Advantech EKI-2528-BE 8-Port Standard Industrial Ethernet Switch

The Advantech EKI-2528-BE stands as a robust 8-port industrial Ethernet switch, engineered for demanding environments. Its core strengths lie in its unwavering reliability, high performance, and compact design, making it an ideal choice for mission-critical industrial networking applications. With a focus on durability and operational efficiency, the EKI-2528-BE boasts features like a wide operating temperature range and a fanless design, ensuring consistent performance even under extreme conditions.

Product Specifications

| Feature                | Specification                                      |

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

| Ports                  | 8 x 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet ports                  |

| Switching Capacity     | 16 Gbps                                            |

| Packet Buffer          | 2 Mb                                               |

| MAC Address Table      | 8K                                                 |

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

| Power Consumption      | Max. 7.2W                                          |

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

| Enclosure              | IP30 metal housing                                 |

| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 30mm x 95mm x 140mm                                |

| Mounting               | DIN-rail, Wall-mount                               |

| Standards              | FCC, CE, RoHS, UL                                  |

Core Features & Market Positioning

The Advantech EKI-2528-BE distinguishes itself in the industrial networking market through its exceptional ruggedness and straightforward functionality. Unlike consumer-grade switches, it's built to withstand the harsh realities of factory floors, outdoor enclosures, and other challenging settings, offering superior vibration, shock, and temperature resistance. Its plug-and-play nature minimizes setup complexity, positioning it as a go-to solution for engineers prioritizing operational continuity and ease of deployment over advanced, often unnecessary, managed features. This focus on reliability and simplicity is a key competitive advantage in sectors where downtime is exceptionally costly.

Key Application Scenarios

This 8-port industrial Ethernet switch is ideally suited for various industrial automation and control systems. It excels in connecting PLCs, HMIs, sensors, and cameras on a factory floor, forming the backbone of robust machine-to-machine communication. Its suitability extends to building automation, traffic control systems, and outdoor surveillance networks where environmental resilience is paramount. The EKI-2528-BE is a practical choice for extending network connectivity in environments that lack the controlled conditions of an IT data center.

Practical System Integration Guidance

Integrating the Advantech EKI-2528-BE is designed for simplicity. For power, connect the redundant DC power inputs using appropriate gauge wiring to a 12/24/48 VDC source, ensuring polarity is observed. The switch supports DIN-rail mounting, allowing for quick installation in standard control cabinets. For network connections, utilize industrial-grade Ethernet cables (e.g., Cat5e or Cat6) to connect devices to the RJ45 ports. Auto-negotiation handles speed and duplex settings automatically, simplifying the initial setup. No complex configuration is typically required for basic operation, making it a true plug-and-play device.

Operation and Risk Mitigation

Operating the EKI-2528-BE involves minimal user intervention, a significant benefit in industrial settings. Ensure proper ventilation around the unit, even though it's fanless, to maintain optimal operating temperatures. Power supply redundancy is a critical risk mitigation feature; in case of primary power failure, the secondary input automatically takes over, preventing network interruption. While the switch is designed for reliability, common troubleshooting steps involve checking power connections and verifying the integrity of Ethernet cables. Faulty LEDs can indicate port issues or power problems, guiding basic diagnostics.

Scalability & Long-Term Value

The Advantech EKI-2528-BE offers inherent scalability through its robust design and compatibility with standard industrial networking protocols. While it's an unmanaged switch, its reliability ensures a stable foundation for network growth. When expanding a network, additional EKI-2528-BE units can be easily daisy-chained or integrated into existing network infrastructure. Its support for Gigabit Ethernet ensures it can handle increasing data demands from modern industrial equipment and IIoT devices, providing long-term value by future-proofing the network backbone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the power requirements for the Advantech EKI-2528-BE?

The Advantech EKI-2528-BE supports a wide DC input voltage range, typically from 12 to 48 VDC. This flexibility allows it to integrate seamlessly into various industrial power systems. Redundant power inputs are provided, enhancing operational reliability by allowing connection to two separate power sources.

How is the EKI-2528-BE protected against environmental factors?

This industrial Ethernet switch features a rugged metal enclosure, providing IP30 protection against solid objects. It is engineered to operate reliably in extreme temperatures, commonly from -40°C to 75°C. The fanless design further contributes to its durability by eliminating a common point of failure in harsh environments.

What are the primary advantages of using the EKI-2528-BE over a standard office switch?

The EKI-2528-BE offers superior environmental resistance, including higher temperature tolerance and protection against vibration and shock. Its redundant power inputs ensure continuous operation, a critical factor in industrial uptime. Built for industrial-grade reliability, it guarantees consistent performance in demanding settings where office switches would fail.

Can the EKI-2528-BE be managed or configured remotely?

No, the Advantech EKI-2528-BE is an unmanaged Ethernet switch. It operates on a plug-and-play basis, meaning it requires no complex configuration to function. Its primary design focus is on providing reliable connectivity without the need for network management software or intricate setup procedures.

What type of Ethernet cables should be used with the EKI-2528-BE?

Standard Ethernet cables, such as Cat5e or Cat6, are suitable for connecting devices to the EKI-2528-BE. For industrial applications, using shielded Ethernet cables is often recommended to minimize electromagnetic interference (EMI). Ensure cables are rated for the environment in which they will be deployed.

What are the benefits of the 8-port configuration in the EKI-2528-BE?

An 8-port configuration provides ample connectivity for numerous devices in a compact footprint, ideal for control panels or equipment racks. This allows for the connection of multiple sensors, actuators, or control units to a central network point. It balances sufficient port density with a manageable device size.

How does the EKI-2528-BE handle network traffic with its 16 Gbps switching capacity?

The 16 Gbps switching capacity ensures high throughput and low latency, enabling efficient data transfer between connected devices. This is crucial for real-time industrial applications like process control and automation. It means the switch can handle large volumes of data without becoming a bottleneck.

Is the EKI-2528-BE suitable for outdoor installations?

While designed for ruggedness, the EKI-2528-BE's IP30 rating suggests it should be installed within a protective enclosure when used outdoors. This enclosure would safeguard it from direct exposure to dust, moisture, and extreme weather elements. Proper environmental protection is key for longevity.

What is the significance of the EKI-2528-BE's fanless design?

A fanless design eliminates moving parts, significantly increasing the switch's reliability and lifespan, especially in dusty or dirty industrial environments. It also contributes to silent operation, which can be an advantage in certain settings. This inherent reliability reduces maintenance requirements.

How does the EKI-2528-BE contribute to industrial network uptime?

The EKI-2528-BE ensures uptime through its robust construction, wide operating temperature range, and redundant power inputs. These features collectively minimize the risk of hardware failure and network interruptions. Its plug-and-play nature also speeds up replacement and reduces commissioning downtime.