Sixnet, a global market-leader of industrial and commercial
machine-to-machine (M2M) networking solutions, today announced its new
EL228 industrial managed Ethernet switch platform. As the newest
addition to Sixnet’s full line of industrial switches, the EL228 is the
only product in its class that combines the reliability, redundancy and
ruggedness required for demanding industrial environments, with true
enterprise-class networking capabilities.
By providing a broad range of high-end enterprise-class networking
functionality, the EL228 delivers the capabilities required to enable a
new generation of “smart” applications for industries such as power and
energy, transportation, and oil and gas, delivered in a hardened form
factor with proven reliability in environments as extreme as U.S. Navy
air traffic control in Antarctica and oil platforms in Oman.
“There has been considerable hype in recent years around smart grid
and intelligent transportation systems, but in reality most of these
systems remain seriously constrained by limited networking
capabilities,” said Hilton Nicholson, president and CEO of Sixnet. “The
EL228 is the first Ethernet switch platform to provide the security,
reliability and broad enterprise-class networking features that
organizations in these markets require.”
The EL228 also delivers the lowest total cost of ownership of any
industrial Ethernet switch in its class. It accomplishes this by
providing 24 Fast Ethernet small form-factor pluggable (SFP) ports that
are fully field-configurable. This enables customers to modify
configurations as networking requirements change, thus eliminating the
“forklift upgrades” required when using typical pre-configured
industrial switches. Additionally, The EL228 substantially reduces the
need to inventory spare switches, since customers can dynamically
configure the EL228’s ports to match the configuration of any switch in
their network.
“The new Sixnet EL228 is the most flexible industrial managed switch
I’ve seen,” said Dr. Jay Park, senior product manager,
PowerRICHSystems, for BCI Technologies, a provider of industrial
communications and automation solutions to enterprises and
municipalities worldwide. “The EL228 provides a single-model solution
for the diverse needs of smart grid and distribution automation in all
types of substations, at a great price point.”
EL228 Product Features
The EL228 is a 28 port (24 + 4G) industrial Ethernet managed switch
that provides customers with superior flexibility. Its 24 Fast Ethernet
SFP ports can be used for any mix of copper RJ45 or fiber transceivers.
The EL228 features LEDs, power/ground connections, console ports and
bracket positions on both the front and back of the switch, enabling
customers to install the unit in front and rear/reverse arrangements as
needed.
Its rugged design and compliance with IEC 61850/IEEE1613 standards
(KEMA approval imminent), makes the EL228 ideal for extreme
environmental conditions, such as those found in the power generation
and distribution industry, the transportation industry, and IP-based
video security. Support for these standards means the EL228 is tough
enough for almost any industrial application, while providing a variety
of enterprise-class features including:
- Advanced cyber-security - Protects against unauthorized access -
Fast redundancy - Keeps networks running even under fault conditions -
Real-time message delivery - Ensures important data arrives on time -
Enhanced multicasting - Optimizes network bandwidth - Powerful
management and monitoring - Enables easy deployment and troubleshooting
Sixnet’s patent-pending universal mounting feature and flexible port
options provide customers with easy order and deployment options. The
ability to mix and match fiber and copper ports on the fly provides a
significant level of convenience and helps reduce costs. Plus, the
EL228’s multiple mounting bracket positions, movable power plugs, LEDs
and front and back console ports make it easy to stock for rapid
delivery and deployment.
For more information, visit www.sixnet.com.
