In the field of industrial Internet of Things, industrial switches are the core devices for connecting and managing network devices, and their importance is self-evident. In order to ensure the stability, efficiency and security of networking applications, there are many factors to consider when purchasing industrial switches, and the following are some key considerations for use:

1. Port quantity and speed

Firstly, it is crucial to select the appropriate number of ports and data transmission rate based on the actual number of devices to be connected and the data transmission rate required. The ports of industrial switches are divided into 100M, 1G, and 10G, and it should be ensured that the bandwidth of the selected port can meet the current and future data transmission needs.

2. Adaptability to the Work Environment

Industrial environments are often complex and changeable, so the adaptability of switches becomes an important consideration. This includes temperature and humidity, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), protection level, and installation method.

Wide temperature design: ensure that the switch can work normally in a large temperature span, generally requiring stable operation from minus 40 degrees Celsius to plus 85 degrees Celsius.
Electromagnetic compatibility: Select a switch with strong electromagnetic compatibility to ensure normal operation in environments with high electromagnetic interference.
Protection level: It is recommended to choose a protection level of IP40 or higher to effectively prevent dust and other debris from entering the interior of the device.
Installation method: Choose the appropriate installation method based on the actual application scenario, such as wall-mounted, rail-mounted, or rack-mounted.

3. Stability and Reliability

In industrial IoT applications, switches need to run stably for a long time, so stability and reliability are important considerations when purchasing. This includes the lifespan, redundancy, and fault recovery capabilities of the switch.

Lifespan: Choose a switch with a long lifespan, typically exceeding 15 years.
Redundant function: Supporting ring network technology, it can achieve automatic switching in the event of a failure, ensuring the continuous and stable operation of the network.
Fault recovery capability: It has a short fault recovery time and reduces network interruptions caused by equipment failure.

4. Network management function

Based on the complexity of the network architecture and the convenience of subsequent maintenance, choose network-managed or non-network-managed switches.

Network management switch: Supports Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP), providing powerful network management and monitoring functions such as QoS, VLAN, port mirroring, and more. These features help optimize network performance, improve network security, and facilitate troubleshooting.
Non-managed switch: Plug and play, suitable for scenarios with simple network architecture and no need for complex management.

5. Other factors

In addition, when purchasing industrial switches, factors such as power type, transmission medium, and price need to be considered.

Power type: Select a power type suitable for industrial power, such as 12V, 24V, 48V, 110V, or 220V.
Transmission medium: Select the appropriate transmission medium based on the communication distance and noise environment, such as twisted-pair cable or fiber optic cable.
Price: Price is not the only factor to consider, but also factors such as performance, stability, and cost-effectiveness should be taken into account.
When purchasing industrial switches, it is necessary to consider multiple aspects such as the number and speed of ports, adaptability to the working environment, stability and reliability, network management functions, and other factors. Only by selecting a switch that suits your needs can you ensure the stability, efficiency, and security of networking applications.