Advantech EKI-1528-CE Managed Gigabit Industrial Ethernet Switch

The Advantech EKI-1528-CE is a robust, managed Gigabit industrial Ethernet switch engineered for demanding operational environments. This high-performance device boasts 28 Gigabit Ethernet ports, including 24 x 10/100/1000Base-T and 4 x 10/100/1000Base-T/SFP combo ports, offering exceptional network flexibility and throughput. With an extended operating temperature range of -40°C to 75°C and dual 12-48 VDC power inputs, it ensures reliable connectivity in harsh industrial settings. The EKI-1528-CE supports advanced management features, including VLAN, QoS, LACP, IGMP snooping, and MSTP, enabling efficient network segmentation, traffic prioritization, and enhanced redundancy for critical industrial applications. Its rugged metal casing, DIN-rail mountability, and IP30 protection rating further underscore its suitability for deployment in factory automation, intelligent transportation systems, and outdoor surveillance networks.

Product Specifications

| Feature                    | Specification                                  |

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

| Pattern                      | EKI-1528-CE                                 |

| Ethernet Ports             | 24 x 10/100/1000Base-T, 4 x 10/100/1000Base-T/SFP Combo |

| Power Input                | Dual 12-48 VDC                                 |

| Operating Temperature      | -40°C to 75°C                                  |

| Protection Rating          | IP30                                           |

| Management                 | Fully Managed (Web, CLI, SNMP)                 |

| Redundant Power Input      | Yes                                            |

| Dimensions (W x H x D)     | 410 x 150 x 140 mm                             |

| Mounting                   | DIN-rail                                       |

| Jumbo Frame Support        | Up to 9216 bytes                               |

| MAC Address Table          | 8K entries                                     |

Core Features & Market Positioning

The Advantech EKI-1528-CE distinguishes itself through its comprehensive suite of advanced management features, setting it apart in the industrial Ethernet switch market. Its capacity for deep packet inspection and granular traffic control via QoS and VLAN configurations allows for precise network management, crucial for latency-sensitive industrial processes. The inclusion of four SFP combo ports provides immediate flexibility for integrating fiber optic links, essential for extending network reach and ensuring robust data transmission over long distances or in electromagnetically noisy environments. Furthermore, its support for Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP) enhances bandwidth and provides failover capabilities, directly addressing the need for highly available industrial networks. This combination of high port density, extensive management features, and ruggedized design positions the EKI-1528-CE as a premium solution for complex industrial network infrastructures demanding reliability and performance.

Key Application Scenarios

In factory automation, the EKI-1528-CE is instrumental in creating highly resilient and segmented networks for machine-to-machine communication, SCADA systems, and real-time data acquisition. Its Gigabit speeds and QoS capabilities ensure that critical control data is prioritized, minimizing latency and preventing production disruptions. For intelligent transportation systems (ITS), this managed switch facilitates the reliable connectivity of traffic cameras, sensors, and variable message signs, often deployed in harsh roadside conditions. The switch's wide operating temperature range and robust construction are vital for maintaining network integrity in these demanding outdoor environments. In surveillance applications, the EKI-1528-CE efficiently aggregates high-bandwidth video streams from numerous IP cameras, supporting Power over Ethernet (PoE) injectors or switches upstream, ensuring continuous data flow for security monitoring.

Practical System Integration Guidance

Integrating the Advantech EKI-1528-CE into an industrial network is streamlined by its standard DIN-rail mounting and readily accessible terminal blocks for its dual DC power inputs, simplifying physical installation. Initial configuration can be performed via a web browser, CLI, or SNMP, allowing network administrators to select their preferred management interface. For network segmentation, administrators can configure VLANs by assigning ports to specific VLAN IDs, isolating traffic between different operational zones or departments. To enhance network resilience, implementing MSTP (Multiple Spanning Tree Protocol) is recommended; this involves configuring priority values on ports to establish a loop-free topology, ensuring that traffic can reroute automatically if a primary link fails. Connecting devices is straightforward: copper ports accept standard RJ45 Ethernet cables, while the SFP ports require compatible SFP transceivers and fiber optic cables for extended or specialized connections.

Operation and Risk Mitigation

Safe operation of the Advantech EKI-1528-CE requires adherence to its specified power input range (12-48 VDC) and environmental operating conditions, particularly the temperature range of -40°C to 75°C. Proper grounding of the chassis is essential to prevent electrostatic discharge and ensure electromagnetic compatibility. Troubleshooting common issues often involves checking link status LEDs, power connections, and cable integrity. If network connectivity is intermittent, a primary step is to examine the switch's management interface for port statistics, error counters, and firmware version to identify potential bottlenecks or configuration conflicts. For power-related faults, verifying both DC power inputs and their voltage levels is crucial, as the dual input design allows for seamless failover if one supply is interrupted.

Scalability & Long-Term Value

The Advantech EKI-1528-CE offers significant scalability for growing industrial networks. Its 28 Gigabit ports, including flexible SFP combo options, provide ample capacity for adding new devices or expanding network segments. The managed nature of the switch allows for future integration into more sophisticated Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) platforms and digital transformation initiatives. By supporting standard protocols like SNMP, it can be easily incorporated into centralized network monitoring and management systems, facilitating proactive maintenance and performance optimization. Its robust construction and wide operating temperature range also ensure long-term reliability and a reduced total cost of ownership, minimizing the need for premature replacements in harsh industrial environments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary function of the Advantech EKI-1528-CE switch?

The EKI-1528-CE is a managed industrial Ethernet switch designed for reliable data communication in harsh environments. It offers high-speed Gigabit connectivity with advanced features for network management and resilience.

It provides 28 Gigabit Ethernet ports, including versatile SFP combo ports for fiber optic integration. This allows for robust network expansion and high-bandwidth data transfer essential for industrial applications.

Key management functions include VLANs for segmentation, QoS for traffic prioritization, and LACP for link aggregation, ensuring optimized and stable network performance.

How does the Advantech EKI-1528-CE handle extreme temperature conditions?

This industrial switch is built to operate reliably in extreme temperatures ranging from -40°C to 75°C. Its ruggedized design ensures consistent performance in demanding industrial settings.

The robust metal casing and IP30 protection rating contribute to its durability against environmental factors like dust and moderate humidity. This makes it suitable for deployment beyond climate-controlled office spaces.

Advantech's rigorous testing and component selection ensure that the EKI-1528-CE meets industrial standards for thermal management and operational longevity.

What are the benefits of using managed Gigabit ports on the EKI-1528-CE?

Managed Gigabit ports provide granular control over network traffic, enabling efficient segmentation through VLANs and prioritization via QoS. This optimizes performance for critical industrial applications.

The Gigabit speed ensures high throughput, essential for handling large data volumes from devices like IP cameras or automation controllers. This reduces latency and improves overall operational efficiency.

Managed features also enhance network security and allow for advanced troubleshooting, offering greater visibility and control compared to unmanaged switches.

Can the EKI-1528-CE be integrated into existing industrial automation systems?

Yes, the EKI-1528-CE integrates seamlessly into existing systems due to its support for standard industrial protocols and robust connectivity options. Its managed features aid in network optimization for automation.

The switch's DIN-rail mounting and dual DC power inputs simplify installation in control cabinets and industrial environments. It's designed for easy physical and electrical integration.

It supports protocols like SNMP, allowing it to be monitored and managed by centralized industrial control and SCADA systems, ensuring compatibility and efficient operation.

What is the role of the SFP combo ports on this industrial switch?

The SFP combo ports offer flexible connectivity options, allowing the use of either copper Ethernet transceivers or SFP fiber optic modules. This enhances network reach and reliability.

Fiber optic connections are crucial for extending network distances beyond the limits of copper cables and for providing immunity to electromagnetic interference in industrial settings.

These ports allow for easy adaptation to different network topologies and future expansion needs, supporting a mix of copper and fiber infrastructure as required.

How does the EKI-1528-CE ensure network redundancy and uptime?

The switch supports redundant power inputs (12-48 VDC), ensuring continuous operation even if one power source fails. This is critical for mission-critical industrial applications.

Advanced Spanning Tree Protocols, such as MSTP, prevent network loops and automatically reconfigure the network path if a link or switch fails, maintaining connectivity.

Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP) can be configured to combine multiple links into a single logical connection, increasing bandwidth and providing failover for critical data paths.

What kind of industrial environments is the EKI-1528-CE suitable for?

The EKI-1528-CE is designed for demanding industrial environments, including factory automation, intelligent transportation systems, and outdoor surveillance. Its rugged design handles harsh conditions.

Its wide operating temperature range (-40°C to 75°C) and IP30 rating make it suitable for deployment in areas with extreme temperatures, dust, or vibrations where standard network equipment would fail.

The robust construction and reliable performance ensure continuous operation in applications requiring high availability and data integrity, such as power distribution or mining operations.

How is the EKI-1528-CE managed and configured?

Configuration can be performed through multiple interfaces, including a web-based graphical user interface (GUI), Command Line Interface (CLI), and SNMP. This offers flexibility for network administrators.

The web interface provides an intuitive way to set up features like VLANs, QoS, and security settings. The CLI offers more advanced control for experienced users.

SNMP support allows the switch to be integrated into enterprise-level network management systems for centralized monitoring, configuration, and fault reporting.

What are the advantages of using a managed switch like the EKI-1528-CE over an unmanaged one?

Managed switches offer significant advantages in terms of network control, performance optimization, and security. They allow for detailed configuration to meet specific industrial needs.

Features like VLANs enable network segmentation, improving security and reducing broadcast traffic. QoS ensures that critical data receives priority, vital for real-time industrial control.

Advanced diagnostics and troubleshooting tools available on managed switches reduce downtime and simplify maintenance compared to the plug-and-play simplicity but limited functionality of unmanaged switches.

Does the EKI-1528-CE support Jumbo Frames?

Yes, the Advantech EKI-1528-CE supports Jumbo Frames, with a maximum frame size of up to 9216 bytes. This feature can improve network efficiency for large data transfers.

By allowing larger data packets, Jumbo Frames can reduce the overhead associated with packet processing, potentially leading to higher throughput for certain types of network traffic.

Enabling Jumbo Frames requires that all devices and network segments in the communication path also support them to avoid packet fragmentation or loss.