Harting Unveils Fast Track Switching

The Harting Technology Group has released the "Fast Track Switching", which it claims is the first system of its kind in the world. According to Harting, "Fast Track Switching" is the first to allow standard Ethernet to be used at the field level – without restrictions on the real-time behavior and with the required determinism. This solves central problems that crop up when Ethernet is deployed at field levels.

Technologically, the "Fast Track Switching" solution essentially covers three points: The switch detects an automation protocol in order to pass it on with the highest priority before all IT protocols. The detected automation protocols are accelerated using the "cut-through" method. This technology also guarantees that automation protocols overtake IT protocols.

As a company, Harting is using the "Fast Track Switching" product innovation to further expand the ICPN (Industrial Communication and Power Networks) business segment and develop the emerging market for industrial Ethernet at the field level.

Philip Harting, Board Member for Connectivity & Networks at Harting, explains: "Harting is determined to shape tomorrow's markets with innovative products. This demands innovations and new ways of thinking. The fact is: There is a demand in the market for open and universal Ethernet networking all the way to machine levels. For our customers, "Fast Track Switching" most notably delivers reduced costs and more stability, in connection with greater flexibility. AUTOMATION IT with Ethernet is now a reality - also in the field."