OCTOPUS Switch Series

Belden  has extended the Hirschmann OCTOPUS Switch Series to include a new unmanaged Fast Ethernet switch. The new OCTOPUS 10TX switch, which supports automation protocols such as Profinet, Ethernet/IP and Modbus TCP, possesses ten twisted-pair ports (10/100BASE-TX) with vibration-proof M12 connections with D-coding.  Additional features include a robust, fireproof die-cast housing, protection class IP54, and a temperature range from -40ºF to +150ºF (-40ºC to +70ºC). This switch also complies with all relevant industry standards and is approved for use in road and rail vehicles and ships. This makes it particularly suitable for use in small-scale networks in transport, manufacturing and process automation where management functions are not required.

 The switch, which boasts a mean time between failure (MTBF) rating of 30 years, can be quickly and easily used on the plug-and-play principle. LEDs on the front of the unit display both device and network status, as well as functioning power supply status. The fanless design and redundant 24V power supply guarantee high operational safety. The switch can be mounted on the wall or on the machine itself, where its 7.24” W x 7.44” H x 2.75” D (184 x 189 x 70 mm) housing occupies very little space.

This new unmanaged switch is an interesting new variant for the Hirschman OCTOPUS Series.  Sven Burkard, Belden’s Product Manager for Networking and Connectivity Products, summarizes the advantages of the new switch as follows: “We can now offer our customers ten Fast Ethernet ports at an extremely advantageous price. This enables the OCTOPUS 10TX to facilitate economical solutions, particularly in small, decentralized networks with large numbers of terminals.”