Ethernet switches

Network switches are used to distribute and exchange data in industrial Ethernet networks. Our managed and unmanaged switches from the ETHERLINE® ACCESS brand are easy to install and enable high data transmission rates in wide temperature ranges – even under harsh conditions. A must for your smart factory!

What are Ethernet switches?

Digitalisation is also leading to ever larger data volumes in the production halls. As a result, Ethernet as a data transmission technology, which has already become the standard in office environments, is also becoming increasingly important in industrial environments. The challenge for industrial data cables lies in reliably transmitting ever higher data rates, even in harsh industrial environments.

Industrial Ethernet network switches, often referred to simply as Ethernet switches or industrial switches, are an essential component of this. They connect all Ethernet-capable devices in a network using copper or fibre optic patch cables. They are used for the quasi-physical connection of local computer networks and ensure that data can be exchanged or shared.

Switches are active components of a network and are no longer only present in data centres, but also in the machine control cabinets of production facilities. Switches are mounted on the top-hat rail in the control cabinet, in industrial racks or directly on the machine.

Comparison of passive and active network components

The task of a switch? Forward data packets in a targeted and fault-free manner.

Switches only forward data packages to those network participants that need to receive them (direct routing). Switches have several ports for connecting various receiver devices. These ports are usually fully duplex-capable, i.e. they can send and receive packets at the same time.

What are the convincing properties of network switches?


*Large-scale networking of automation components*	*Smooth collaboration*	*High-performance data transmission*	*Robust design*
Switches distribute Ethernet data packages to every area of the company, i.e. they sometimes connect hundreds or thousands of terminal devices with one another.	Switches prevent data packages from colliding or being incorrectly transmitted, which would lead to a connection failure and production interruptions.	Switches can get even large volumes of data to the right destination very quickly and completely.	Depending on the application, switches can withstand even harsh environments. To do this, they should be shock- and tension-resistant, temperature-resistant and dirt-resistant.

How do switches work?

Switches can master different transmission modes.

If a switch receives a data package, the following happens (according to IEEE 802.3):

Store & Forward transmission mode

After the entire data package has been received, it is buffered.
The data package is checked for the absence of errors (using CRC checksum).
The transmitter's MAC address is retrieved and matched against the destination addresses in the Source Address Table (SAT).
If the entire data package is error-free, it is forwarded to the destination address.

What is the MAC address used for?

MAC stands for Media Access Control. This is address information for the unambiguous identification of a network device. Only using this address can participants communicate with one another in a local network.

The MAC address is 48 bits long or 12 digits. The first 6 digits are unalterable and contain information about the device manufacturer.

Example of a LAPP MAC address:

7C-F9-5C-E6-49-03

Cut-through transmission mode

When the data package arrives, only the 6 bytes that provide information about the destination address are checked for errors.
The transmitter's MAC address is retrieved and matched against the destination addresses in the Source Address Table (SAT).
If the data package is error-free with regard to the destination address, it is forwarded to the destination address. This means that incorrect frames are also forwarded.
The receiving switch performs an error check, in which an incorrect telegram is ultimately discarded.

Unlike with Store&Forward, cut-through transmission does not wait until the telegram has arrived completely and no error check is performed using the CRC checksum. This ensures a lower latency, which is sometimes very desirable for data transmission. Store&Forward, on the other hand, enables higher quality data transmission.

Simple Layer-2 Switches

Simple switches, or layer 2 switches, work on the fuse layer, the second layer in the OSI model. They simply ensure that data packages received within a LAN are transmitted and distributed without errors (switching).

Switching in layer 2 is carried out by determining MAC addresses.

Layer 2 switches do not communicate with switches outside of their own LAN .

What is the IP address used for?

IP stands for Internet Protocol. This is an address specification for the unambiguous identification and address of a network device – even outside its network. It is only with this address that participants from different networks can communicate with one another.

The IP address is 32 bits (IPv4) or 128 bits (IPv6). It contains information about the network address and the host address.

Example of an IPv4 address:

192.168.1.10

Layer -3 switches with additional functions

In contrast, there are switches that, in addition to forwarding data packages within a LAN, also connect several LAN networks and VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks) and also have routing capabilities (routing). These switches are also known as layer 3 switches, as they work on the third layer in the OSI model, the transmission layer. They transmit data packages using IP addresses.

Unlike proper routers, however, they do not establish a connection to the Internet.

Not all switches are created equal

What is a managed switch?

Compared to an unmanaged switch, a managed switch offers management functions. This creates diagnostic and monitoring options for the network, as well as higher data protection.

Get to know the differences:

	Managed Switch	Unmanaged Switch
	Allows the network to be “managed”	Does NOT allow "managing" of the network
Properties	Offers few to many management functions for Diagnosis Protection Monitoring Conditional control of the network	Does not offer management functions
Benefits	Can be configured (extensively) Protects against connection failures due to redundant power supply Offers high data protection Enables remote diagnosis	No configuration required Works according to the plug & play principle Cost-effective
Use	For larger, more complex networks with a high volume of data packages and intensive network utilisation.	For smaller, simple networks, e.g. for multiplying ports.

Do you need support with the switch selection?

Ethernet switches from LAPP can be found in the ETHERLINE® ACCESS product family. Our switches, with and without management functions, differ in terms of:

Number of ports (4 to 16)
Properties
supporting protocols
IP protection class (IP 20 to IP 67)
Temperature resistance (up to -40 °C as well as up to +75 °C)
Installation location (in or outside of the control cabinet)

The clever filter criteria in the online shop help you quickly navigate to the desired product.

Why buy switches from LAPP?

Thanks to our protocol-independent expertise, we can offer our customers a wide range of components and system solutions for factory, building and process automation.

This is why you should purchase switches from us:


Extensive range	Protocol independence	Complete procurement
Choose the perfect switch from over 20 products.	Find switches for various common protocol standards.	Whether it’s a cable, patch cable, connector or switch – you can buy it all from us at once!