Advantech EKI-2725I-CE 5-Port Managed Industrial Switch

The Advantech EKI-2725I-CE is a robust 5-port managed industrial Ethernet switch designed for demanding environments, offering high reliability and advanced network management capabilities. Its key advantages lie in its ruggedized construction, supporting a wide operating temperature range and providing superior protection against industrial interference. Core features include comprehensive Layer 2 management, VLAN support for network segmentation, QoS for traffic prioritization, and IGMP snooping for efficient multicast traffic handling, making it an ideal solution for industrial automation, transportation, and critical infrastructure networks. Technically, it boasts a 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet speed across all five ports, a DIN-rail mountable form factor for easy installation, and redundant power inputs for enhanced uptime.

Product Specifications

| Feature                | Specification                                    |

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

| Ports                  | 5 x 10/100/1000 Mbps Industrial Ethernet Ports   |

| Management             | Fully Managed (Layer 2)                          |

| Switching Fabric       | 10 Gbps                                          |

| MAC Address Table      | 8K                                               |

| Jumbo Frames           | 9 KB                                             |

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

| Power Consumption      | 9.5W                                             |

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

| Dimensions             | 140mm x 44mm x 105mm                             |

| Mounting               | DIN-rail, Wall-mount                             |

| Protection             | IP30                                             |

| MTBF                   | 500,000 hours                                    |

| Standards Compliance   | IEEE 802.3, 802.3u, 802.3ab, 802.3x, 802.1D, 802.1Q |

Core Features & Market Positioning

The Advantech EKI-2725I-CE distinguishes itself through its industrial-grade design and advanced management features, crucial for reliable network operation in harsh conditions. Its competitive edge stems from the combination of robust hardware, supporting an extended temperature range of -40°C to 75°C, and a comprehensive software suite offering extensive Layer 2 management functionalities. This includes support for VLANs, QoS, IGMP snooping, and link aggregation, which are essential for optimizing network performance and security in industrial settings. Unlike consumer-grade switches, the EKI-2725I-CE is engineered for high availability, featuring redundant power inputs and a high MTBF rating, positioning it as a dependable component in critical infrastructure and automation systems. Its compact DIN-rail mountable form factor further enhances its appeal for space-constrained industrial control cabinets.

Key Application Scenarios

This industrial switch is ideally suited for a variety of demanding applications. In industrial automation, it facilitates reliable communication between PLCs, sensors, and HMI panels on the factory floor, ensuring seamless operation of production lines and machinery. For transportation systems, the EKI-2725I-CE provides robust network connectivity for traffic control systems, surveillance cameras, and passenger information displays, even in environments with significant vibration and temperature fluctuations. Furthermore, its resilience makes it a strong choice for energy sector applications, including substations and power generation facilities, where network uptime and data integrity are paramount. Its ability to handle multicast traffic efficiently via IGMP snooping also makes it valuable for IP surveillance and video streaming in industrial security applications.

Practical System Integration Guidance

Integrating the Advantech EKI-2725I-CE into an industrial network is straightforward due to its standard DIN-rail mounting and plug-and-play capabilities for basic connectivity. For advanced management, users can access the switch's web interface, Telnet, or console port. Initial setup typically involves configuring IP addresses for management access and then proceeding to set up VLANs for network segmentation, assigning ports to specific VLANs to isolate traffic and enhance security. Quality of Service (QoS) can be configured to prioritize critical data, such as real-time control signals, over less time-sensitive traffic. For redundant power, connect two independent power sources to the designated terminals, ensuring continuous operation even if one source fails. Diagnostic LEDs on the front panel provide immediate status feedback on link activity, speed, and power.

Operation and Risk Mitigation

Operating the Advantech EKI-2725I-CE within its specified parameters ensures maximum reliability and longevity. It is crucial to adhere to the power input voltage range (12/24/48 VDC) and ensure adequate ventilation, despite its wide operating temperature range, to prevent overheating during peak loads. Firmware updates should be applied judiciously, following Advantech’s recommended procedures to avoid configuration loss or operational disruption. Common troubleshooting often involves checking LED indicators for link status and power. If a port is unresponsive, verifying cable integrity and ensuring the connected device is powered on and configured correctly is the first step. For network-wide issues, checking the switch’s event log via its management interface can provide valuable insights into potential causes, such as power fluctuations or excessive traffic.

Scalability & Long-Term Value

The Advantech EKI-2725I-CE offers significant scalability and long-term value for evolving industrial networks. Its managed capabilities allow for network segmentation and optimization, which can accommodate a growing number of devices and increasing data traffic without compromising performance. The switch's compatibility with standard industrial communication protocols and its support for gigabit speeds ensure it can integrate seamlessly with existing and future automation systems, including IIoT platforms and digital transformation initiatives. By enabling efficient data flow and network resilience, it reduces downtime and maintenance costs, contributing to a lower total cost of ownership. Its robust build quality and Advantech's reputation for industrial-grade hardware ensure a long operational life, minimizing the need for frequent replacements.

FAQs

1. What are the primary benefits of the Advantech EKI-2725I-CE?

This industrial switch offers superior reliability and advanced network control for harsh environments.

It features ruggedized hardware, wide operating temperatures, and redundant power for high availability.

Its managed capabilities enhance network performance, security, and traffic prioritization for critical applications.

2. How does the EKI-2725I-CE handle network traffic prioritization?

The switch supports Quality of Service (QoS) for prioritizing time-sensitive data packets.

Users can configure traffic classes to ensure critical control or video streams receive preferential bandwidth.

This feature is vital for maintaining real-time communication in automation and control systems.

3. What are the power requirements for the Advantech EKI-2725I-CE?

It accepts a wide DC voltage input, typically 12/24/48 VDC, for flexibility.

The unit features redundant power inputs, allowing for connection to two independent power sources.

This redundancy ensures continuous operation even if one power supply fails.

4. Can the EKI-2725I-CE be used in extreme temperature environments?

Yes, it is designed for industrial use and operates reliably in temperatures from -40°C to 75°C.

This wide temperature range makes it suitable for outdoor installations or unconditioned factory floors.

Robust thermal management is built into its industrial-grade design.

5. How do I access and manage the Advantech EKI-2725I-CE?

Management is accessible via a web-based interface, Telnet, or a console port.

This allows for configuration of advanced features like VLANs, QoS, and port settings.

Intuitive graphical tools aid in network monitoring and troubleshooting.

6. What is the purpose of VLANs on the EKI-2725I-CE?

VLANs segment the network into smaller, isolated broadcast domains for better security.

This improves network performance by reducing unnecessary traffic and collisions.

It allows for logical grouping of devices regardless of their physical location.

7. Does the EKI-2725I-CE support multicast traffic efficiently?

Yes, it includes IGMP snooping functionality to manage multicast streams.

This prevents unnecessary flooding of multicast traffic to all ports.

It optimizes bandwidth usage for applications like IP surveillance video.

8. What is the physical installation method for this switch?

The EKI-2725I-CE is designed for DIN-rail mounting, common in industrial cabinets.

Wall-mount kits are also typically available for alternative mounting solutions.

Its compact form factor facilitates easy integration into control panels.

9. What are the key technical specifications for network speed?

All five ports support speeds of 10/100/1000 Mbps (Gigabit Ethernet).

The switching fabric provides a total throughput of 10 Gbps.

This ensures high-speed data transfer capabilities for demanding applications.

10. What makes the EKI-2725I-CE suitable for industrial automation?

Its ruggedized design withstands vibration, shock, and environmental extremes.

Managed features enable precise control and optimization of automation network traffic.

High reliability and MTBF ratings ensure consistent operational uptime.