Belden’s Flexible Switch Design Meets Rising Industrial Network Demands

Belden Inc., a global leader in signal transmission solutions for mission-critical applications, introduces its latest addition to the OCTOPUS family from Hirschmann - the OCTOPUS OS30/34 switch. Delivering maximum network availability under extreme environmental conditions, the new, ruggedized switch has been specifically designed for transportation, manufacturing and machine building settings.

Belden’s flexible switch design meets rising industrial network demands.
(Photo: Belden, PR360)

Taking into account customers in today’s data-rich industrial settings, the new OCTOPUS switch series features Gigabit ports for connecting high speed backbones and Gigabit end devices, while its Power over Ethernet (PoE) support reduces cabling. Additionally, a bypass relay – according to the IEC 61375 standard for Ethernet in trains – extends the redundancy mechanisms and broadens the functional range of the OCTOPUS series.

“Permanent access to systems and machines is an absolute prerequisite for everyday business and industrial operations,” said Rolf-Dieter Sommer, product manager at Belden. “To keep pace with the data demands of transportation and manufacturing applications, our product series features an unparalleled combination of functionality and serviceability for instant visibility into network performance.”

Two customizable housings of the new OCTOPUS switch are available, allowing customers to choose a switch that meets specific needs:

• The well-known, mid-sized OCTOPUS allows for a maximum of 20 ports, including four Gigabit ports and up to 15 PoE ports.
• The full-sized OCTOPUS adds eight additional Fast Ethernet ports for a total of 28 ports per OCTOPUS.
• The OCTOPUS OS30/34 is available either with Layer 3 software, including routing functionalities, or with Layer 2 software for switching.

With configurable features in two different housings, engineers and installers now have increased access to high-speed uplink ports and Gigabit ports for local devices powered through PoE, including digital video recorders and wireless local area network (WLAN) access points.

The OCTOPUS switch gives customers the option of fiber or copper cabling, and offers high-vibration resistance and broad protection to electrostatic discharges. With an IP67 rating, the switch meets the requirements of routing functions in waterproof and dust-tight housings for mounting outside of cabinets, and operates at temperatures ranging from -40° C to +70° C.

These features make the OCTOPUS specifically relevant for many transportation applications, including onboard train networks, passenger information systems in train stations, conveyer systems, and traffic surveillance on highways, bridges and in tunnels.

An early innovator in industrial Ethernet, Belden knows Industrial IT and is delivering the next generation of industrial networking solutions. Its global brands – Hirschmann, GarrettCom and Tofino Security – are leading the way in the adoption of industrial Ethernet. With a purpose-built portfolio, Belden’s wired, wireless and embedded products deliver the highest confidence of reliability, availability and security. In addition, excellent warranties and dedicated customer support minimize downtime, protect critical infrastructure and provide peace of mind.

Belden Inc., a global leader in high quality, end-to-end signal transmission solutions, delivers a comprehensive product portfolio designed to meet the mission-critical network infrastructure needs of industrial, enterprise and broadcast markets. With innovative solutions targeted at reliable and secure transmission of rapidly growing amounts of data, audio and video needed for today’s applications, Belden is at the center of the global transformation to a connected world. Founded in 1902, the company is headquartered in St. Louis and has manufacturing capabilities in North and South America, Europe and Asia. For more information, visit us at www.belden.com; follow us on Twitter @BeldenInc.

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