In-depth interpretation of the industrial switch market, how to identify pearls with discerning eyes and avoid purchasing traps

In the context of the rapid development of the Industrial Internet of Things, industrial switches, as the core equipment of industrial communication networks, play a vital role. It not only needs to meet the data transmission requirements in complex industrial environments, but also needs to have high reliability and stability. Faced with a wide range of industrial switch products on the market, how to make a wise choice and avoid falling into the trap of purchasing is a skill that everyone who needs to do networking applications needs to master.

1. Clarify the demand and make precise positioning

First of all, we should choose the appropriate industrial switch according to the actual application scenarios and requirements. Factors to consider include:

Port quantity and speed: 

Select the appropriate port quantity and speed according to the number of devices to be connected and the data transmission rate requirements. For example, in large industrial networks, switches that support gigabit or 10-gigabit ports may be required.

Working environment: 

Industrial environments are often complex and changeable, requiring consideration of temperature and humidity, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), protection levels such as IP40 or higher, installation methods such as wall-mounted, rail-mounted, rack-mounted, and power types such as 12V, 24V, 48V.

Network topology: 

Determine whether to adopt a star topology or a ring topology. Different structures have different requirements for industrial switches. For example, non-managed switches cannot be used to build a ring network.

2. Technical performance is crucial

When choosing an industrial switch, it is necessary to pay attention to its technical performance to ensure that it meets the high requirements of industrial applications:

Stability and reliability: 

Industrial switches need to run for a long time and cannot be replaced frequently, so stability and reliability are crucial. Choose a switch with redundancy and support for ring network technology, which can automatically switch in the event of a failure, ensuring the continuity and stability of the network.

Network management function: 

Select network management or non-network management switches based on the complexity of the network architecture. Network management switches provide more network management functions, such as Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP), Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN), Quality of Service (QoS), etc., which facilitate monitoring and management of the network.

Safeguarding: 

In the industrial Internet, data security is of paramount importance. Choosing a switch with security protection features, such as support for broadcast storm suppression and port security, can effectively avoid network equipment downtime, data interruptions, and other issues.

3. Brand and certification, quality assurance

When purchasing industrial switches, brand and certification are also important reference factors:

Brand strength: 

Choose products from well-known brands such as Cisco, Huawei, Siemens, etc. These brands usually have strong technical strength and brand influence, and are able to provide high-quality products and services.

Industry certification: 

Ensure that the selected products meet industry standards and certification specifications, such as selecting products recognized by the rail transit industry to ensure product reliability and safety.
Fourth, price and cost-effectiveness, rational choice

In terms of price, we need to rationally view the cost-effectiveness:

Price comparison: 

There are products with different price points on the market, and switches with high cost performance often provide better functionality and longer service life. It is recommended to choose products with good brand reputation and guaranteed quality, if the budget allows.

After-sales service: 

Consider the after-sales service and support of the product, and choose a supplier that can provide timely and professional after-sales service to ensure that problems encountered during use can be resolved in a timely manner.

4. Avoid purchasing traps

When purchasing industrial switches, it is also necessary to avoid the following traps:

Blind pursuit of low prices: 

Low-priced products may not meet long-term needs in terms of stability and durability, leading to frequent replacement and increased maintenance costs.
Ignoring technical details such as port speed and electromagnetic compatibility may affect network stability and data transmission quality.

Over-reliance on brands: 

Although brand strength is an important reference factor, not all brands' products are suitable for specific application scenarios. Selection and comparison need to be made according to actual needs.
When purchasing industrial switches, it is necessary to consider multiple factors such as demand, technical performance, brand and certification, price and cost-effectiveness to make an informed choice. By gaining a deep understanding of market and technology trends, and constantly improving one's professional knowledge and judgment, one can identify the pearls hidden in the sand and avoid purchasing traps, providing a solid and reliable network foundation for the application of industrial IoT.