Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP).Ideal for demanding environments, the EKI-7656C features industrial-grade components, is designed to withstand extreme shock and vibration, and includes redundant 12 to 48 VDC power inputs for resiliency with a built-in fault relay output to signal external logic or a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC). Its compact size allows it to fit in even the tightest spaces, using either standard DIN-rail or direct panel mounts.
Plus, it is cUL (UL/CSA), FCC, CE, and RoHS/WEEE certified.Harry Forbes, ARC Advisory Group, commented, “This new product is part of the growing number of Advantech products for industrial Ethernet infrastructure. Advantech is initially focused on high performance but lower cost managed switches. With 18 Ethernet ports, this new managed switch can serve larger and more critical applications than earlier Advantech products.” Advantech Corporation, Industrial Automation Group - Founded in 1983, the Industrial Automation Group of Advantech Corporation is a pioneer in eAutomation technology; combining connectivity, flexibility and ruggedness with today's most reliable PC-based automation technologies.
Product offerings include: Open HMI platforms, Industrial Ethernet, Automation Controllers, Automation Software, Embedded Automation Computers, Distributed I/O Modules, Plug-in I/O, and Industrial Communication solutions for a wide array of industries. With more than 20 years experience in providing a full range of products to different vertical markets, the eAutomation group is proving to be a globally leading Automation Product and Services provider.
