What Are the Differences Between Industrial Switches and Commercial Switches?

Nowadays, with the development of network technology, many friends who need to use the network will use the switch, which can realize the common use of multiple computers in a network. Nowadays, commonly used switches are mainly divided into  commercial network switches and industrial Ethernet switches. In order to meet the flexible and changeable industrial environment and anti-interference aspects, there is a particularly large gap between industrial switches and commercial switches. In contrast, the functions of industrial switches are more practical. So, what are the differences and advantages of industrial Ethernet switches compared with commercial network switches? Today, UnitekFiber will share with you some information about them.

 

There is no essential difference between industrial switches and commercial switches in terms of data link layer, network layer, protocol layer, etc., but for the real-time requirements of industrial control, industrial Ethernet switches solve the real-time communication, network security, and intrinsic safety. Technical issues such as safety and explosion-proof technology, and adopt some measures suitable for industrial environment, such as waterproof, anti-vibration and so on.

 

1. The differences in appearance between industrial switch and commercial switch

 

Industrial switche generally use a fanless enclosure fan mode, and basically use a metal enclosure, which has higher strength. commercial switche generally use a plastic enclosure with higher strength and use a fan cooling mode.

 

2. The differences in application environment between industrial switch and commercial switch

 

Industrial switches can adapt to a low temperature of 40°C to 85°C, and have excellent dust and humidity resistance. The protection level is above IP40. The scope of application is more common, and it can be installed and used under any dangerous conditions. Generally speaking, the operating temperature of ordinary switches is between 0°C and 50°C, and they have basically no dust and moisture resistance, poor protection level, and have POE power management functions.

 

3. The seivice life is different between industrial switch and commercial switch

 

The service life of industrial switch is generally more than 10 years, while the service life of commercial switches is only 3 to 5 years. The difference in service life is related to the maintenance of the middle of the project. Therefore, generally speaking, it is in parks and office buildings. For video transmission in network surveillance environments such as parking lots and those environments where high-definition video output is required, industrial switches or switches whose performance needs to be comparable to those of industrial grade should be used.

 

The operating voltage of industrial switches is different from that of commerical switches. Industrial switches can be limited to DC24V, DC110V, Marvel/AC220V, while commerical switches can only work under AC220V voltage, and industrial switches are mostly in ring network mode. Reduce line use and maintenance costs.

 

Conclusion: Whether in terms of components, mechanical environment, climate environment or electromagnetic environment, working voltage, power supply design, installation method, and heat dissipation method, the performance of industrial Ethernet switches is better than that of commerical switches. However, when we purchase the switch, you must consider the working environment and other aspects in detail. In short, if your industrial control site environment is very harsh, then you must use industrial grade Switch, if the environmental requirements are not high, you can choose commercial ordinary switches.