Networking infrastructure typically consists of IT switches – even for process control networks! But the needs, maintenance, support, uptime requirements, and cost for outages can be quite different than for office PCs. That’s why Softing makes redundant fiber networking switches for process control and manufacturing. Softing networking modules are plug and play, not complicated IT configuration projects. Softing networking modules handle multiple industrial protocols at the same time – IT switches don’t. Softing networking modules are plug and play because you don’t have time for configuration when a problem occurs.
What’s the most common question we get? “Why haven’t I heard of these switches before?” Because most people settle for the default IT switches. And, IT switches is what you should install from the PLC up to the business network because IT owns these switches. However, Phoenix Digital networking modules is what you need from PLC to PLC, and from PLC down to other Ethernet devices, because OT owns this, which means process control, manufacturing, and maintenance technicians. Networking from the PLC down is where your needs change, it’s where the criticality changes, and it’s where uptime requirements change. And it’s where Phoenix Digital built-for-purpose networking modules will eliminate your networking headaches.
