Advantech EKI-5726FI-AE Managed All-Fiber Port Industrial Switch

The Advantech EKI-5726FI-AE stands as a robust managed all-fiber port industrial switch, engineered for demanding network environments where reliability and high-speed connectivity are paramount. This switch distinguishes itself with 24 x 10/100/1000 Mbps SFP (Small Form-Factor Pluggable) ports, offering unparalleled fiber optic connectivity for extended reach and immunity to electromagnetic interference. Its advanced Layer 2 management capabilities, coupled with a wide operating temperature range and DIN-rail mounting, position it as an ideal solution for critical infrastructure, automation, and industrial networking applications.

Product Specifications

| Feature             | Specification                                                |

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

| " Model | Eki-5626900-Yes |

| Port Type           | 24 x 10/100/1000 Mbps SFP Fiber Ports                        |

| Management          | Fully Managed Layer 2                                        |

| Switching Capacity  | 48 Gbps                                                      |

| Packet Forwarding   | 35.7 Mpps                                                    |

| MAC Address Table   | 8K                                                           |

| Jumbo Frame Support | 9K bytes                                                     |

| Power Input         | 12/24/48 VDC, 24 VAC                                         |

| Power Consumption   | 24.3 W (Max)                                                 |

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

| Mounting            | DIN-Rail, Wall Mount (Optional)                              |

| Dimensions          | 177 mm x 140 mm x 52 mm (6.97 in x 5.51 in x 2.05 in)          |

| Certifications      | CE, FCC, UL, IEC 61850, IEEE 1613 (Class 2)                    |

Core Features & Market Positioning

The EKI-5726FI-AE is meticulously designed to address the stringent demands of industrial networking. Its all-fiber port configuration is a significant differentiator, providing superior signal integrity over long distances and eliminating susceptibility to electromagnetic noise prevalent in industrial settings. This makes it exceptionally suitable for applications requiring reliable data transmission in harsh environments such as substations, manufacturing floors, and outdoor infrastructure. The switch's comprehensive Layer 2 management suite includes essential features like VLANs, QoS, LACP, and IGMP snooping, enabling precise network control, traffic prioritization, and efficient multicast management. Furthermore, its compliance with critical industrial standards like IEC 61850 and IEEE 1613 (Class 2) underscores its suitability for utility and automation projects where interoperability and resilience are non-negotiable. The EKI-5726FI-AE is positioned as a high-performance, reliable, and secure networking backbone for mission-critical industrial operations.

Key Application Scenarios

The Advantech EKI-5726FI-AE finds its optimal application in scenarios demanding high bandwidth, extended reach, and exceptional reliability through fiber optic connectivity. It is particularly well-suited for industrial Ethernet networks in power utilities, where its IEC 61850 and IEEE 1613 compliance ensures seamless integration and robust performance within smart grid and substation automation systems. In manufacturing environments, it facilitates high-speed data acquisition and machine-to-machine communication on the factory floor, supporting advanced automation and Industry 4.0 initiatives by offering dependable, interference-free connectivity. Furthermore, its rugged design and wide operating temperature range make it ideal for telecommunications, transportation systems (e.g., railway signaling and control), and outdoor surveillance networks where exposure to environmental extremes is common. The extensive SFP port density allows for flexible network topologies and easy expansion with various fiber transceivers to meet diverse distance requirements.

Practical System Integration Guidance

Integrating the Advantech EKI-5726FI-AE into an industrial network is streamlined due to its user-friendly design and standard industrial interfaces. For power, connect a suitable DC power source (12/24/48 VDC) or AC source (24 VAC) to the designated power input terminals, ensuring polarity is observed for DC. Redundant power inputs are available for enhanced reliability. Installation typically involves mounting the switch onto a standard 35mm DIN-rail using the integrated clips, or via an optional wall-mount kit. Network connectivity is established by inserting appropriate SFP transceivers into the 24 SFP ports and connecting them to other network devices or fiber optic cabling. Initial configuration and management can be accessed via its web-based interface, Telnet, or console port. Utilize the switch's comprehensive VLAN capabilities to segment network traffic, improving security and performance. For optimizing bandwidth utilization, configure Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP) to combine multiple SFP links.

Operation and Risk Mitigation

Operating the EKI-5726FI-AE involves leveraging its advanced management features to ensure network stability and security. Regular firmware updates are crucial for patching vulnerabilities and enhancing performance; consult Advantech's support portal for the latest releases. Network monitoring through SNMP or its web interface allows for proactive identification of potential issues, such as port flapping or high traffic loads. In terms of risk mitigation, employ robust password policies and disable unused services to prevent unauthorized access. Implementing port security features, like MAC address filtering, can further enhance network defense. If encountering connectivity issues, verify SFP transceiver compatibility and proper fiber optic cable termination. For power-related concerns, ensure the input voltage is within the specified range and that the power supply is adequately rated to handle the switch's maximum consumption. Proper grounding of the switch chassis is also vital for electrical safety and noise reduction in industrial environments.

Scalability & Long-Term Value

The Advantech EKI-5726FI-AE offers significant scalability and long-term value, primarily through its extensive fiber port density and robust management features. The 24 SFP ports provide a flexible foundation for network expansion, allowing administrators to easily add more devices or extend network reach by simply installing additional SFP modules and fiber optic cables as network demands grow. Its compatibility with a wide range of SFP transceivers (e.g., short-reach, long-reach, single-mode, multi-mode) ensures that the network can adapt to evolving connectivity requirements without necessitating a complete hardware replacement. As an industrial-grade device, it is built for longevity in harsh environments, reducing the frequency of replacements. Furthermore, its advanced Layer 2 management capabilities support integration with evolving Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and Industry 4.0 platforms, enabling sophisticated data aggregation and control strategies. The commitment to industrial standards ensures continued interoperability with future automation systems.

FAQs

What are the primary advantages of using an all-fiber port industrial switch like the EKI-5726FI-AE?

All-fiber ports offer superior immunity to electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio-frequency interference (RFI), critical in industrial settings. They also support longer transmission distances compared to copper Ethernet, reducing the need for repeaters. This enhances network reliability and signal integrity in harsh environments.

What types of SFP modules are compatible with the Advantech EKI-5726FI-AE?

The switch supports a wide variety of 10/100/1000 Mbps SFP modules, including multimode for shorter distances and single-mode for extended reach. Compatibility extends to different wavelengths and connector types, allowing for flexible network design. Always verify specifications for optimal performance.

How does the EKI-5726FI-AE contribute to network security in industrial environments?

Managed switches like the EKI-5726FI-AE offer advanced security features such as VLAN segmentation, port security with MAC address filtering, and access control lists (ACLs). These functions help isolate critical traffic, prevent unauthorized access, and protect against network-based threats.

What are the power requirements for the Advantech EKI-5726FI-AE?

This industrial switch supports a wide voltage input range, typically 12/24/48 VDC and 24 VAC. It features dual power inputs for redundancy, ensuring continuous operation even if one power source fails. Ensure your power supply meets the switch's maximum consumption for stable operation.

Can the EKI-5726FI-AE be easily integrated into existing industrial automation systems?

Yes, its compliance with standards like IEC 61850 and IEEE 1613 facilitates integration into utility and substation automation. The standard DIN-rail mounting and common management interfaces (Web, CLI) simplify deployment alongside PLCs and SCADA systems.

What is the significance of the 48 Gbps switching capacity and 35.7 Mpps forwarding rate?

A high switching capacity ensures that the switch can handle large volumes of data traffic simultaneously without bottlenecks. The packet forwarding rate indicates how quickly the switch can process and forward incoming packets, crucial for low-latency applications in real-time control systems.

What are the environmental considerations for deploying the EKI-5726FI-AE?

The switch is designed for harsh industrial conditions, featuring a wide operating temperature range from -40 to 75°C. Its rugged enclosure protects against dust and vibration, making it suitable for deployment in environments where typical office-grade equipment would fail.

How can I manage the Advantech EKI-5726FI-AE?

Management can be performed through a user-friendly web-based interface, command-line interface (CLI) via Telnet or SSH, or a serial console port. SNMP support is also available for integration with network management systems.

What are the key benefits of Layer 2 managed features for industrial networks?

Layer 2 management allows for network segmentation using VLANs, traffic prioritization with QoS, and efficient link utilization via LACP. This enhances network performance, security, and manageability, crucial for reliable industrial operations.

Does this switch support Jumbo Frames, and why is it important?

Yes, the EKI-5726FI-AE supports Jumbo Frames up to 9K bytes. This feature can improve throughput for large data transfers, such as IP surveillance feeds or file transfers, by reducing the overhead associated with processing smaller packets.