Hirschmann MS20-0800SAAEHC Modular DIN Rail Industrial Ethernet Switch

　　Hirschmann MS20-0800SAAEHC:A Modular DIN Rail Switch for Demanding Industrial Environments

　　1 Product Overview and Core Technology

　　The Hirschmann MS20-0800SAAEHC stands as a robust and versatile solution in the realm of industrial networking,expertly blending the flexibility of a Modular DIN Rail Switch with the potential for rack-mounted integration,serving as a dependable Rackmount Industrial Switch.This device is a managed,modular Ethernet/Fast Ethernet switch that complies with IEEE 802.3 standards,engineered to deliver reliable communication in harsh industrial settings.Its core design philosophy revolves around providing a future-proof networking backbone that can be tailored to specific connectivity needs,supporting a maximum of 8 Fast Ethernet ports through the use of modular media modules.Operating on a store-and-forward switching mechanism and featuring a fanless design,this switch ensures silent operation and enhanced reliability for critical automation and control systems where uptime is paramount.

　　As part of Hirschmann's MICE(Modular Industrial Communications Equipment)series,the MS20-0800SAAEHC is built to withstand the mechanical,ingress,climatic,and electromagnetic challenges typical of industrial environments.The switch comes with the enhanced software version,which includes a comprehensive set of features for advanced network management,diagnostics,and redundancy.With a wide operating power range and robust construction,it serves as a fundamental building block for creating scalable and resilient network topologies,including linear,star,and ring configurations,with HIPER-Ring support enabling recovery times of less than 300 milliseconds for mission-critical applications.

　　2 Technical Specifications and Performance Data

　　The Hirschmann MS20-0800SAAEHC is defined by a set of rigorous technical specifications that underscore its suitability for industrial deployment.In terms of port configuration,this modular switch can support up to 8 Fast Ethernet(10/100 Mbps)ports through the use of media modules,with no integrated Gigabit ports,focusing instead on robust and deterministic Fast Ethernet performance for industrial control systems.The power supply requirements are flexible,accommodating a wide input range of 18-32 VDC,with a typical current consumption of 208 mA at 24 VDC,ensuring compatibility with standard industrial power supplies.

　　The environmental robustness of this switch is a key differentiator.It is designed to operate reliably within a temperature range of 0°C to+60°C and can withstand storage and transport temperatures from-40°C to+70°C.It handles relative humidity from 10%to 95%(non-condensing).A testament to its built quality and reliability is its high Mean Time Between Failures(MTBF)of 54.7 years.The switch's physical dimensions are 125 x 133 x 100 mm(W x H x D),and it is designed for DIN rail mounting,with a weight of 610 grams.It boasts an IP20 protection rating,safeguarding it against solid objects but not against liquids,making it suitable for controlled industrial panels.Furthermore,its electromagnetic compatibility(EMC)performance is robust,with high immunity to electrostatic discharge(ESD),burst,surge,and conducted disturbances,meeting various international standards like EN 61000-4-2,EN 61000-4-4,and EN 61000-4-5.

　　3 Design Features and Construction

　　3.1 Modular Architecture and Physical Design

　　The Modular DIN Rail Switch architecture of the MS20-0800SAAEHC is one of its most significant features.This design allows network engineers to populate the switch with media modules that meet the specific needs of an application,rather than being locked into a fixed port configuration.This flexibility means that a single switch model can be adapted for various use cases,simplifying inventory management and providing scalability for future network expansions.The device's housing is engineered for durability,typically constructed from robust materials that can resist impact and vibration,complying with IEC 60068-2-27 and IEC 60068-2-6 standards for shock and vibration resistance.

　　While its primary mounting method is DIN rail,which is standard in industrial control panels,the design and available accessory kits also facilitate its integration into standard 19-inch racks,thereby also justifying its characterization as a Rackmount Industrial Switch.This dual-installation capability provides exceptional flexibility for integration into both new and existing industrial infrastructure,from compact control cabinets to larger server rooms.The fanless operation not only reduces potential failure points but also prevents the accumulation of dust and contaminants,a critical factor for long-term reliability in dirty industrial environments.

　　3.2 Comprehensive Management and Software Features

　　The MS20-0800SAAEHC is equipped with what Hirschmann terms the"enhanced"software version,providing a rich set of management and diagnostic tools.It supports multiple management interfaces,including a serial console(RS-232 via an RJ11 port),a web-based GUI,SNMP(v1,v2,and v3),and Telnet.For streamlined network administration,it is compatible with Hirschmann's HiVision network management software and supports automated configuration via the ACA21-USB adapter.This extensive manageability allows network administrators to monitor,configure,and troubleshoot the switch effectively.

　　From a software functionality perspective,this switch is well-equipped for complex industrial networks.It supports advanced redundancy protocols like HIPER-Ring(with recovery under 300ms),RSTP(Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol),and MRP(Media Redundancy Protocol)as per IEC standards.It offers comprehensive Quality of Service(QoS)features with four priority queues,VLAN tagging(IEEE 802.1Q),and multicast traffic management through IGMP snooping and querier functions.Security features include port security based on MAC and IP addresses,and it provides detailed diagnostics via LEDs,log files,syslog,RMON,and port mirroring.

　　4 Primary Application Areas and Industry Solutions

　　The Hirschmann MS20-0800SAAEHC finds its niche in a wide array of industrial sectors where network reliability and flexibility are non-negotiable.In factory automation and process control systems,this switch is instrumental in connecting PLCs,HMIs,motor drives,and sensors on a unified Ethernet network.Its support for industrial protocols like EtherNet/IP and PROFINET,along with its capability to function in a ring topology with ultra-fast redundancy,makes it a cornerstone for building deterministic and fault-tolerant network architectures that minimize production downtime.

　　Another critical application area is in critical infrastructure,such as power substations and transportation systems.The switch holds relevant certifications for these sectors,including cUL508,cUL1604 for Class 1 Division 2 hazardous locations,and optional certifications for substations(IEC 61850)and railways.Its robust EMC performance ensures stable operation in electrically noisy environments,while its wide operating temperature range allows for deployment in uncontrolled environments like outdoor cabinets or along rail tracks.Furthermore,its modular nature makes it an ideal choice for original equipment manufacturers(OEMs)who require a networking component that can be customized for different machine configurations or end-user requirements without changing the core model,providing a significant advantage in terms of design standardization and supply chain management.

　　5 Operational Advantages and Economic Benefits

　　5.1 Enhanced Network Reliability and Uptime

　　The Modular DIN Rail Switch MS20-0800SAAEHC delivers substantial operational advantages through its focus on maximizing network uptime.Its HIPER-Ring technology creates redundant network paths,ensuring that a single cable break or device failure does not bring down the entire network,with a guaranteed self-healing time of less than 300 milliseconds.This is crucial for industrial processes where even brief network interruptions can lead to significant production losses or safety incidents.The device's robust construction and high MTBF of 54.7 years directly contribute to lower failure rates and reduced maintenance interventions,translating into higher overall system availability and lower total cost of ownership.

　　The switch's comprehensive diagnostic capabilities,including signal contact outputs for remote alarm monitoring and detailed logging,enable a proactive maintenance strategy.Network administrators can identify potential issues,such as deteriorating cable quality or port errors,before they lead to catastrophic failures.This predictive approach to maintenance helps in planning downtime during scheduled production stops,thereby avoiding unplanned and costly outages.The fanless design further enhances reliability by eliminating a common mechanical point of failure and preventing dust ingress.

　　5.2 Flexibility and Future-Proofing

　　The modular design of the MS20-0800SAAEHC provides significant economic benefits by offering inherent future-proofing.Instead of replacing an entire switch when network requirements change,a system integrator can simply swap out or add new media modules.This could involve changing from electrical RJ45 ports to fiber optic ports for longer distances or noisier environments,all without rewiring the entire control panel or reconfiguring the network backbone.This flexibility protects the initial investment and adapts to evolving network topologies and technologies.

　　From a total cost of ownership perspective,the switch's high energy efficiency,with a power consumption of just 17.1 Btu/h,leads to lower operational expenses,especially in large-scale deployments with dozens of switches.The centralized management options via HiVision or SNMP-based network management systems reduce the time and cost associated with configuring and maintaining a large fleet of switches.The convergence of its DIN rail and potential rackmount capabilities also means that the same switch model can be deployed across different phases of a project or in different types of enclosures,simplifying spare parts inventory and technician training.

　　Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

　　What is the primary advantage of the modular design in this Hirschmann switch?

　　The primary advantage of the modular design in the MS20-0800SAAEHC is its exceptional flexibility and ability to be customized for specific application needs.Unlike fixed-configuration switches,this Modular DIN Rail Switch allows you to choose and install media modules that provide the exact type and number of ports required.This means you can tailor the connectivity for a mix of copper and fiber optic connections,adapt to different network segments without replacing the entire unit,and simplify inventory by standardizing on a single,adaptable switch model for various use cases within the industrial environment.

　　How does the HIPER-Ring feature enhance network stability in an industrial setting?

　　HIPER-Ring is a proprietary redundancy protocol from Hirschmann that creates a redundant ring topology.If a cable break or device failure occurs anywhere in the ring,the network can reconfigure itself within 300 milliseconds to maintain data flow.This ultra-fast recovery is vital for industrial automation and control systems,where even brief network interruptions can halt production,damage equipment,or create safety hazards.By implementing this switch in a ring configuration,you build a highly resilient network backbone that ensures continuous operation and dramatically reduces the risk of costly downtime.

　　Can this switch be integrated into a standard 19-inch server rack?

　　While the MS20-0800SAAEHC is primarily designed for DIN rail mounting,which is standard in industrial control panels,it can be integrated into a standard 19-inch server rack.This is typically achieved by using an optional 19-inch mounting kit or a rack shelf designed to hold DIN rail-mounted equipment.This dual-installation capability enhances its versatility,allowing it to serve as a Rackmount Industrial Switch in a central server room or as a Modular DIN Rail Switch in a distributed control panel on the factory floor,all while maintaining a consistent network hardware platform.

　　What management options are available for configuring and monitoring the switch?

　　The switch offers a multitude of management interfaces to suit different administrator preferences and network policies.These include a familiar web-based graphical user interface(GUI)for easy point-and-click configuration,a command-line interface(CLI)accessible via Telnet or the serial console for advanced scripting and control,and full support for SNMP(v1,v2c,and v3)for integration into centralized network management platforms like Hirschmann's HiVision.Additionally,it supports features like RMON for detailed traffic analysis and port mirroring for security monitoring and troubleshooting.

　　What certifications does this switch hold for use in harsh or safety-critical environments?

　　The Hirschmann MS20-0800SAAEHC is equipped with several important certifications that qualify it for demanding applications.It is listed under cUL 508 for industrial control equipment and cUL 1604 for Class 1 Division 2 hazardous locations,making it suitable for areas where flammable gases or vapors may be present.Furthermore,it has optional certifications available for critical infrastructure sectors,including substations(IEC 61850)and railway applications,demonstrating its compliance with the stringent reliability and safety standards required in these fields.