Moxa EDS-308-S-SC 8-Port Single-mode SC Industrial Switch

The Moxa EDS-308-S-SC is an 8-port, single-mode SC industrial Ethernet switch engineered for robust performance in demanding environments. Its key advantages lie in its extended operating temperature range of -40 to 75°C, dual redundant power inputs for enhanced reliability, and a ruggedized metal housing designed to withstand shock, vibration, and electrical noise. This switch is crucial for establishing reliable network connectivity in industrial automation, transportation, and utility sectors, facilitating seamless data exchange across critical infrastructure. Key technical parameters include 8 x 10/100BaseT(X) Ethernet ports, 2 x 100BaseFX (SC, single-mode) fiber optic ports, an MTBF of over 500,000 hours, and support for various industrial protocols.

Product Specifications

| Feature                       | Specification                                 |

| :---------------------------- | :-------------------------------------------- |

| Ethernet Ports                | 8 x 10/100BaseT(X)                            |

| Fiber Ports                   | 2 x 100BaseFX (SC, single-mode)               |

| Fiber Distance                | Up to 30 km                                   |

| Power Input                   | 2 x Removable 6-pin terminal blocks (12/24/48 VDC) |

| Operating Temperature         | -40 to 75°C                                   |

| Storage Temperature           | -40 to 85°C                                   |

| Ambient Humidity              | 5 to 95% RH (non-condensing)                  |

| MTBF                          | > 500,000 hours                               |

| Housing                       | IP30, rugged metal                            |

| Dimensions                    | 50 x 135 x 105 mm                             |

| Mounting                      | DIN-rail, wall-mount                          |

| Protocol Support              | IEEE 802.3, 802.3u, 802.3x, 802.3ad           |

| Management                    | Unmanaged                                     |

Core Features & Market Positioning

The Moxa EDS-308-S-SC stands out in the industrial Ethernet switch market due to its specialized single-mode SC fiber optic ports, offering extended communication distances essential for sprawling industrial sites and outdoor applications. Unlike many unmanaged switches, its design prioritizes long-term reliability with features like dual power inputs and an exceptionally high Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) of over 500,000 hours, minimizing unplanned downtime. This focus on durability and extended reach positions it as a superior choice for mission-critical networks where standard copper or multi-mode fiber solutions fall short in terms of distance and environmental resilience. Its unmanaged nature simplifies deployment, making it an accessible yet powerful networking component for various industrial operations.

Key Application Scenarios

This industrial switch is ideally suited for robust network backbones in sectors like oil and gas, where long-distance communication is often required between remote wellheads and central control facilities. In the transportation industry, the Moxa EDS-308-S-SC is vital for connecting traffic management systems, wayside equipment, and signaling networks over significant distances, ensuring reliable data flow for public safety and operational efficiency. Furthermore, its resilience makes it a prime candidate for smart grid applications, facilitating secure and stable communication links between substations, power generation sites, and monitoring centers, even in harsh environmental conditions.

Practical System Integration Guidance

Integrating the Moxa EDS-308-S-SC into an industrial network is straightforward due to its plug-and-play, unmanaged nature. For power, connect the redundant 12/24/48 VDC power inputs using the provided removable 6-pin terminal blocks, ensuring proper polarity to prevent damage. The 8 x 10/100BaseT(X) ports utilize standard RJ45 connectors for connecting devices like PLCs, HMIs, or other Ethernet-enabled industrial equipment. The 2 x 100BaseFX SC connectors are designed for single-mode fiber optic cabling, enabling communication over distances up to 30 km; ensure the correct fiber type and connector alignment for optimal signal integrity. DIN-rail mounting is facilitated by the integrated clip, allowing for quick and secure installation within control cabinets.

Operation and Risk Mitigation

Operating the Moxa EDS-308-S-SC requires no complex configuration, as it functions as an unmanaged switch. However, users should be aware of potential environmental risks; ensure the ambient temperature remains within the specified -40 to 75°C range and protect the unit from excessive moisture, as indicated by its IP30 rating. For power redundancy, connect both power inputs to separate DC power sources. Fiber optic connections should be handled with care to avoid dust contamination of the SC connectors, which can degrade signal quality and network performance. Regular visual inspection of connections and a clean operating environment are key to preventing common issues and ensuring continuous operation.

Scalability & Long-Term Value

The Moxa EDS-308-S-SC offers significant long-term value through its inherent reliability and compatibility with evolving industrial network architectures. Its robust design ensures it remains a dependable component even as networks expand. While an unmanaged switch, its standard Ethernet and single-mode fiber interfaces make it interoperable with a wide range of industrial devices and higher-level managed switches or firewalls. For scalability, additional EDS-308-S-SC units can be cascaded or interconnected with Moxa's managed industrial switches to build larger, more complex networks, supporting the transition towards Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and Industry 4.0 initiatives by providing a solid foundation for data acquisition and communication.

FAQs

What is the maximum distance for the fiber optic connection on the Moxa EDS-308-S-SC?

The Moxa EDS-308-S-SC features two 100BaseFX ports utilizing SC connectors designed for single-mode fiber. These ports are specifically engineered to support extended communication distances of up to 30 kilometers. This capability is critical for applications spanning large industrial complexes, outdoor plant environments, or inter-building connections where copper cabling is impractical.

The single-mode fiber technology ensures a low signal loss over these extended runs, maintaining data integrity and network performance. This makes the EDS-308-S-SC an excellent choice for robust backbone connectivity in geographically dispersed industrial setups. Careful selection and installation of the appropriate single-mode fiber optic cables are essential to achieve this maximum rated distance reliably.

For distances within this range, the switch provides a dependable and high-speed link for critical data transmission. Always ensure the fiber optic cables are clean and properly terminated to prevent signal degradation or connection failures over the maximum specified distance.

Can the Moxa EDS-308-S-SC be managed or configured?

No, the Moxa EDS-308-S-SC is an unmanaged industrial Ethernet switch. This means it does not offer any user-configurable settings or management interfaces like web browsers, SNMP, or command-line access. It operates on a plug-and-play basis, automatically handling Ethernet traffic forwarding based on its internal hardware.

The unmanaged nature simplifies installation and reduces the complexity of network setup, making it ideal for straightforward network deployments where advanced features are not required. Its primary function is to provide reliable, hardened Ethernet connectivity between devices.

For networks requiring traffic management, VLANs, QoS, or remote monitoring, a managed industrial switch from Moxa or another vendor would be necessary. The EDS-308-S-SC is designed for ease of use in environments where simplicity and rugged reliability are paramount.

What type of power supply is required for the Moxa EDS-308-S-SC?

The Moxa EDS-308-S-SC is equipped with dual redundant power inputs, utilizing removable 6-pin terminal blocks. It supports a wide DC input voltage range, typically accommodating 12, 24, or 48 VDC. This flexibility allows it to integrate seamlessly into various existing industrial power infrastructures.

Utilizing both power inputs connected to separate power sources enhances system reliability by providing a failover mechanism. If one power supply fails, the switch will continue to operate uninterrupted from the second power source. This is a crucial feature for mission-critical industrial applications.

When connecting the power supply, ensure correct polarity is observed to prevent damage to the unit. The use of appropriate gauge wiring for the terminal blocks is also recommended to ensure stable power delivery and safe operation within the specified voltage parameters.

What is the operating temperature range for this industrial switch?

The Moxa EDS-308-S-SC boasts an impressive industrial operating temperature range of -40 to 75°C (-40 to 167°F). This wide thermal tolerance is a critical advantage for deployment in harsh environments often found in manufacturing floors, outdoor enclosures, or substations.

This extended temperature range ensures reliable operation even under extreme hot or cold conditions, preventing performance degradation or outright failure that could occur with standard commercial-grade equipment. Such resilience is paramount for maintaining network uptime in critical industrial processes.

By operating effectively across this broad spectrum, the EDS-308-S-SC minimizes the need for climate-controlled housing, thereby reducing infrastructure costs and simplifying installation in challenging locations. Its robust thermal design is a key differentiator for industrial-grade networking solutions.

How many Ethernet ports does the Moxa EDS-308-S-SC have, and what speed do they support?

The Moxa EDS-308-S-SC features a total of eight Ethernet ports. All eight of these ports are 10/100BaseT(X) Fast Ethernet copper ports, utilizing standard RJ45 connectors. These ports are designed for connecting industrial devices such as Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs), sensors, and other network-enabled equipment.

These 10/100 Mbps ports provide sufficient bandwidth for typical industrial automation data exchange needs, including control commands, status monitoring, and diagnostic information. The auto-negotiation capabilities of these ports ensure compatibility with devices operating at either 10 Mbps or 100 Mbps, simplifying network integration.

While the copper ports are designed for shorter distances, typically up to 100 meters, they form the primary interface for connecting the majority of field-level industrial devices to the network backbone. Their robust design ensures reliable connectivity in electrically noisy industrial environments.

What distinguishes the SC fiber optic connectors on this switch?

The SC connectors on the Moxa EDS-308-S-SC are specifically designed for single-mode fiber optic applications. Single-mode fiber has a smaller core diameter compared to multi-mode fiber, which allows light signals to travel with less dispersion over much longer distances.

This makes the SC single-mode ports ideal for extending network connectivity across large geographical areas, such as connecting different buildings within a campus or linking remote industrial sites. The switch supports distances up to 30 km with single-mode fiber, a significant advantage over typical multi-mode or copper limitations.

SC connectors are a widely adopted standard in telecommunications and data networking, known for their push-pull coupling mechanism which provides a secure and reliable connection. Ensuring the cleanliness of these SC connectors is vital for maintaining optimal signal quality and achieving the maximum communication range.

Is the Moxa EDS-308-S-SC suitable for harsh outdoor environments?

The Moxa EDS-308-S-SC is built for demanding industrial environments, which often include outdoor or semi-outdoor conditions. Its ruggedized metal housing provides robust protection against physical shock and vibration, crucial for installations in mobile or exposed locations.

With an operating temperature range of -40 to 75°C, it can reliably function in extreme ambient temperatures often encountered outdoors. Its IP30 rating, however, indicates protection against solid objects larger than 2.5mm and no protection against water, suggesting it needs some form of enclosure or protection from direct weather elements.

While not fully waterproof, its construction makes it highly resilient to the general stresses of industrial settings, including electromagnetic interference common in such areas. For direct outdoor exposure, additional weatherproofing measures or a suitable protective enclosure would be advisable to ensure longevity.

What is the Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) for this switch, and why is it important?

The Moxa EDS-308-S-SC boasts an impressive Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) rating exceeding 500,000 hours. This metric is a key indicator of the product's reliability and longevity under typical operating conditions. A higher MTBF signifies a lower probability of failure over a given period.

In industrial settings, network downtime can lead to significant financial losses and operational disruptions. A high MTBF rating for the EDS-308-S-SC assures users of its robust design and quality components, minimizing the risk of unexpected failures and associated maintenance costs.

This extended reliability is achieved through rigorous testing and the use of industrial-grade components, ensuring the switch can consistently perform its function in critical applications where uninterrupted network connectivity is essential for process control and safety.

Does this switch support any network management protocols like SNMP?

No, the Moxa EDS-308-S-SC is an unmanaged switch and does not support network management protocols such as SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol). Its functionality is limited to basic Ethernet data switching without any provisions for remote configuration, monitoring, or diagnostics via management software.

As an unmanaged device, it operates independently, forwarding traffic between connected devices based on MAC addresses without requiring any network configuration. This makes it a simple, plug-and-play solution for adding Ethernet connectivity where advanced network management features are not needed.

For applications that require network monitoring capabilities, such as tracking port status, bandwidth utilization, or receiving alerts on network events, a managed industrial switch would be necessary. The EDS-308-S-SC is best suited for straightforward network segments that prioritize ease of deployment and inherent reliability.

What are the physical dimensions and mounting options for the Moxa EDS-308-S-SC?

The Moxa EDS-308-S-SC has compact physical dimensions of 50 x 135 x 105 mm (width x height x depth). These dimensions allow for easy integration into standard industrial control cabinets and enclosures where space can often be a constraint.

This industrial switch offers flexible mounting options to accommodate various installation scenarios. It is designed for standard DIN-rail mounting, which is a common and convenient method for securing devices within industrial cabinets.

Additionally, it can be wall-mounted using an optional mounting bracket, providing further versatility for installations where a DIN-rail is not available or practical. This adaptability ensures it can be securely and efficiently installed in a wide range of industrial settings.