Advantech EKI-5726I-AE 24-Port Gigabit Managed Industrial Switch

The Advantech EKI-5726I-AE 24-Port Gigabit Managed Industrial Switch is engineered for demanding industrial environments, delivering robust connectivity and advanced management capabilities. This switch boasts 24 Gigabit Ethernet ports, ensuring high-speed data transmission critical for modern industrial automation and control systems. Its rugged design, featuring an IP30 metal housing and support for a wide operating temperature range of -40°C to 75°C, makes it ideal for deployment in harsh conditions. Key technical parameters include a voltage input range of 12/24/48 VDC (9.6-60 VDC), dual power inputs for redundancy, and compliance with stringent industrial standards such as EMI Class A, EMC, and shock/vibration resistance. The EKI-5726I-AE supports advanced Layer 2 management features, including VLANs, QoS, IGMP snooping, and link aggregation, empowering network administrators with granular control over network traffic and performance.

Core Features & Market Positioning

Advantech's EKI-5726I-AE distinguishes itself through its comprehensive feature set tailored for industrial Ethernet applications. Its 24 Gigabit ports offer substantial bandwidth, supporting high-density deployments and demanding data throughput requirements. The switch's managed capabilities, including robust security features like port security and TACACS+ authentication, are paramount for protecting critical industrial networks. Unlike many standard commercial switches, the EKI-5726I-AE is built to withstand extreme temperatures, humidity, and vibration, ensuring reliable operation in sectors like manufacturing, transportation, and energy. Its robust power input options and dual-redundant power supplies further enhance its suitability for mission-critical operations where uptime is non-negotiable. The inclusion of advanced QoS ensures that time-sensitive traffic, such as real-time control data, receives priority, minimizing latency and jitter.

Key Application Scenarios

The Advantech EKI-5726I-AE is exceptionally well-suited for a variety of industrial applications demanding high performance and unwavering reliability. In manufacturing plants, it facilitates seamless communication between PLCs, HMIs, robotic systems, and SCADA platforms, enabling efficient production monitoring and control. For transportation infrastructure, such as intelligent traffic systems or railway communication networks, its rugged design and wide operating temperature range ensure consistent operation in exposed environments. In the energy sector, including substations and power generation facilities, the switch provides secure and reliable connectivity for monitoring and control of critical assets. Furthermore, its high port density makes it an excellent choice for large-scale surveillance systems or complex building automation networks.

Practical System Integration Guidance

Integrating the Advantech EKI-5726I-AE into an industrial network is streamlined by its user-friendly interface and adherence to common networking standards. Installation typically involves DIN-rail mounting or direct wall mounting, facilitated by its compact IP30 metal enclosure. Power is supplied via the dual DC input terminals, supporting a wide voltage range (9.6-60 VDC) and providing redundancy for uninterrupted operation. Network configuration is accessible through a web-based GUI, CLI, or Advantech's proprietary management software, enabling easy setup of VLANs, QoS, port mirroring, and other advanced features. For optimal performance, it is recommended to utilize Gigabit-compliant Ethernet cables (CAT5e or higher) and connect devices requiring higher bandwidth or lower latency to specific ports based on network design priorities. The switch supports standard MIBs for integration with SNMP-based network management systems.

Operation and Risk Mitigation

Operating the EKI-5726I-AE involves leveraging its advanced management features to ensure network stability and security. Regular firmware updates are crucial for addressing potential vulnerabilities and enhancing performance; Advantech provides these updates through their support portal. For troubleshooting, the switch's diagnostic LEDs offer immediate visual feedback on port status, power, and system health. Common issues may include network congestion, which can be mitigated by implementing proper QoS policies and VLAN segmentation. In environments with frequent power fluctuations, utilizing the dual power inputs with a UPS system is highly recommended. Understanding the switch's logging capabilities, including syslog and event logs, is vital for diagnosing intermittent network problems and identifying potential security breaches.

Scalability & Long-Term Value

The Advantech EKI-5726I-AE is designed for scalability and offers significant long-term value in evolving industrial networks. Its 24 Gigabit ports provide ample capacity for current needs and future expansion, accommodating an increasing number of connected devices and higher data demands. The switch's support for standard Layer 2 protocols ensures broad compatibility with existing and future network infrastructure components, including routers, firewalls, and other managed switches from various vendors. Its robust industrial design and high Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) contribute to a lower total cost of ownership by minimizing maintenance and replacement costs. Furthermore, the EKI-5726I-AE is well-positioned to integrate with emerging Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and Industry 4.0 initiatives, providing the necessary high-speed, reliable, and secure connectivity backbone for smart factory and digital transformation projects.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary benefits of the Advantech EKI-5726I-AE?

The EKI-5726I-AE offers 24 Gigabit Ethernet ports for high-speed data transfer. It features a ruggedized design suitable for harsh industrial environments, including a wide operating temperature range. Its managed capabilities provide advanced network control and security features.

This industrial switch is built for reliability with dual power inputs for redundancy. It supports essential industrial standards, ensuring compatibility and robust performance. The unit is designed for long-term operation with high MTBF ratings.

Key advantages include its advanced Layer 2 management features like VLANs and QoS for traffic optimization. The robust IP30 metal housing and industrial certifications make it ideal for demanding sectors. It offers a scalable solution for growing industrial networks.

What industrial environments is the EKI-5726I-AE best suited for?

The switch is ideal for manufacturing plants, enabling robust communication for automation and control systems. It is also designed for transportation infrastructure, supporting intelligent traffic and railway networks reliably. Energy sector applications, such as substations, benefit from its resilience.

Its wide operating temperature range of -40°C to 75°C makes it perfect for exposed outdoor or extreme indoor conditions. The shock and vibration resistance ensure continuous operation in moving vehicles or heavy machinery environments.

Building automation and large-scale surveillance systems can leverage its high port density and reliable connectivity. Its compliance with EMI Class A and EMC standards is crucial for sensitive industrial settings.

How do I configure the network management features on this switch?

Network management can be accessed via a user-friendly web-based GUI, providing intuitive control. Alternatively, configuration can be performed using a Command Line Interface (CLI) for advanced users.

Advantech also offers proprietary management software for centralized control and monitoring of multiple devices. Essential features like VLANs, QoS, and IGMP snooping are configurable through these interfaces.

For integration with existing systems, the switch supports standard SNMP MIBs for network management systems. Setting up port security and access control lists is straightforward via the management tools.

What are the power requirements for the EKI-5726I-AE?

The switch supports a wide DC voltage input range, typically from 9.6 VDC to 60 VDC. This flexibility allows it to operate with various industrial power supplies.

It features dual power inputs, enabling redundant power configurations for enhanced system uptime. This is critical for mission-critical applications where power loss is unacceptable.

Standard industrial power connectors are used, facilitating easy and secure wiring. Ensure the power source meets the specified voltage and current requirements for optimal operation.

What kind of physical installation is required for this industrial switch?

The EKI-5726I-AE is designed for easy mounting on a standard DIN rail. This is a common and secure method in industrial control cabinets.

Alternatively, the switch can be securely mounted to a wall using appropriate brackets. Its IP30 metal housing offers protection against dust and accidental contact.

The compact form factor allows for efficient use of space within cabinets. Ensure adequate ventilation around the switch to maintain optimal operating temperatures.

Can this switch be used in environments with extreme temperatures?

Yes, the EKI-5726I-AE is specifically designed to operate in extreme temperatures, typically ranging from -40°C to 75°C. This wide operational range is crucial for industrial deployments.

This capability makes it suitable for outdoor applications or unconditioned indoor environments where standard network equipment would fail. Its robust thermal design ensures performance stability under these conditions.

Consideration should be given to airflow within the enclosure to assist with heat dissipation, especially at the higher end of the temperature range.

What are the key security features of the EKI-5726I-AE?

The switch offers advanced security features to protect industrial networks from unauthorized access. This includes port security, which allows binding MAC addresses to specific ports.

It supports authentication protocols like TACACS+ for centralized user authentication and access control. This ensures that only authorized personnel can manage the network devices.

Additional security measures include the ability to configure Access Control Lists (ACLs) to filter traffic based on IP addresses, ports, and protocols. The managed features allow for network segmentation via VLANs, further enhancing security.

How does the switch handle high network traffic loads?

The EKI-5726I-AE is equipped with 24 Gigabit Ethernet ports, providing substantial bandwidth for high-traffic environments. This allows for rapid data transmission between connected devices.

It implements Quality of Service (QoS) features, allowing administrators to prioritize critical traffic, such as real-time control data or video streams. This ensures low latency and minimal packet loss for essential applications.

Link aggregation (LAG) can be used to combine multiple physical ports into a single logical link, increasing bandwidth and providing link redundancy. This is effective for connecting high-demand devices or uplinks.

What is the expected lifespan or reliability of this product?

Advantech industrial switches, including the EKI-5726I-AE, are built for longevity with high Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) ratings. This indicates a statistically high probability of reliable operation over extended periods.

The rugged construction, including the metal housing and industrial-grade components, is designed to withstand harsh operational conditions and extend the product's service life. This reduces the need for frequent replacements.

Proper installation, environmental management, and adherence to power specifications contribute significantly to the overall reliability and lifespan of the switch in industrial settings.

Does the EKI-5726I-AE support integration with IIoT platforms?

Yes, the switch provides the high-speed Gigabit connectivity necessary for modern Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) applications. Its managed features are essential for secure data aggregation.

Its robust design and reliability ensure a stable network backbone for IIoT devices and sensors, even in challenging industrial locations. This supports the seamless flow of data from the edge to the cloud.

The switch's compatibility with standard networking protocols facilitates integration with various IIoT platforms and Industry 4.0 solutions, enabling advanced analytics and remote management.