Managed Fast Ethernet Switch Hirschmann RS20-0800S2S2SDAEHC, HiPER-Ring

　　The Hirschmann RS20-0800S2S2SDAEHC is a managed industrial Ethernet switch that stands as a reliable cornerstone for building resilient and secure industrial network infrastructures.As a Fast Ethernet switch,it delivers dependable 100 Mbps connectivity,engineered specifically to thrive in the demanding conditions of factory floors,automation cells,and other harsh environments.This device goes beyond simple data transfer,offering advanced management,robust redundancy protocols,and a fanless design,making it an ideal choice for organizations prioritizing network stability,operational continuity,and seamless integration into industrial control systems.

　　1.Product Overview and Core Positioning

　　Belonging to Hirschmann's(a Belden brand)renowned RS20 series,this switch is designed as a compact,managed industrial Ethernet switch for deployment on DIN rails within control cabinets.Its core function is to ensure deterministic and reliable communication between industrial devices.Unlike standard commercial switches,the RS20-0800S2S2SDAEHC is built to withstand challenges like electromagnetic interference,temperature fluctuations,and continuous operation critical to industrial processes.With its specific combination of fiber optic and copper ports,it provides the flexibility to create mixed-media networks,connecting local devices via copper and establishing reliable,noise-immune backbone links over fiber.

　　2.Hardware Design and Physical Specifications

　　Industrial-Grade Construction and Environmental Resilience

　　The switch is housed in a robust casing with an IP20 protection rating,safeguarding it against contact with solid objects.It operates silently and maintenance-free thanks to its fanless design,which enhances its long-term reliability by eliminating a common point of failure and preventing dust accumulation.Engineered for industrial environments,it supports a wide operating temperature range of 0°C to+60°C,ensuring stable performance in non-climate-controlled settings.Its high EMC immunity protects against the electrical noise commonly found in industrial plants.

　　Port Configuration and Power Supply

　　This Fast Ethernet switch features a total of 8 ports for comprehensive connectivity.This includes 6 standard 10/100BASE-TX RJ45 ports for connecting devices like PLCs,HMIs,and sensors using standard copper Ethernet cables.The remaining two ports are 100BASE-FX single-mode fiber optic(SM-SC)uplinks.These fiber ports are crucial for creating long-distance,electrically isolated connections between switches,immune to ground loops and electromagnetic interference.The switch supports a wide-range redundant power input,accepting 9.6-60 V DC or 18-30 V AC,which allows for flexible integration into existing power systems and enhances reliability through power redundancy.With a low power consumption of 7.7W,it is also an energy-efficient choice.

　　3.Software Features and Network Management Capabilities

　　Advanced Redundancy for Maximum Uptime

　　A key feature of this managed industrial Ethernet switch is its support for multiple high-speed redundancy protocols.It natively supports HIPER-Ring(both as Manager and Ring Switch),enabling the creation of redundant network rings with recovery times of 20ms or less,which is vital for real-time control applications.It also supports the standardized Media Redundancy Protocol and Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol,providing flexibility to integrate into diverse network architectures and ensure rapid fault recovery.This multi-protocol redundancy approach is a cornerstone of building self-healing industrial networks.

　　Comprehensive Management and Security

　　The switch's"Enhanced"software version unlocks a full suite of management tools.It can be configured and monitored via a web interface,command-line interface,or SNMP(v1,v2c,and v3),catering to both novice and expert network engineers.For network security and traffic optimization,it supports features like IEEE 802.1Q VLAN for segmenting networks,QoS for prioritizing critical traffic,and IGMP snooping for efficient multicast management.These capabilities ensure that time-sensitive data,such as control commands,are delivered without delay,even during high network load.

　　4.Application Areas and Industry Solutions

　　The Hirschmann RS20-0800S2S2SDAEHC is engineered for a wide array of industrial applications where reliability is non-negotiable.Its robust design makes it suitable for factory automation,connecting production lines and robotic cells.In the power utility sector,its certifications and reliability align with the needs for substation communications.It can also be effectively deployed in transportation systems and process industries like chemical or water treatment,where its ruggedized design ensures continuous operation.The use of single-mode fiber uplinks makes it particularly well-suited for applications requiring long-distance connections between network segments,such as in sprawling industrial plants or across a campus facility.

　　5.Installation and Maintenance Advantages

　　The switch's compact dimensions and DIN rail mounting design make installation straightforward and space-efficient within industrial control panels.The absence of moving parts,thanks to the fanless construction,significantly reduces maintenance needs and contributes to a high Mean Time Between Failures,supporting a long service life with minimal intervention.Advanced diagnostics capabilities,including port mirroring,RMON,and LLDP topology discovery,allow network administrators to proactively monitor network health,quickly pinpoint issues,and perform troubleshooting without disrupting overall operations.

　　Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

　　What are the key differences between the'Enhanced'and'Professional'software versions for this switch?

　　The RS20-0800S2S2SDAEHC comes with the"Enhanced"software version(denoted by the'E'in its model number).This includes a robust feature set for remote access,diagnostics,filtering,and redundancy(like HIPER-Ring and RSTP).The"Professional"version(denoted by'P')builds upon this by adding enhanced security features such as SSH encryption and IEEE 802.1X authentication,as well as more advanced traffic management functions like traffic shaping.The choice depends on the specific security and traffic control requirements of your application.

　　How do the redundancy protocols like HIPER-Ring enhance network reliability?

　　Redundancy protocols are critical for maintaining network availability.HIPER-Ring creates a closed loop of switches.If a cable is cut or a switch fails,the protocol detects the break and re-routes traffic in the opposite direction around the ring,typically within 20 milliseconds.This rapid recovery is faster than the human perceptible threshold and prevents most industrial processes from being interrupted,ensuring continuous operation of mission-critical systems.

　　Why is the fanless design significant for an industrial switch?

　　A fanless design is a major advantage in industrial settings.Fans are mechanical components that are prone to failure over time,especially when clogged with dust and debris common in factory environments.By eliminating the fan,the switch removes a primary point of failure,thereby increasing its overall reliability and lifespan.It also makes the switch completely silent and prevents it from drawing contaminants into its enclosure.

　　Can this switch operate in environments with extreme temperature variations?

　　Yes,the RS20-0800S2S2SDAEHC is designed for industrial temperature ranges.It has a specified operating temperature of 0°C to+60°C and can withstand storage temperatures from-40°C to+70°C.This wide range ensures stable performance in most industrial settings,though it may not be suitable for extreme outdoor or heavy industrial applications that require an even wider operating range(e.g.,-40°C to+75°C).