Although I reported earlier in these blogs on Advantech’s new EKI-3000 series of Smart Industrial Ethernet Switches, I see in hindsight that I shared much too little. Sure, I highlighted some key specifications and features of the EKI-3728, but still failed to address some basic questions.
Why do we need “Smart Industrial Ethernet Switches”?
Because they deliver mission-critical “smart” features, such as:
- Port-based QoS prioritization,
- Self-diagnostic loop detection,
- Minimum power consumption, and
- High-data capacities.
Applications such as video surveillance, inspection and quality control via high-resolution cameras assume a constant transfer of large amounts of data. Port-based QoS prioritizes the VIP port for time-intensive network requirements, such as video streaming. Self-diagnostic loop detection prevents broadcast storms, automatically shutting down the port that is causing the problem. And because the IEEE 802.3az standard is designed in, these smart switches consume less power, making them perfect for deployment in remote locations where power resources are limited.
What is a jumbo frame and why is it featured in the EKI-3000 line?
Put simplest, jumbo frames are Ethernet frames that carry up to 9000 bytes, compared to a basic IP Maximum Transmission Unit of 1500 bytes. The EKI-3000 utilizes jumbo frames because they increase performance in high-demand networks, significantly raising TCP throughput.
What are EKI-3000’s target applications?
I’ve already mentioned video surveillance, one of the more obvious applications for EKI-3000s, but the series’ green, energy-sipping characteristics also positions it well for remote solar applications. Specifically, the EKI-3625’s and 3528’s 8.4- to 10-VDC power input option, long mean time between failure rate and rugged HW protection make them perfect for in-field automation of renewable-energy applications.
Indeed, there is a EKI-3000 switch that is ideal for any factory-automation, transportation, or renewable-energy application that requires smart management of high data throughput, optimum energy efficiency, superior self-diagnostic capability, and rugged, field-ready construction.
Where is the EKI-3000 line positioned?
The EKI-3000 series offers an alternative, light-industrial solution, positioning the series within the wide niche that exists between switches designed merely for commercial-grade solutions versus those designed for heavy industry, such as Advantech’s EKI-2000 series. EKI-3000 switches deliver serious performance at an entry-level price point. Their combination of compact size, energy efficiency, smart capabilities and low cost make them unique to the current market.
Of course, there’s much more I could and should share here about Advantech’s EKI-3000 series, but why not learn directly from the source? Richard Ko, Product Sales Manager of Advantech’s Industrial Communication Department, answers each of the above question, and more, in a recent webinar. It runs about 12.5 minutes and is available here. Plus, the 20-page product training kit that first caused me to reconsider my earlier EKI-3000 post is also available here.