Smallest Ethernet switch cleans network traffic

A 2002 EDITORS’ CHOICE AWARDS WINNER

Ethernet switches are the cornerstones of modern Ethernet networks. Switches clean up network traffic by forwarding data directly to the destination, and increase determinism by guaranteeing bandwidth to each device.

Today, Ethernet switch users expect specific features, such as auto-configuration, recognizing the speed and address of each connected device, as well as flow control, regulating data flow on each port to minimize congestion. However, most commercial switches, according to Contemporary Controls , have temperature limits of 40 °C; don’t mount on DIN rails or operate from 24 V dc supplies; and lack industrial EMC or hazardous location ratings. Also, commercial products can become obsolete in six months.

To meet users stringent requirements, and address the shrinking panel space of small machines, Contemporary Controls (Downers Grove, IL; Coventry, U.K.) recently introduced its CTRLink line of miniature industrial Ethernet hubs and switches. CTRLink is the world’s smallest switches so far, according to the company. These miniature switches are designed for copper wire, 10Base-T, and 100Base-TX, though the company also offers fiber-optic, 10Base-FL and 100Base-FX connectivity with its companion media converters. The switches use 10-36 V dc or 8-24 V ac power, with support for dual redundant power supplies and accommodations for battery backup.

www.CTRLink.com/ce

• Affordable industrial Ethernet switches, hubs, gateways, converters

• Low-voltage ac/dc operation

• Wide temperature range

• DIN-rail mounting

• Personalized tech support

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