Moxa EDS-308-SS-SC High Performance 8-Port Single-mode SC Switch

The Moxa EDS-308-SS-SC stands as a robust 8-port unmanaged Ethernet switch engineered for demanding industrial environments, particularly excelling in applications requiring long-distance data transmission. Its high-performance capabilities are underscored by critical technical parameters, including support for 10/100BaseT(X) Ethernet and 100BaseFX fiber optic connections, with SC connectors facilitating straightforward integration. This switch boasts a rugged design, capable of operating within an extended temperature range of -40 to 75°C, and features a DIN-rail mountable form factor for easy deployment in control cabinets. With dual redundant power inputs (12/24/48 VDC), it ensures continuous operation and high availability, crucial for mission-critical industrial networks.

Product Specifications

| Feature                 | Specification                                     |

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

| Ethernet Ports          | 6 x 10/100BaseT(X) RJ45                            |

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

| Fiber Distance          | Up to 30 km                                       |

| Power Input             | 12/24/48 VDC (Dual Redundant)                     |

| Operating Temperature   | -40 to 75°C                                       |

| Mounting                | DIN-rail                                          |

| Protocol                | IEEE 802.3, IEEE 802.3u, IEEE 802.3x              |

| MTBF                    | Varies by model, generally high (e.g., 300,000+ hours) |

| Dimensions              | Varies by model, typically compact industrial size |

Core Features & Market Positioning

The Moxa EDS-308-SS-SC distinguishes itself through its specialized single-mode SC fiber optic ports, enabling reliable, long-reach communication in environments where standard copper Ethernet falls short. This makes it a superior choice for sprawling industrial sites, utilities, and transportation networks. Its unmanaged nature simplifies deployment, requiring no complex configuration, while still delivering robust performance and industrial-grade reliability. Moxa's reputation for manufacturing durable and dependable industrial networking equipment further solidifies the EDS-308-SS-SC's market position as a go-to solution for harsh conditions and extended operational lifecycles. The inclusion of dual power inputs provides an essential layer of redundancy, minimizing downtime and safeguarding against power supply failures.

Key Application Scenarios

This high-performance switch is ideally suited for demanding industrial automation tasks and network backbones. Its extended fiber optic reach is invaluable in scenarios such as pipeline monitoring, where sensors and control systems may be geographically dispersed over kilometers. In transportation, it facilitates reliable communication for traffic control systems and railway signaling over long distances. Utilities benefit from its resilience in substations and power generation facilities, connecting critical infrastructure to central control rooms. The Moxa EDS-308-SS-SC is also a robust solution for manufacturing plants requiring robust connectivity between remote machinery and the central network infrastructure, especially in areas with electromagnetic interference.

Practical System Integration Guidance

Integrating the Moxa EDS-308-SS-SC into an existing industrial network is streamlined due to its plug-and-play functionality. For connections, utilize standard industrial Ethernet cables (Cat5e or higher) for the RJ45 ports, ensuring proper termination and shielding. For the single-mode SC fiber ports, ensure the use of appropriate single-mode fiber optic patch cords and verify connector cleanliness for optimal signal integrity. Power is supplied via screw terminals, accepting a wide voltage range for flexibility. Connect the positive and negative terminals for each redundant power supply to separate power sources to maximize system uptime. No software configuration is required for basic operation; simply connect devices to the ports and power up the switch.

Operation and Risk Mitigation

Operating the Moxa EDS-308-SS-SC involves minimal user intervention, focusing on maintaining a stable power supply and ensuring environmental conditions remain within the specified operating temperature range. To mitigate risks, always use the recommended power supply voltage and ensure adequate ventilation around the unit to prevent overheating. Regularly inspect fiber optic connections for damage or contamination, as this is a common cause of signal loss over long distances. While unmanaged, basic network troubleshooting involves checking LED indicators for port status, power, and any potential faults. For any persistent issues, consult Moxa's support documentation for specific diagnostic steps relevant to the EDS-300 series.

Scalability & Long-Term Value

The Moxa EDS-308-SS-SC offers significant long-term value through its inherent ruggedness and reliability, designed for extended service life in challenging industrial settings. While it is an unmanaged switch, its scalability is achieved through network design principles. Adding more EDS-308-SS-SC units or other Moxa switches can expand network capacity and reach. Its compatibility with standard industrial communication protocols ensures seamless integration into diverse automation architectures. For future-proofing, its robust fiber optic capability positions it well for environments transitioning towards higher bandwidth demands or requiring extended network segmentation, aligning with Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) strategies by providing a reliable foundational network layer.

FAQs

1. What is the maximum distance for the fiber optic ports on the Moxa EDS-308-SS-SC?

The single-mode SC fiber optic ports on the Moxa EDS-308-SS-SC support transmissions up to 30 kilometers. This extended range is ideal for connecting geographically dispersed industrial sites.

This capability ensures reliable data transfer across large factory floors or remote monitoring locations. It significantly reduces the need for signal repeaters or intermediate networking devices over long runs.

Leveraging single-mode fiber is crucial for maintaining signal integrity and bandwidth over such considerable distances, unlike multimode fiber.

2. Does the Moxa EDS-308-SS-SC require configuration?

No, the Moxa EDS-308-SS-SC is an unmanaged industrial Ethernet switch. It is designed for plug-and-play operation right out of the box.

You can install it and immediately connect your devices without any software setup or IP address configuration. Its simplicity reduces deployment time and complexity in industrial settings.

This unmanaged nature means it focuses solely on forwarding network traffic efficiently and reliably based on MAC addresses.

3. What type of power supply does the Moxa EDS-308-SS-SC use?

The Moxa EDS-308-SS-SC features dual redundant power inputs. It accepts a wide DC voltage range, typically from 12 to 48 VDC.

The dual input design allows for connection to two separate power sources, enhancing system reliability and preventing network downtime if one power supply fails. This is a critical feature for industrial applications.

Using the provided screw terminals, connecting the power supply is a straightforward process, designed for secure and robust electrical connections in industrial environments.

4. Can I mix single-mode and multimode fiber on this switch?

No, the Moxa EDS-308-SS-SC specifically features two single-mode SC fiber optic ports. It is not designed to accommodate multimode fiber connections.

You must use single-mode fiber optic patch cords with SC connectors to utilize the fiber ports effectively. Mixing fiber types will result in non-functional connections.

Ensuring the correct fiber type (single-mode) is essential for achieving the specified 30 km transmission distance.

5. What is the operating temperature range of the Moxa EDS-308-SS-SC?

The Moxa EDS-308-SS-SC is built for harsh industrial conditions and operates within an extended temperature range. This typically spans from -40°C to 75°C (-40°F to 167°F).

This wide operating temperature capability ensures reliable performance in extreme cold or hot environments, common in outdoor installations or unconditioned factory floors.

Proper ventilation should still be considered, although the switch is designed to withstand significant thermal variations without compromising functionality.

6. How are the RJ45 ports on the EDS-308-SS-SC terminated?

The eight RJ45 ports on the Moxa EDS-308-SS-SC are standard 10/100BaseT(X) auto-negotiation ports. They use standard Ethernet pinouts.

You can connect standard Cat5e or higher Ethernet cables to these ports for connecting industrial devices or other network switches. Ensure proper cable shielding for industrial environments.

These ports support auto MDI/MDI-X, meaning you can use either a straight-through or crossover Ethernet cable without affecting functionality.

7. What mounting options are available for the Moxa EDS-308-SS-SC?

The Moxa EDS-308-SS-SC is designed for easy installation in industrial control cabinets and enclosures. It features a standard DIN-rail mounting bracket.

This allows for quick and secure attachment to a 35mm DIN rail, a common standard in industrial electrical installations, simplifying deployment.

No additional mounting hardware is typically required beyond the DIN rail itself, making system integration efficient.

8. Is the Moxa EDS-308-SS-SC suitable for cybersecurity-sensitive applications?

As an unmanaged switch, the EDS-308-SS-SC does not have advanced security features like firewalls or access control lists. Its security relies on network segmentation and physical security.

For enhanced security, it should be placed behind a managed firewall or integrated into a secure network architecture managed by higher-level devices. Proper network design is key.

The focus is on reliable data transport; therefore, implementing robust cybersecurity measures at other network layers is crucial when deploying this switch.

9. What does "unmanaged" mean in the context of this switch?

"Unmanaged" signifies that the Moxa EDS-308-SS-SC requires no configuration or software setup to operate. It functions automatically upon power-up.

It supports basic Ethernet switching functions like MAC address learning and forwarding of data packets between connected devices. There are no user interfaces for configuration.

This simplicity makes it ideal for straightforward network expansion where advanced features like VLANs or QoS are not necessary.

10. What is the MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures) for this switch?

The MTBF for Moxa industrial switches like the EDS-308-SS-SC is typically very high, often exceeding 300,000 hours. This indicates a long expected operational life.

Moxa designs its products for extreme reliability, a critical factor for industrial automation where downtime is costly. Specific MTBF figures can be found in the detailed product datasheets.

This high MTBF rating underscores the switch's suitability for mission-critical applications demanding consistent performance over many years.