Advantech EKI-2526S-AE 6-Port Compact Industrial Ethernet Switch

The Advantech EKI-2526S-AE is a robust 6-port compact industrial Ethernet switch engineered for demanding operational environments. Its key advantages include superior reliability, extended operating temperature range, and enhanced network security, making it an ideal solution for critical industrial automation and control systems. Core features encompass unmanaged plug-and-play functionality, DIN-rail mounting for easy installation, and robust protection against environmental factors. Key technical parameters include 6 x 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet ports, support for 9.6K jumbo frames, and a wide operating temperature range of -40°C to 75°C.

Product Specifications

| Feature                  | Specification                                           |

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

| Ethernet Ports           | 6 x 10/100/1000 Mbps                                    |

| MAC Address Table        | 8K                                                      |

| Jumbo Frame Support      | 9.6K bytes                                              |

| Power Input              | 12/24/48 VDC (4-pin terminal block)                     |

| Power Consumption        | Max. 4.5 W                                              |

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

| Storage Temperature      | -40°C to 85°C (-40°F to 185°F)                          |

| Operating Humidity       | 10% to 95% RH (non-condensing)                          |

| Dimensions (W x D x H)   | 30 mm x 95 mm x 140 mm (1.18 in x 3.74 in x 5.51 in)      |

| Mounting                 | DIN-rail, Wall-mount                                    |

| Enclosure                | IP30                                                    |

| Standards & Certifications | CE, FCC, UL, IEC 60068-2-27 Shock, IEC 60068-2-32 Freefall |

| MTBF                     | 1,391,231 Hours                                         |

Core Features & Market Positioning

The Advantech EKI-2526S-AE distinguishes itself in the industrial Ethernet market through its unwavering reliability and compact form factor. Unlike many commercial-grade switches, it is engineered to withstand harsh industrial conditions, including extreme temperatures, vibrations, and electrical noise, ensuring continuous network operation. Its plug-and-play nature simplifies deployment, reducing commissioning time and costs for system integrators and end-users alike. The inclusion of Gigabit Ethernet ports and jumbo frame support optimizes data throughput for bandwidth-intensive applications, positioning it as a high-performance, cost-effective solution for modern industrial networks.

Key Application Scenarios

This industrial Ethernet switch excels in scenarios demanding high network uptime and resilience. It is ideally suited for factory automation, where it reliably connects PLCs, HMIs, sensors, and actuators on the plant floor, even in environments with significant electromagnetic interference. Furthermore, the EKI-2526S-AE finds application in intelligent transportation systems (ITS) for traffic control and monitoring, in energy management systems for substations and renewable energy facilities, and in building automation for seamless communication between disparate control systems. Its compact size is particularly advantageous for space-constrained enclosures.

Practical System Integration Guidance

Integrating the Advantech EKI-2526S-AE into an existing industrial network is straightforward due to its unmanaged, plug-and-play design. Installation typically involves mounting the switch onto a standard DIN-rail using the provided clips or securing it to a wall surface. Power can be supplied via a wide range of DC voltages (12/24/48 VDC) through the 4-pin terminal block, ensuring compatibility with various power sources. Network connections are established by simply plugging standard Ethernet cables into the RJ45 ports. For redundancy, dual power inputs can be utilized, ensuring continuous operation even if one power source fails.

Operation and Risk Mitigation

Operating the EKI-2526S-AE requires minimal user intervention. Its robust design inherently mitigates common industrial networking risks. The switch's wide operating temperature range of -40°C to 75°C minimizes the risk of hardware failure due to thermal stress. Its IP30 enclosure provides protection against solid objects larger than 2.5mm, and its hardened components offer immunity to electrical transients common in industrial settings. While the switch is unmanaged, network administrators should still implement standard cybersecurity best practices, such as network segmentation and access control, to protect against unauthorized access and potential cyber threats.

Scalability & Long-Term Value

The EKI-2526S-AE offers excellent scalability and long-term value by supporting Gigabit Ethernet speeds, which ensures that current network investments are future-proofed for increasing data demands. Its compatibility with a broad range of industrial protocols and devices allows for seamless integration into existing or expanding automation architectures. As industries increasingly adopt Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and Industry 4.0 initiatives, this switch provides a reliable foundation for collecting and transmitting vast amounts of data from the edge to higher-level control and analytics platforms, supporting digital transformation efforts.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the main benefits of using an industrial Ethernet switch like the Advantech EKI-2526S-AE?

Industrial Ethernet switches offer enhanced durability and reliability compared to their commercial counterparts. They are built to withstand harsh environmental conditions such as extreme temperatures, vibrations, and electrical noise, ensuring consistent network performance in demanding settings.

The Advantech EKI-2526S-AE provides critical features like a wide operating temperature range (-40°C to 75°C) and robust component design. This minimizes downtime and maintenance costs, crucial for continuous industrial operations.

These switches ensure secure and stable data transmission essential for real-time control and monitoring applications in sectors like manufacturing, energy, and transportation.

2. How does the Advantech EKI-2526S-AE handle high network traffic and bandwidth demands?

The EKI-2526S-AE is equipped with 6 x 10/100/1000 Mbps Gigabit Ethernet ports. This provides substantial bandwidth for high-speed data transfer, significantly improving network throughput.

It supports 9.6K jumbo frames, allowing larger data packets to be transmitted more efficiently. This reduces overhead and increases overall network speed for bandwidth-intensive applications.

With its robust hardware design and high-speed ports, the switch is well-suited for applications generating large data volumes, such as video surveillance or complex sensor networks in industrial environments.

3. What kind of power supply is required for the Advantech EKI-2526S-AE?

The Advantech EKI-2526S-AE supports a wide DC input voltage range, typically from 12 VDC to 48 VDC. This flexibility allows it to be powered by various industrial power sources commonly found in control cabinets.

Power is supplied through a convenient 4-pin terminal block, which ensures secure and reliable connections. This is a standard and robust method for industrial power distribution.

The switch also features dual power inputs, enabling redundant power configurations. This enhances system reliability by ensuring uninterrupted operation even if one power source fails.

4. Can the Advantech EKI-2526S-AE be used in outdoor or exposed environments?

The EKI-2526S-AE features an IP30 enclosure rating. This protects against solid objects larger than 2.5mm, offering a degree of protection suitable for indoor industrial settings or protected outdoor enclosures.

While it has a wide operating temperature range (-40°C to 75°C), it is not inherently waterproof or designed for direct exposure to severe weather elements without additional protective measures.

For direct outdoor deployment, it is recommended to install the switch within a suitable weatherproof enclosure to shield it from rain, dust, and extreme direct sunlight.

5. How is the Advantech EKI-2526S-AE installed in an industrial control panel?

Installation is designed for ease and speed, typically involving DIN-rail mounting. The switch includes integrated clips for secure attachment to standard 35mm DIN-rails, which are prevalent in industrial cabinets.

Alternatively, the unit can be wall-mounted using appropriate brackets, offering flexibility based on the specific installation site within an industrial facility.

Once mounted, power and network connections are made via the terminal block and RJ45 ports respectively, making it a simple plug-and-play device for quick integration.

6. What are the key advantages of the EKI-2526S-AE's compact design?

Its compact dimensions (30 mm x 95 mm x 140 mm) are a significant advantage for installations where space is limited. This allows for easy integration into crowded control cabinets or enclosures.

The smaller footprint reduces the overall physical size of network infrastructure, potentially lowering installation costs and simplifying maintenance access in tight spaces.

This compact design makes it ideal for distributed network architectures or applications where multiple devices need to be housed in a confined area, such as within machine enclosures.

7. Is the Advantech EKI-2526S-AE managed or unmanaged?

The Advantech EKI-2526S-AE is an unmanaged industrial Ethernet switch. This means it operates on a plug-and-play basis without requiring complex configuration or management software.

Its unmanaged nature simplifies deployment and reduces the need for specialized IT expertise, making it an accessible solution for many industrial automation professionals.

Configuration is minimal, focusing on physical connections for power and network data, which speeds up installation and reduces potential setup errors in critical systems.

8. What certifications does the Advantech EKI-2526S-AE hold?

The EKI-2526S-AE is compliant with various industry-recognized standards to ensure reliability and safety. These often include CE and FCC certifications for electromagnetic compatibility.

It also typically holds certifications like UL, which are important for safety and compliance in North American markets, especially in industrial and hazardous environments.

Additionally, it may meet stringent environmental testing standards such as IEC 60068-2-27 for shock and IEC 60068-2-32 for freefall, underscoring its ruggedness.

9. How does the switch contribute to network reliability and uptime?

The switch is engineered with industrial-grade components that offer superior reliability, reflected in a high Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) rating, often exceeding 1.3 million hours.

Features like dual power inputs and a wide operating temperature range actively mitigate common causes of network failure in industrial settings.

Its robust enclosure and resistance to environmental factors further ensure continuous operation, minimizing costly downtime and production interruptions.

10. Can this switch be integrated into IIoT or Industry 4.0 solutions?

Yes, the Advantech EKI-2526S-AE serves as a foundational component for IIoT and Industry 4.0 implementations. Its Gigabit Ethernet ports provide the necessary bandwidth for collecting large volumes of data.

The switch's reliable connectivity facilitates the seamless transfer of data from industrial equipment and sensors to cloud platforms or edge computing devices for analysis and decision-making.

By providing a stable and high-performance network backbone at the edge, it enables greater operational visibility, predictive maintenance, and overall factory modernization efforts.