AutomationDirect Announces New Line of Unmanaged Ethernet Switches

AutomationDirect has released a new set of unmanaged industrial Ethernet switches that offer enhanced security with minimal technical overhead. The new Stride Pro Unmanaged+ Ethernet switches are available in numerous configurations, are machine-mountable, suitable for use in washdown areas and other challenging environments, and are secure and reliable.

The Stride Pro Unmanaged+ industrial Ethernet switches offer advanced networking features. Image used courtesy of AutomationDirect

Stride Pro Unmanaged+ Ethernet Switches

Plenty of industrial applications call for a middle ground in connectivity; enough to run a machining cell or robot cluster without adding yet another network headache for IT teams to manage and integrate with their existing network. This simplicity is where AutomationDirect’s new Stride Pro Unmanaged+ Ethernet switches fit: they offer advanced connectivity features without complicating troubleshooting or integration.

What especially sets the Stride Pro series apart from other unmanaged Ethernet switches is its enhanced security measures and design that withstands harsh industrial environments, all while maintaining a low cost.

Enhanced Networking and Security

Even if an unmanaged switch has limited access to the plant network as a whole, it must remain secure. It cannot serve as an entry point for a cyberattack that could compromise an entire system. For this reason, the Stride Pro has several built-in security features that limit attack vectors.

One such feature is an active port alarm: if an unauthorized device is physically plugged into a port, the IT team is notified immediately. Also, the switches include a port mirroring feature that allows all traffic to be copied to a monitor port. This feature can help detect unauthorized traffic and reduce troubleshooting effort during network errors.

The SEP1-SW5U Stride Pro industrial Unmanaged+ Ethernet switch features five ports. Image used courtesy of AutomationDirect

A Rugged Design for Industrial Use

Another key feature of the Stride Pro switches is their rugged design, built to meet industrial standards. Each switch is UL-listed and meets IEC 60068-2-6 vibration standards, making them suitable for machining cells and other areas where vibration is a major concern.

Several of the switches are designed to meet or exceed IP67, meaning they can be placed in areas with water spray and other liquid contaminants. This level of protection makes the switches suitable for washdown areas and Clean In Place (CIP) environments, commonly found in food and beverage manufacturing lines.

Also, the Stride Pro catalog features switches with five to eight Ethernet ports, where size and connectivity can be balanced for a specific application. Switches can be machine-mounted and are DIN-rail compatible. Some models also offer Power over Ethernet (PoE), reducing the amount of cabling required.

Low-Cost Network Optimization

The Stride Pro Unmanaged+ Ethernet switch offers the ideal blend of simplicity and advanced features for applications that need a bit more than a regular switch. The switch offers important features, such as ruggedness and enhanced security, without burdening IT teams with unnecessary complexity. These features intend to make the switch a good addition to machining cells, robot clusters, and other environments that need Ethernet support without adding significant overhead.