Ethernet for Engineers

Why Engineers prefer Hirschmann

1. Configuration Simplicity. Some leading brands of network equipment provide only a command line interface (CLI), virtually ensuring the necessity to enlist an expensive certified contractor. Hirschmann provide a browser based GUI to provide the majority of functions, with the CLI required for only the more specialist features.



2. Built-In Help Files. Each configuration page is provided with a help page built-into the switch to ensure it is current to the version of firmware, and readily available when needed.
3. PLC Integration. For Ethernet/IP and PROFINET equipped PLCs, Hirschmann switches provide 'Industrial Profiles' to allow switch information such as 'Link Status', 'Redundancy Healthy' or even 'Port 1 Load %' to be read and displayed on an HMI. The switch is now integrated with the automation system.



4. Network Monitoring Software. Unique in the world of networks, Hirschmann's Industrial HiVision provides real-time network monitoring with automatic topology discovery. This feature identifies the interconnections between hosts and switches, and provides the network topology information graphically. The view can then be customised to suit the physical layout, including a background image of the actual plant. Unlimited license-free OPC clients allow this same view to be shared with any OPC container on the network, such as a SCADA page. Using SNMP, both traps programmed into the switch and the switch's MIB (Management Information Base) are displayed in real time to ensure network performance is visible.
5. Fast Replacement. MTBF figures for Hirschmann equipment is quoted in decades not years, so failure rates are low. The IT guy doesn't raise a sweat when emails are off line for 5 minutes, but when equipment in a production line fails, you want fast replacement. Hirschmann offer a number of means of reducing downtime including the Auto-Configuration Adapter and DHCP Option 82.
6. Fault Contacts. Switches provide a variety of fault status flags, but if no-one is there to see the fault LED, faults such as over-temperature or lost redundancy can be overlooked. In addition to the means described above for PLC monitoring, Hirschmann switches are provided with a Fault Relay contact for hard-wiring to control systems to ensure problems are visible.
7. Robust Design. The IT guy's biggest environmental problem is whether the air conditioned computer room makes his pizza get cold too quickly. Out in the factory, switches are exposed to extremes of heat, cold, vibration, shock and EMI, and the switch needs to be designed to suit. This is the environment that Hirschmann build for.
8. IP67 - Machine Mount Switches. In the real world, switches need to be mounted close to the action, and that's where the IP67 OCTOPUS comes in.With full management features, the OCTOPUS can be mounted right on the machine, allowing the use of the latest IP sensors and actuators, including VOIP.
9. Fast-Recovery Redundancy. Standards based redundancy protocols like Rapid Spanning Tree are great for mixed-vendor networks, but not for real-time control. Hirschmann's proprietary HiPER-Ring redundancy protocol can provide a 10msec recovery time to ensure critical plant communications don't miss a beat.
10. Hardware. Rack mount is great, if you have a rack. But most switchboards only have DIN rail, so that's the type of mounting you need from your switches. Similarly, most cabinets have 24Vdc, so your switch should use this, not a plug pack held into a GPO with tape. Hirschmann's range includes both rail and rack mount designs, as well as a multi-voltage options in a number of models.



11. Network Diagrams. When communicating your designs to colleagues, you want it to look professional, and also representative. The Hirschmann Visio Symbol Library, freely available upon request provides scalable and linkable objects for use in MS Visio, to make your designs sparkle.
12. Comprehensive Product Range. Networks will regularly involve a number of components, from entry-level unmanaged switches in a control cabinet simply to provide a programming port, to high port density rail switches, to wireless and rack mount routers. Hirschmann provide a comprehensive product range so that all your industrial ethernet needs can be met. In conjunction with Belden, this extends to cable and connectors. Ask your distributor about bundling your entire network needs.