Belden Introduces New Hirschmann™ MACH1040 Gigabit Ethernet Switch

The IP30 Layer-2 switch, which can also be used as a router in combination with software to be available by mid-2010, has 16 Gigabit Ethernet combination ports (1000 BASE-TX) that will also connect SFP fiber optical transceivers (100/1000 BASE-FX/SX/LX/LH). All ports support version 2 of the Precision Time Protocol (IEEE 1588 V2) as well as optionally Power over Ethernet (IEEE 802.3af).

Further characteristics include an operating temperature range of -40 to +70 °C, high resistance to jarring, and extensive insusceptibility to electrical discharge and magnetic fields. Passive cooling (no fans) and a redundant power supply add to ensure high operational safety. Furthermore, the new Hirschmann™ Gigabit Ethernet switch meets the standards and approval requirement of IEC 61850,
IEEE 1613, EN 50121-4, EN 50155, cUL 508, cUL 1604 C1 Div2 and GL.

This makes the MACH1040 ideally suitable for use particularly in extreme electrical environments, such as power plants and transformer stations. The combination ports facilitate the flexible implementation of high-speed data networks of various different topology without additional investment costs for future retrofits or extensions.

The switch features the latest, energy-saving chip technology and has been designed for assembly on 19" cabinets. Its rugged metal housing measures 448 by 44 by 310 mm in width, height and depth. Boot time is only 10 seconds. By connecting an ACA 21-USB auto-configuration adapter to its USB port, all configuration data and the operating system can saved and recalled at any time, if required.

Alarm contacts are available for detecting the status of the switch. Detailed information can be displayed by means of a standard web browser. Further management functions include Command Line Interface, Management Information Base, Telnet, HTTP, TFTP as well as SFP Management. In addition, an SNMP interface permits the use of network management software, such as HiVision and HiDiscovery.

Redundancy procedures, e.g. Fast HIPER Ring, MRP (IEC ring function), Trunking, Link Aggregation and Rapid Spanning Tree, provide for high network availability. Security mechanisms include access control according to IEEE 802.1x, IP and MAC port security as well as SNMP V3 und SSH.

The new switch of the Hirschmann™ MACH1000 family offers users both maximum flexibility and investment safety. “The design of the housing, for the first time, combines 16 Gigabit combination ports with a temperature range of -40 to
+70 degrees Celsius and fanless cooling,” emphasizes Product Manager Jürgen Schmid. “This permits the implementation of fast data networks with twisted-pair cables as well as optical fibers even in harsh EMI environments. Moreover, the hardware is already prepared for Layer-3 applications. An appropriate software update will be available next year.”