In the IIoT environment, the stability and efficiency of networked applications are crucial. In order to improve the performance and security of industrial networks, high-performance industrial switches have become an indispensable key component.

Classification and function of industrial switch

Industrial switches are mainly divided into two categories: unmanaged and managed. The managed industrial Ethernet switch supports many enterprise-level functions, including traffic monitoring, port control, network segment isolation, and is able to manage the global view of the ring network. These switches also use protocols such as IGMP Snooping for multicast control, enabling efficient multicast and broadcast forwarding.
The application of the Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) in industrial switches can achieve redundant links in the network topology, ensuring that backup links can be quickly triggered in the event of a failure on the primary link, thus achieving seamless roaming and ensuring uninterrupted operation of critical services.

Network topology and modular design

In the circular production line, a star topology can be formed by inserting core layer industrial switches. The core switch is used for cross-network segment traffic transfer and plays a role in rapid aggregation. The core switch with dual-machine hot backup can ensure high availability of the core layer.
Industrial switches usually adopt modular design, and different SFP expansion modules can be selected according to distance requirements to achieve long-distance interconnection. For example, using 10G single-mode SFP+ modules, a transmission distance of 10 kilometers can be achieved, connecting multiple widely distributed workshops.

Traffic control and QoS

When transmitting multiple types of business data, industrial switches should provide QoS service quality for traffic classification and avoid congestion through flow control. Key control data flows can be scheduled to high-priority queues to ensure minimal latency; Video streaming can be appropriately rate-limited; The file service speed limit is set to avoid filling the link.
The VLAN virtual local area network function of the switch can perform logical network division and isolate different traffic flows. For example, video surveillance traffic is planned to be in a separate VLAN to avoid affecting other services, and ACL access control list policies are configured for access control.

Network security and stability

Configuring network firewalls, ACLs, and other security measures is an important means of protecting industrial Ethernet from network attacks and malicious access. At the same time, by means of reasonable network equipment selection, link quality monitoring, topology optimization, and other methods, network transmission latency can be reduced and real-time performance can be improved.

Practical application cases

In the construction of power grids, industrial Ethernet technology is widely used in "distribution automation" and "electricity information collection" projects, providing information and communication support for building an intelligent power grid that is information-based, automated, and interactive. In addition, in the highway tunnel monitoring system, industrial Ethernet technology also plays an important role, using a multi-ring network topology structure to ensure the stability and reliability of real-time communication services.

Brands and Choices

There are many high-performance industrial switch brands on the market, such as TP-LINK, Huawei, PUSR, H3C, and so on. When selecting, in addition to considering brand awareness, it is also important to pay attention to key parameters such as port speed, duplex mode, and VLAN division of the switch to ensure normal and stable connections between network devices.
High-performance industrial switch solutions provide strong support for industrial networking applications by optimizing network topology, improving traffic control capabilities, enhancing network security and stability, and providing rich modular design. In the process of selection and use, the actual needs should be considered comprehensively to ensure that the performance and security of the industrial network are at their best.