Moxa EDS-408A-3S-SC 8-Port Single-mode SC Managed Industrial Switch

The Moxa EDS-408A-3S-SC is an 8-port, single-mode SC managed industrial Ethernet switch engineered for demanding automation and control environments. Its robust design ensures reliable data transmission in harsh conditions, making it a cornerstone for industrial networking. Key advantages include its ability to extend network distances significantly via single-mode fiber optic connections, providing resilience against electromagnetic interference and electrical noise. The switch boasts essential technical parameters such as 8 Fast Ethernet ports (3 single-mode SC fiber ports and 5 copper ports), a wide operating temperature range of -40°C to 75°C, dual redundant power inputs (12/24/48 VDC), and an IP30 enclosure rating. It supports advanced management features including Turbo Ring™, Turbo Chain™, VLAN, QoS, and IGMP snooping, all crucial for high-availability industrial networks.

Product Specifications

| Feature                      | Specification                                                                                               |

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

| Ports                        | 8 x Fast Ethernet ports (3 x 100Base-FX single-mode SC fiber ports, 5 x 10/100Base-T copper ports)             |

| Fiber Port Type              | Single-mode SC                                                                                              |

| Fiber Transmission Distance  | Up to 40 km                                                                                                 |

| Ethernet Standards           | IEEE 802.3, 802.3u, 802.3x, 802.1D, 802.1w, 802.1Q, 802.1p                                                  |

| Switching Capacity           | 1.6 Gbps                                                                                                    |

| Packet Forwarding Rate       | 1.19 Mpps                                                                                                   |

| MAC Address Table Size       | 1K entries                                                                                                  |

| Power Input                  | Dual redundant 12/24/48 VDC (4-pin, 5.08 mm pitch terminal block)                                             |

| Power Consumption            | Max. 8.5 W                                                                                                  |

| Operating Temperature        | -40°C to 75°C (-40°F to 167°F)                                                                              |

| Enclosure                    | IP30                                                                                                        |

| Dimensions                   | 50 x 140 x 115 mm (1.97 x 5.51 x 4.53 in)                                                                    |

| Mounting                     | DIN-rail mounting, Wall mounting (with optional kit)                                                        |

| MTBF                         | 700,000+ hours                                                                                              |

| Management Features          | Web, Telnet, Console (CLI), SNMPv1/v2c/v3, LLDP, DHCP, Port Mirroring, RADIUS, NTP, Syslog, Event Schedulers |

| Redundancy Protocols         | Moxa Turbo Ring™ (Ring, Chain, Linear, Fan), RSTP (IEEE 802.1w), STP (IEEE 802.1D)                           |

| Quality of Service (QoS)     | IEEE 802.1p, DSCP, ToS                                                                                       |

| Security                     | Port Security, Broadcast Storm Protection, IGMP Snooping                                                    |

Core Features & Market Positioning

The Moxa EDS-408A-3S-SC distinguishes itself through its robust industrial design and advanced networking capabilities. Its integration of three single-mode SC fiber ports is a significant competitive advantage, enabling long-distance communication critical for sprawling industrial facilities, offshore platforms, and utility networks where copper cabling is impractical or susceptible to interference. The switch's support for Moxa's proprietary Turbo Ring™ and Turbo Chain™ technologies provides sub-20-millisecond network recovery times, surpassing standard Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) capabilities and ensuring uninterrupted operation in mission-critical applications. This focus on reliability, coupled with a wide operating temperature range and dual redundant power inputs, positions the EDS-408A-3S-SC as a premium solution for environments where network uptime is paramount. Its comprehensive management suite, including SNMP, web, and CLI interfaces, offers flexibility for network administrators, catering to both novice and expert users seeking granular control and monitoring.

Key Application Scenarios

This industrial Ethernet switch is ideally suited for applications requiring extended network reach and high reliability, such as Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems in remote substations, traffic control systems managing distributed sensors across long corridors, and video surveillance networks in expansive outdoor or industrial sites. The single-mode fiber ports allow the EDS-408A-3S-SC to connect control rooms to field devices or network segments separated by several kilometers, overcoming distance limitations inherent to copper Ethernet. In manufacturing automation, it can serve as a backbone for connecting multiple production lines or a central plant network to a remote distribution center, ensuring seamless data flow for operational efficiency. Its resilience to environmental factors also makes it a strong candidate for deployment in oil and gas, mining, and transportation sectors, where extreme temperatures and electromagnetic interference are common challenges.

Practical System Integration Guidance

Integrating the Moxa EDS-408A-3S-SC into an industrial network is streamlined through its user-friendly design and robust management features. For physical installation, utilize the included DIN-rail mounting kit or an optional wall-mount bracket. Ensure adequate ventilation around the unit, as it is passively cooled. Power connections require a 12/24/48 VDC power supply connected to the terminal block; employing dual power supplies provides redundancy. For network connectivity, copper ports utilize standard RJ45 Ethernet cables, while the fiber ports require single-mode SC fiber optic cables. Initial configuration can be performed via the console port using a serial cable or through the web interface by assigning an IP address. Configuring Turbo Ring™ or Turbo Chain™ involves connecting the devices in a ring or chain topology and designating a master device within the Moxa P-Ring utility or web interface, ensuring rapid network reconvergence. Basic VLANs can be set up to segment network traffic for improved security and performance.

Operation and Risk Mitigation

Operating the Moxa EDS-408A-3S-SC involves leveraging its advanced management features to ensure network stability and security. Regularly monitor network traffic, port status, and device health through the web interface or SNMP management system. Implement robust security measures such as port security to restrict unauthorized device connections and enable broadcast storm protection to prevent network floods. For troubleshooting, common issues like intermittent connectivity can often be resolved by checking fiber optic cable integrity, ensuring proper connector seating, and verifying fiber link budgets. Redundant power inputs significantly mitigate the risk of power failure-related downtime; ensure that both power sources are connected to independent power rails. In the event of a link failure, Turbo Ring™ or STP will automatically reroute traffic, but it's crucial to document the network topology to facilitate fault isolation. Any critical errors or faults, such as power input failures or port link-downs, will be logged via syslog or sent as SNMP traps, allowing for proactive intervention.

Scalability & Long-Term Value

The Moxa EDS-408A-3S-SC offers significant scalability and long-term value for industrial networking infrastructures. Its managed nature allows for dynamic network expansion; additional switches can be easily incorporated into existing Turbo Ring™ or Turbo Chain™ topologies, or integrated into larger network segments via STP, without disrupting ongoing operations. The switch's compatibility with various industrial protocols and its support for VLANs enable segmentation and growth within a unified network architecture. For organizations moving towards Industry 4.0 and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), the EDS-408A-3S-SC provides a reliable foundation. Its ability to integrate with centralized management platforms like Moxa's Industrial Network Management Solution (INMS) allows for proactive monitoring, configuration, and troubleshooting of the entire network, reducing operational costs and ensuring the longevity of deployed assets.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum network distance supported by the Moxa EDS-408A-3S-SC?

The single-mode SC fiber optic ports on the Moxa EDS-408A-3S-SC are designed for extended reach. They can support network distances of up to 40 kilometers.

This capability makes the switch ideal for connecting geographically dispersed industrial sites or devices far from the central control room. It effectively overcomes the limitations of standard copper Ethernet cabling in such scenarios.

Utilizing single-mode fiber ensures signal integrity over long hauls, mitigating attenuation and interference common in industrial environments.

How does Moxa's Turbo Ring™ technology benefit this industrial switch?

Moxa's Turbo Ring™ technology provides a highly resilient and rapid network recovery mechanism. It allows the EDS-408A-3S-SC to achieve sub-20-millisecond network failover times.

This extremely fast redundancy is critical for applications where even brief network interruptions can lead to significant production losses or safety hazards. The technology supports various topologies like ring, chain, and linear configurations.

Implementing Turbo Ring™ ensures continuous operation and data flow, significantly enhancing the overall reliability and uptime of the industrial automation system.

What are the power input specifications and redundancy features of the EDS-408A-3S-SC?

The Moxa EDS-408A-3S-SC features dual redundant power inputs for enhanced operational reliability. It supports a wide DC voltage range, typically 12/24/48 VDC.

This dual input design allows for connection to two separate power sources, ensuring that if one power supply fails, the switch continues to operate without interruption from the secondary source.

The power inputs are delivered via a standard 5.08 mm pitch terminal block, facilitating easy and secure wiring within industrial control panels.

Can the Moxa EDS-408A-3S-SC operate in extreme temperature environments?

Yes, the Moxa EDS-408A-3S-SC is engineered for harsh industrial conditions. It boasts a wide operating temperature range.

Specifically, it can function reliably in temperatures from -40°C to 75°C (-40°F to 167°F). This broad range ensures stable performance in both extreme cold and high-heat environments.

This thermal resilience makes it suitable for deployment in outdoor enclosures, unheated facilities, or near heat-generating industrial machinery.

What management features are available on the EDS-408A-3S-SC for network administration?

The EDS-408A-3S-SC is a fully managed switch offering a comprehensive suite of administrative tools. It supports multiple management methods including Web interface, Telnet, and a Command Line Interface (CLI) via console or SSH.

Advanced features include SNMPv1/v2c/v3 for network monitoring, LLDP for device discovery, DHCP for IP address assignment, and port mirroring for traffic analysis.

Security and diagnostic features like RADIUS authentication, NTP for time synchronization, and Syslog for event logging are also integrated, providing robust network control.

How does the switch handle network segmentation and traffic prioritization?

The EDS-408A-3S-SC supports Virtual LAN (VLAN) technology, allowing network administrators to logically segment the network. This improves security and performance by isolating broadcast domains.

Quality of Service (QoS) features, including IEEE 802.1p and DSCP markings, enable traffic prioritization. This ensures that time-sensitive data, such as control commands or video streams, receives preferential treatment.

By implementing VLANs and QoS, users can optimize network resources and guarantee the performance of critical applications.

What is the typical use case for the 5 copper Ethernet ports on this switch?

The five 10/100Base-T copper Ethernet ports are designed for connecting standard industrial devices that utilize RJ45 connectors. These include PLCs, HMIs, sensors, actuators, and other local control equipment.

These ports provide flexible connectivity for devices within a shorter range, typically up to 100 meters, from the switch. They are crucial for integrating the immediate operational machinery on a factory floor or within a control cabinet.

Combined with the fiber ports for longer distances, these copper ports create a versatile network architecture capable of addressing both local and remote connectivity needs.

Does the EDS-408A-3S-SC support any standard redundancy protocols besides Turbo Ring™?

Yes, in addition to its proprietary Turbo Ring™ technology, the Moxa EDS-408A-3S-SC also supports standard Ethernet redundancy protocols. This ensures interoperability and flexibility.

It is compliant with Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP, IEEE 802.1w) and Spanning Tree Protocol (STP, IEEE 802.1D). These protocols are widely adopted in industrial networking for creating loop-free topologies.

Support for both proprietary and standard protocols allows the switch to be integrated into diverse network designs, catering to specific project requirements and existing infrastructure.

What is the enclosure rating and mounting options for the Moxa EDS-408A-3S-SC?

The Moxa EDS-408A-3S-SC features an IP30-rated enclosure. This rating indicates protection against solid objects greater than 2.5 mm, but it is not designed for dust or water ingress protection.

The switch is primarily designed for DIN-rail mounting, which is a standard in industrial control cabinets, allowing for quick and secure installation.

Optional wall-mounting kits are available, providing additional flexibility for deployment scenarios where DIN-rail mounting is not feasible.

What are the benefits of using a managed industrial switch like the EDS-408A-3S-SC compared to an unmanaged switch?

Managed switches like the EDS-408A-3S-SC offer significantly greater control, visibility, and reliability over the network. They allow for granular configuration of features like VLANs, QoS, and port security.

This advanced management enables network segmentation for security, prioritization of critical traffic, and detailed monitoring of network health and performance. Remote troubleshooting is also greatly simplified.

While unmanaged switches offer plug-and-play simplicity, managed switches provide the robustness, security, and performance tuning necessary for demanding industrial automation and control applications.