An industrial Ethernet switch may seem like a simple electronic device from the outside, but it performs many critical functions. When it stops working, many devices become non-operational or inaccessible. Plus, it must be a perfect fit for an application’s traffic pattern, installation setup, topology, and many other requirements. Unfortunately, some companies ignore these fundamentals and focus more on the price. In an attempt to do so, they often end up making a more costly decision. They invest in substandard switches that fail to perform. While pricing is an important factor, it should not be the only criterion, especially if you are considering reputable brands. In fact, many established brands charge reasonable prices compared to the high quality they offer. You can check Cisco industrial switch prices for an idea.
Typically, people approach the cost factor and quality metrics separately, which affects their decision-making. You can minimize or overcome this barrier by analyzing whether the industrial switches meet all requirements and whether any missing element could cause serious issues. This objective analysis will help you assess if the switch prices are justified within your budget. Here are some points to consider.
Reliability of the switches
Industrial networking systems need reliable connections, and that’s where high-quality Ethernet switches stand out. Their upfront cost may seem high, but you should factor in their longevity. They can be connected to sensitive equipment with confidence. Still, to save costs, you should check the following features that make them reliable:
MTBF
The Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) of the device is presented in hours or years. Equipment failure can cause downtime, which is considered costly in an industrial environment. In industrial-grade products, MTBF is typically higher, indicating that the devices can be used for longer. That’s why choosing a reputable brand with a higher MTBF can be a good decision.
Power supply
Check the input voltage range of the switches. It allows them to receive power from different sources, making them suitable for many environments. You don’t have to stock additional switches. These Ethernet switches can also operate smoothly during power disruptions, resulting in better uptime and network reliability. In some network projects, uptime is a particularly important factor. In these cases, it’s crucial to examine the redundancy features of the switches. You can connect switches with redundant power supplies to two power sources for continuous operation.
Durability of the switches
Industrial switches look more refined than commercial options. They can tolerate harsh conditions. In this case, their operating temperature range plays an important role. Equipment temperature can be high or low in some situations. Switches should be able to adapt to extreme conditions. In this context, you should also choose a switch that has ruggedized housing. It makes them more resilient to different environmental conditions. And for an industrial network, this element cannot be ignored. For lighter use, plastic housing can be considered. Otherwise, it is wise to select a switch with metal housing. It can dissipate heat more efficiently, and its grounding effect is often much better. Remember, this single attribute can also impact pricing.
In simple terms, choose industrial switches based on your network requirements. When they meet most of the major requirements and offer additional benefits, you can look at them as an investment rather than an expense. It’s worth paying a fair price for quality switches rather than settling for a poor-quality one, which ultimately proves more expensive.
