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Ethernet technology is an established standard in office communication and has existed for many years. Without it, effective communications between the different participants like PCs, printers, data servers etc. would no longer be possible.

In recent years this technology has been expanded under the term Industrial Ethernet and implemented in automation systems. The common goal of both manufacturer and user is to make networking automation system components easier and more effective. To make process data and diagnostic functions device-independent when exchanged between network participants, all equipment in a plant should be linked with just one bus technology.

Industrial applications, however, differ significantly from office applications. There are normally much higher demands placed on the communication devices in the industrial setting. These include, as examples:

• Installation conditions
• Environmental conditions
• Protocols
• Approvals

Weidmüller’s Industrial Ethernet components meet all of these requirements as they have the properties listed below:

• Reliable (redundant) power supply for uninterrupted network operation
• Resistance to extreme temperatures
• Immune to electromagnetically caused malfunctions
• Insensitive to vibration, shock and corrosive environments
• Conformity with various certification standards
• Longevity

These rugged devices can therefore be used world-wide in different industries and applications.

Unmanaged Switches

Switches are the basic coupling elements in Ethernet networks. They connect the Ethernet participants together. In an Ethernet network the communication basically originates from the participants. The switches connect the participants together and enable the communication. Unmanaged switches are the simplest active network component. They do not need to be configured and are therefore very flexible. They use the basic standard protocols like auto-negotiation, auto-crossing, and flow-control and can automatically adjust to the different transmission speeds or connector wiring.

Unmanaged switches are protocol transparent. Each port on the switch creates an individual collision domain. The use of twistedpair cabling with an RJ45 interface or fibre-optic cable based on the IEEE 802.3 specification interfaces are supported by all Weidmüller switches.

Further information:

Online catalogue BasicLine unmanaged Switches

Online catalogue ValueLine unmanaged Switches

Applications

Documents

Managed Switches

Managed switches offer extensive control mechanisms for data distribution and bandwidth management to coordinate and cope with the different requirements of communication participants in an industrial network. Configuration is either webbased using a simple and intuitive user interface, or using convenient management software in large networks with multiple switches, this could be Weidmüller’s Net-Manager software for example.

Further information:

Online catalogue ValueLine managed Switches

Online catalogue PremiumLine unmanaged Switches

Applications

Documents

PoE Switches

Power over Ethernet (PoE) describes a process where power can be supplied to a network compatible device over the 8-wire Ethernet cable. In a narrower sense PoE today means the IEEE 802.3af (DTE Power over MDI) standard which was adopted in June 2003 in its final form.

The main advantage of Power over Ethernet is that you do not require a separate power supply cable and so can install Ethernet devices in hard to reach places or in areas where there is not sufficient room for many cables. This means that you can save some significant installation costs, and that you can also integrate the power supply into a central uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to improve the reliability of the connected devices. PoE is used by network devices that need small amounts of power. It is typically used for IP telephones, network cameras, operating panel or wireless communications devices like WLAN access points.

Further information:

Online catalogue PoE Switches unmanaged

Online catalogue PoE Switches managed

Applications

Documents

W-LAN

Wireless communications are preferred when working with moveable applications or difficult-to-reach areas. Currently, wireless LAN can be used for industrial manufacturing plants or facilities; it is ideal for use anywhere where traditional cabling is not suitable or where a mobile network connection is required. For example in logistics AGB (automatic guide vehicles) are connected over WLAN. Here it is important that roaming between different radio cells is possible, thereby creating an individually configurable radio coverage.

Weidmüller’s versatile WLAN module can be used as an access point, bridge or client. It is quite simple to integrate into existing infrastructures because it has an alternative Power over Ethernet supply (using the data cable for the power supply).

Support for RADIUS services and WPA2 secure encryption guarantees that your data is fully protected. Multiple wireless zones can be set up so that clients can move with versatility by quickly roaming between the different radio/wireless cells. Multiple zones can be specified (multiple SSIDs) and different VLANs can be assigned for each wireless cell. This allows you to implement a one-to-one forwarding of the cable-based infrastructure to the wireless zone.

Further information:

Online catalogue

Applications

Documents

Serial-/Ethernet-Converter

Serial interfaces such as RS 232, RS 422 or RS 485 are widespread today in automation systems. To integrate these devices into modern Industrial Ethernets, Serial / Ethernet converters are used which offer investment protection for existing automation components. These devices include control systems, sensors, meters, drives, bar code readers and operator displays.

Weidmüller’s Serial / Ethernet converters connect these devices simply and easily to existing Ethernet network structures. The configuration of the serial port and Ethernet port parameters is done using an internet browser. On the Ethernet side, these devices support several operating modes: including TCP server, TCP client, UDP, Real COM, RFC 2217, Reverse Telnet, Pair Connection and Ethernet modem. These modes ensure compatibility for the network software.

There are two Ethernet ports on the device which can be used as Ethernet switch ports. This helps to reduce your cabling costs since you no longer need to connect each device with a separate Ethernet switch.

Further information:

Online catalogue

Applications

Documents

The Connector System STEADYTEC^®

Connectors for modern industrial applications need to be designed in such a way that they simplify processes and cope with faster data transmission. Weidmüller’s Ethernet connectors keep you a step ahead. These products are not only ready for 10 gigabit, they are also standardised for IEC 61076-3-106 and IEC 61076-3-117. In addition, the connector variants 4 (Ethernet/TCP/IP), variants 5 and 1 (Ethernet IP) and variant 14 (PROFINET/AIDA) which are named in these standards are all specified as mandatory in the standards covering generic cabling systems for industrial premises: ISO/IEC 24702, IEC 61918 (Automation Island), as well as for Fieldbus installations IEC 61784-5.

What’s more, you have a unique choice of versions made of plastic or metal as well as inserts for copper and fibre-optic cabling. All of the connectors are designed for ease of use and for quick on-site assembly. They are also modular and are tailored to suit your application.

Benefits

• Cat.6_A 10 GBit System Class E_A
• Assembly without tools in the field
• Countless variations thanks to highly diverse combinations of inserts
• Unrestricted compatibility because standardised to IEC 61076-3-106
• Reliable and long-lasting thanks to use of diecast zinc
• Suitable for industry thanks to IP 67 class of protection
• Simple ordering procedure and low storage costs thanks to Weidmüller’s modular system

Further information:

Online catalogue

Cabling Solutions

AdvancedLine

The AdvancedLine from Weidmüller offers all combinations of cables that are possible with the extensive range of plug connections.

This means flexibility and robustness through the high quality of the used components. The range comprises standard cables and customer-specific versions. Standard cables can be found in the catalogue; customer-specific versions can be freely configured online using the “Galaxy” configuration software. All AdvancedLine cables are particularly suitable for industrial use.

• High-quality cables with very good technical characteristics
• Suitable for demanding IP20 to IP67 applications
• Suitable for temperatures from -40 to +70 °C
• High-quality shielding

Further information:

Online catalogue

CabinetLine

The new CabinetLine range of patch cables from Weidmüller is available in a variety of colours for visually differentiating between various networks. Additional advantage: all CabinetLine cables are fitted with Weidmüller TM marking sleeves for clearly labelling cables and ports. CabinetLine is available in the colours grey, blue, red and violet in combination with LSZH sheathing material and transmission power Cat.6_A. Furthermore, CabinetLine is also available in the colour green and Cat.5 with PUR or PVC sheathing material. All variants are fitted with protected clips which facilitate, e.g., pulling through a cable duct.

• For applications in switching cabinets and simple environmental conditions
• Suitable for temperatures from 0 to +60 °C
• Simple shielding

Further information:

Online catalogue