By vantal As industrial networks become more intelligent and interconnected, choosing the right industrial Ethernet switch is no longer a simple task. With diverse options ranging from unmanaged switches to Layer 2/3 managed switches, DIN-rail or rack-mounted, PoE-enabled or not, professionals must carefully evaluate their needs to ensure optimal network performance, stability, and scalability.To some extent, Industrial Switch manufacturers Our development has surpassed many peer businesses, but it has never stopped moving forward. https://yuhangswitch.com
In this comprehensive guide, we walk you through the key considerations for selecting industrial Ethernet switches°™from foundational concepts to advanced selection criteria. Whether you°Øre a beginner setting up your first SCADA system or an engineer building an Industry 4.0-ready infrastructure, this article is your complete roadmap.
1. What Is an Industrial Ethernet Switch
An industrial Ethernet switch is a rugged networking device designed for harsh environments like factories, energy stations, transportation systems, and outdoor installations. Unlike commercial switches, they offer:
Wide operating temperature ranges (typically -40°„C to +75°„C)
EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) protection
DIN-rail or wall mounting support
Redundant power inputs
High reliability for 24/7 operation
These switches serve as the backbone of industrial control systems, enabling seamless data communication between PLCs, HMIs, sensors, IP cameras, and cloud platforms.
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2. Managed vs. Unmanaged: Which One Do You Need
Unmanaged Switches
Simple plug-and-play devices
No configuration required
Suitable for basic, isolated or non-critical applications
Best for: Small systems, edge devices, temporary setups
Managed Switches (L2 or L3)
Allow VLAN, QoS, IGMP snooping, redundancy, diagnostics
Support remote management and monitoring
Critical for segmented, scalable, or high-availability networks
Best for: SCADA, automation lines, smart city projects, power grid systems
Pro Tip: Start with L2 managed switches for most industrial applications. L3 is needed when routing between subnets or when acting as a core switch.
3. Key Features to Look for in Industrial Ethernet Switches
To make an informed choice, evaluate switches based on these six essential criteria:
1. Port Type and Speed
Fast Ethernet (100Mbps): Suitable for legacy devices and low-bandwidth systems
Gigabit Ethernet (1000Mbps): Recommended for modern systems, video surveillance, or future expansion
Combo ports (SFP + RJ45): Allow fiber and copper flexibility
2. Mounting Method
DIN-Rail Mounted: Compact, easy installation in control cabinets
Rack-Mounted: Ideal for centralized network control rooms
3. Power Supply Options
Dual redundant DC inputs enhance fault tolerance
PoE/PoE+ support is useful for powering IP cameras, access points, or sensors
4. Environmental Durability
Wide temperature range: -40°„C to +75°„C
IP-rated enclosures for dust/moisture protection
Fanless design ensures silent, low-maintenance operation
5. Network Management Functions
Look for L2 features like:
VLAN (IEEE 802.1Q) for traffic segmentation
QoS for prioritizing control signals
IGMP snooping for multicast optimization
RSTP/ERPS for network redundancy
Port mirroring & SNMP for diagnostics
6. Certifications
EMC standards (IEC 61000, EN55022)
Railway or marine certifications (EN50155, DNV) if required