Moxa EDS-408A-SS-SC Single-mode SC Port Industrial Switch

The Moxa EDS-408A-SS-SC is a robust industrial Ethernet switch engineered for demanding environments, offering reliable connectivity and advanced features for critical automation and control systems. This unmanaged, multi-port switch is distinguished by its single-mode SC fiber optic ports, providing extended transmission distances and superior immunity to electromagnetic interference, making it an ideal choice for applications where robust network infrastructure is paramount. Its compact design, DIN-rail mounting, and wide operating temperature range (-40 to 75°C) ensure seamless integration and dependable operation in harsh industrial settings.

Product Specifications

| Feature                 | Specification                                     |

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

| Model                   | EDS-408A-SS-SC                                    |

| Ethernet Ports          | 8 x 10/100BaseT(X) RJ45 copper ports               |

| Fiber Ports             | 2 x 100BaseFX Single-mode SC ports                |

| Fiber Wavelength        | 1310 nm                                           |

| Fiber Distance          | Up to 40 km                                       |

| Power Input             | 12/24/48 VDC (9.6 to 60 VDC), 2 redundant inputs   |

| Operating Temperature   | -40 to 75°C                                       |

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

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

| MAC Table Size          | 1024 MAC addresses                                |

| Switch Fabric           | 1.6 Gbps                                          |

| Dimensions (W x D x H)  | 50 x 135 x 115 mm                                 |

| Weight                  | 620 g                                             |

| MTBF                    | 271,000 hours                                     |

| Warranty                | 5 years                                           |

Core Features & Market Positioning

The Moxa EDS-408A-SS-SC distinguishes itself in the industrial Ethernet market through its specific combination of robust build quality, extended-range single-mode fiber connectivity, and Moxa's renowned reliability. Unlike many standard industrial switches, the inclusion of single-mode SC fiber ports directly addresses the need for long-distance data transmission in sprawling industrial complexes, outdoor substations, or campus networks where copper cabling is impractical or susceptible to signal degradation. This capability, coupled with its wide operating temperature range and dual redundant power inputs, positions the EDS-408A-SS-SC as a high-availability solution for mission-critical applications. Its unmanaged nature simplifies deployment, making it a cost-effective yet powerful choice for users prioritizing plug-and-play functionality without compromising on performance or durability.

Key Application Scenarios

This industrial switch is ideally suited for applications demanding reliable, long-range Ethernet connectivity in challenging environments. Common scenarios include utility automation, such as power substations and water treatment plants, where its single-mode fiber ports can span significant distances between control points and remote monitoring stations, ensuring data integrity against electrical noise. It's also highly effective in transportation systems, including railway signaling and traffic management, where robust communication links are essential for safety and operational efficiency. Furthermore, the EDS-408A-SS-SC finds application in large-scale manufacturing facilities and petrochemical plants, facilitating network expansion to remote machinery or distributed control units that are beyond the reach of standard copper Ethernet.

Practical System Integration Guidance

Integrating the Moxa EDS-408A-SS-SC into an industrial network is straightforward due to its unmanaged nature and standard DIN-rail mounting. Installation typically involves securely attaching the switch to a DIN rail within an enclosure. Power is supplied via two redundant DC input terminals, allowing for connection to separate power sources to enhance system reliability. For network connectivity, standard Cat5e or Cat6 Ethernet cables are used for the RJ45 copper ports, while the single-mode SC fiber ports require appropriate single-mode fiber optic patch cords. A crucial consideration for fiber connections is ensuring the correct polarity and checking for any contamination on the SC connector ends before mating to prevent signal loss or damage. The switch functions as a plug-and-play device, requiring no configuration for basic network operation, which significantly reduces commissioning time.

Operation and Risk Mitigation

Operating the Moxa EDS-408A-SS-SC involves ensuring proper power supply and maintaining clean physical connections. The dual redundant power inputs are a key risk mitigation feature; connecting to two independent DC power sources ensures continuous operation even if one power supply fails. Environmental considerations are also vital; while the switch is rated for a wide temperature range, ensuring adequate ventilation within the enclosure helps maintain optimal performance and longevity. Physical inspection of the Ethernet and fiber optic connectors for dirt or damage before and during maintenance is a simple yet effective way to prevent connectivity issues. Should network communication problems arise, initial troubleshooting should focus on checking link lights on the ports, verifying cable integrity, and confirming that connected devices are functioning correctly. The robust design of the EDS-408A-SS-SC inherently minimizes common failure points found in less ruggedized equipment.

Scalability & Long-Term Value

The Moxa EDS-408A-SS-SC offers significant long-term value through its inherent durability and compatibility with broader industrial networking trends. Its design prioritizes a long Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) of over 271,000 hours, indicating exceptional reliability and reducing the need for frequent replacements. While an unmanaged switch, its integration into larger networks is seamless, acting as a reliable backbone or edge device. For enhanced network management or future expansion into Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) applications, it can be easily interconnected with managed switches or IIoT gateways that offer advanced monitoring, security, and protocol translation capabilities. This allows organizations to build a scalable network infrastructure that can grow and adapt to evolving operational demands and digital transformation initiatives without needing to rip and replace existing fiber infrastructure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary advantages of using the Moxa EDS-408A-SS-SC for industrial networks?

This switch excels due to its robust industrial design, enabling reliable operation in harsh conditions. Its single-mode SC fiber ports offer extended transmission distances, crucial for large facilities and remote deployments. The dual redundant power inputs enhance system uptime and resilience against power failures.

The switch supports a wide operating temperature range, ensuring consistent performance from -40 to 75°C, which is vital for outdoor or unconditioned environments. Its high Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) rating signifies long-term dependability and reduced maintenance costs.

Furthermore, its unmanaged nature simplifies installation and reduces initial setup complexity, making it ideal for straightforward network expansion where advanced configuration is not required.

What technical specifications are most critical for the EDS-408A-SS-SC in an industrial setting?

The key technical specifications include its 8 x 10/100BaseT(X) Ethernet ports for local device connectivity and 2 x 100BaseFX single-mode SC fiber ports for long-haul communication. The single-mode fiber's capability to reach up to 40 km is a significant advantage over multimode or copper.

Crucial for operational stability are its wide operating temperature range of -40 to 75°C and its power input flexibility, accepting 12/24/48 VDC with redundant inputs for failover. Its compact DIN-rail mountable form factor facilitates easy integration into control cabinets.

The switch also boasts a 1.6 Gbps switching fabric for efficient data throughput and a MAC address table of 1024 entries, suitable for moderate network sizes. Its MTBF of over 271,000 hours underscores its industrial-grade reliability.

How does the single-mode SC fiber port differentiate this switch from other industrial Ethernet devices?

The single-mode SC fiber ports enable significantly longer data transmission distances compared to multimode fiber or standard copper Ethernet. This is critical for connecting devices across vast industrial complexes, outdoor infrastructure, or across campuses.

Single-mode fiber also offers superior immunity to electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio-frequency interference (RFI), making it ideal for electrically noisy environments common in heavy industry, manufacturing, and utilities. The SC connector type is a widely adopted standard, ensuring compatibility with readily available patch cords.

This specific feature set makes the EDS-408A-SS-SC an excellent choice for backbone connectivity, linking remote network segments, or establishing high-bandwidth, resilient communication links where copper or multimode fiber would be insufficient or prone to signal degradation.

Can the Moxa EDS-408A-SS-SC be used in hazardous area classifications?

The standard EDS-408A-SS-SC model is not typically certified for hazardous area classifications like ATEX or Class I, Division 2. Industrial applications in potentially explosive atmospheres require specialized intrinsically safe or explosion-proof equipment.

Users must consult the product's official datasheet and certifications to determine suitability for specific hazardous environments. Often, Moxa offers alternative models or enclosures designed to meet these stringent safety requirements for hazardous locations.

For standard industrial environments without these specific hazardous area mandates, the EDS-408A-SS-SC provides robust performance and reliability for general automation and control networking needs.

What type of power supply is required for the Moxa EDS-408A-SS-SC, and what are the benefits of redundant power inputs?

The Moxa EDS-408A-SS-SC supports a wide DC voltage input range, typically from 12 to 48 VDC (9.6 to 60 VDC). This flexibility allows it to be powered by various industrial power sources commonly found in control panels.

The switch features dual, independent power inputs. Connecting to two separate DC power supplies provides critical redundancy. If one power source fails or experiences an interruption, the switch automatically continues to operate using the secondary power source without downtime.

This redundant power capability is essential for maintaining continuous operation of critical industrial processes and communication networks, significantly enhancing overall system reliability and availability.

How is the Moxa EDS-408A-SS-SC typically mounted and installed in an industrial control cabinet?

The EDS-408A-SS-SC is designed for easy installation using a standard 35mm DIN rail. It can be quickly clipped onto the rail within an industrial enclosure or cabinet.

Optional mounting brackets are available for direct wall mounting if a DIN rail is not present or suitable in the specific installation location. This offers flexibility in deployment depending on available space and cabinet design.

Proper ventilation within the enclosure is important, even though the switch is rated for wide operating temperatures, to ensure optimal thermal management and longevity.

What is the maximum distance that can be achieved using the single-mode SC fiber ports?

The single-mode SC fiber ports on the Moxa EDS-408A-SS-SC are specified to support transmission distances of up to 40 kilometers. This extended range is a significant advantage for connecting networks over long distances.

This capability is crucial for applications such as linking substations in a power utility network or connecting control rooms to remote assets in transportation or oil and gas industries. The 1310 nm wavelength is typically used for these long-reach single-mode applications.

Achieving the full 40 km distance depends on factors like the quality of the fiber optic cable, the number of splices, and environmental conditions along the transmission path.

Does the Moxa EDS-408A-SS-SC support any managed switch features like VLANs or QoS?

No, the Moxa EDS-408A-SS-SC is an unmanaged industrial Ethernet switch. It does not support advanced configuration features such as Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs), Quality of Service (QoS), or SNMP management.

Its functionality is limited to plug-and-play Ethernet connectivity, automatically learning MAC addresses and forwarding data packets based on standard Ethernet protocols. This simplicity is a key design choice for ease of deployment.

For networks requiring VLANs, QoS, or remote management capabilities, a managed industrial switch from Moxa or another vendor would be necessary. These switches offer more sophisticated network control and monitoring.

What are the typical troubleshooting steps if a port on the EDS-408A-SS-SC is not communicating?

First, visually inspect the physical connections. Ensure Ethernet cables are securely plugged into both the switch port and the connected device, and that fiber optic connectors are clean and properly seated.

Check the status LEDs on the switch port. A solid green light typically indicates a link, while a blinking green light signifies data activity. If there's no light, the issue may be with the cable, the connected device, or the port itself.

Try swapping cables or connecting a known-good device to the port to rule out external issues. If problems persist, consider connecting to a different port on the switch or, if possible, test the switch in a different network segment.

What is the warranty period for the Moxa EDS-408A-SS-SC, and what does this imply about its reliability?

The Moxa EDS-408A-SS-SC comes with a 5-year warranty. This extended warranty period reflects Moxa's confidence in the product's durability and long-term performance in demanding industrial applications.

A 5-year warranty is significantly longer than what is typically offered for consumer-grade electronics or even many standard business networking devices, underscoring its industrial-grade design and build quality.

This long warranty period translates to lower total cost of ownership by reducing the likelihood of premature hardware failure and associated replacement or repair costs, providing users with peace of mind.