Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs) provide an elegant solution. By dividing a single physical Ethernet network into multiple logical networks, VLANs help engineers control traffic flow, improve performance, and enhance security—all without adding extra hardware. Introduction As industrial networks expand to support more devices, data…
Modern industrial automation relies on reliable, deterministic communication between controllers, I/O devices, HMIs, and supervisory systems. As factories become more connected through IIoT and edge computing, maintaining consistent network performance is critical for both uptime and safety. Introduction Unlike unmanaged switches that simply forward Ethernet…
Broadcast storms occur when excessive broadcast or multicast traffic overwhelms the network, consuming bandwidth and CPU resources on every connected device. Even a single malfunctioning node can bring a production line to a halt. Introduction In Industrial Ethernet networks, reliability is everything. PLCs, HMIs, drives,…
The ability to detect early warning indicators—such as rising packet errors, latency spikes, or port failures—can prevent costly downtime. Introduction In a modern industrial environment, Ethernet networks are the nervous system connecting every part of the operation—from PLCs and drives on the plant floor to…
In industrial automation, determinism—the ability for data to arrive predictably and on time—is essential. Introduction Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), drives, and sensors must exchange control data within precise time intervals. Even small variations in latency can cause jitter, disrupt synchronization, or trigger system faults. However,…
Network Redundancy and Link Aggregation are essential features of managed industrial switches eliminates this single point of failure by providing alternate communication paths that activate automatically when a fault occurs. Introduction In industrial automation, downtime isn’t just inconvenient—it’s expensive. Whether you’re running a bottling line,…
A fiber dongle, more commonly known as a Small Form-factor Pluggable (SFP) module, is used in a network switch to connect to a fiber optic cable. You would choose to use a fiber dongle for connections that require higher speed, longer distance, or immunity to…
At its simplest, a network switch is a plug-and-play device that lets other devices connect to a local area network. But some network switches can manage every aspect of how devices interact with the systems they are connected to. Networks come in many shapes and…
A managed network switch is a device that gives system administrators greater control over every piece of information that travels through their industrial networks. With features to boost security, manage traffic, and improve network performance, they’re a must have for high-end industrial automation and control…