Belden Layer 3 Software Enables Switch to be used as Router

Belden has introduced a new Layer 3 software that makes it possible to use all Gigabit Ethernet switches Hirschmann MACH1040 family as routers. Using wire-speed technology makes for extremely fast functions, which include not only static and dynamic routing, but also multicast routing (DVMRP, IGMPv1/v2/v3, PIM-DM) and router redundancy (VRRP, OSPFv2, RIPv1/v2).

Hirschmann MACH 1040 switches are designed specifically for use in the power industry. They can be connected to form sub-networks, which in turn can be linked up to each other. With a fanless design, they can withstand temperatures from -40°C to +70°C and features Fast HIPER Ring redundancy mechanism. Moreover, they also support Profinet and EtherNet/IP.

MACH1040 switches meet a variety of standards and have a range of approvals, including IEC 61850, IEEE 1613, EN 50121-4, EN 50155, NEMA TS2, cUL 508, cUL 1604 C1 Div2 and GL. They offer both high vibration-resistance and resilience to magnetic fields and electrostatic discharges. Two freely combinable power modules (24/48 VDC, 110/230 VAC and DC) are available for redundant power supply. The 16-Gigabit Ethernet combo ports (10/100/1000 BASE-TX), which can be optionally equipped with SFP fiber optic transceivers (100/1000 BASE-FX/SX/LX/LH), allow flexible configuration of fast networks with different topologies, which can be altered or expanded at a later stage without incurring additional costs. In addition, all ports support Version 2 of the Precision Time Protocol (IEEE 1588 V2) with a precision of 30ns and, as an optional extra, Power over Ethernet (IEEE 802.3af).

With the new Layer 3 software, the Hirschmann MACH1040 switches are fully fledged routers. "The combination of 16-Gigabit Ethernet ports with a fanless design – enabling a temperature range of -40°C to +70°C – already makes these switches unique. Now, with the new routing function, they have yet another USP," says Product Manager Jürgen Schmid.