Belden releases Hirschmann MACH100 Ethernet Switches

These new Gigabit Ethernet switches, characterized amongst others by fanless (passive) cooling, can be used for connecting workgroups to the backbone in production environments using twisted-pair cables as well as optical fibers. Each of the three versions, designated MACH104-20TX-F, MACH104-20TX-FR and MACH104 TX-F-4PoE, provides 20 RJ45 ports (10/100/1000 BASE-TX) as well as four combination ports (100/1000 BASE-FX) for SFP fiber optic transceivers.

Further features include comprehensive management and redundancy capabilities, various configuration and diagnostic functions, low thermal footprint and noise-less operation. This is complemented by a redundant power supply on the MACH104-20TX-FR, and by four IEEE 802.3af Power over Ethernet (PoE) ports. The MACH104-20TX-F-4PoE has a rated output of 15.4 W per connected field device.

Media redundancy via HIPER Ring, MRP (IEC ring function), Rapid Spanning Tree and Link Aggregation provide high network availability. Security mechanisms include access control according to IEEE 802.1x, IP and MAC port security as well as SNMP V3 and SSH. Detailed information can be displayed by means of a standard web browser. A further central management function is offered by an integrated SNMP interface, permitting the use of network management software such as HiVision.
The new MACH100 Gigabit switches are designed for an operating temperature range of 0 to +50 °C, assembly in 19 racks and plug-and-play commissioning. They can be configured by either means of Command Line Interface (CLI), Telnet, BootP, HiDiscovery, Watchdog Configuration or DHCP Server. By connecting an ACA 21-USB auto-configuration adapter to its USB port, all configuration data and the operating system can saved and recalled at any time without tools or a PC – even onto a replacement switch.

With these three new Hirschmann™ workgroup switches, Belden has further expanded its leading position in the Industrial Ethernet segment. “All managed switches are based on a platform strategy for combining various Layer-2 and Layer-3 software packages with different hardware components,” explains Product Manager Pascal Unterdorfer. Together, the various DIN rail and rack mounted Ethernet networking device offering comprises over 10,000 versions - all operating under a common user interface. “This facilitates the realization of integrated data networks from the management to the control and through to the field level without the need for repeated training of the customer’s personnel.”