Black Box Industrial 10/100-Mbps Ethernet Switch - Unmanaged, Extreme Temperature, 5-Port

The Black Box Industrial 10/100-Mbps Ethernet Switch is engineered to perform where conventional network devices fail. This unmanaged five-port switch is purpose-built for rugged environments, delivering reliable Ethernet connectivity in industrial settings such as factories, control rooms, transportation hubs, and outdoor installations. Built to endure harsh conditions, it supports a broad operating temperature range and is designed to stay up and communicating even when conditions are less than ideal. With plug-and-play operation, auto-negotiation, and auto-MDI/MDI-X capabilities, this switch makes it easy to extend wired networks to machines, sensors, and remote devices without complex configuration or downtime. Its solid metal enclosure provides durability against shock, vibration, and EMI, ensuring stable performance in cabinets, enclosures, on equipment frames, and other demanding locations. In short, it’s a dependable, easy-to-use solution for industrial networks that require consistent, unmonitored performance across multiple Ethernet links.

• Industrial-grade, unmanaged plug-and-play performance: This 5-port 10/100 Mbps Ethernet switch delivers reliable, worry-free connectivity in harsh environments. No software configuration is required—connect devices, power up, and they’re online. It supports auto-negotiation to automatically select the best speed and duplex settings for each connected device, and auto-MDI/MDI-X eliminates the need for cross-over cables. This makes deployment fast and simple in dynamic industrial settings where uptime is critical and IT resources may be limited. The result is a straightforward networking solution that minimizes installation time and potential misconfigurations while maximizing device uptime on the factory floor, in control cabinets, or on mobile equipment.
• Rugged, temperature-tolerant design for extreme environments: The switch is built to operate under demanding conditions, including a wide operating temperature range suitable for industrial applications. It’s designed to resist the thermal and mechanical stresses common to manufacturing facilities, outdoor enclosures, and remote installations. The metal housing provides robust protection from physical impact and EMI, helping to ensure stable data transmission even in environments with electrical noise or vibration. This rugged construction translates into fewer failures and greater reliability in critical automation and monitoring systems, enabling teams to focus on production goals rather than troubleshooting network issues.
• Compact, versatile deployment with 5 ports: Offering five RJ-45 Ethernet ports, this unmanaged switch is ideal for expanding a local area network at machine centers, frames, panels, and equipment racks. Its compact footprint allows it to fit inside standard enclosures or tight industrial spaces without crowding other components. Whether you’re connecting sensors, PLCs, HMIs, RTUs, or field devices, the 5-port design provides flexible connectivity for a range of applications—from simple device-to-device links to more extensive segment expansions within a single location. The straightforward, non-blocking traffic flow supports reliable data exchange across multiple devices, ensuring that critical control signals and status updates reach their destination promptly.
• Easy installation and long-term value: Because this is an unmanaged switch, deployment is as simple as plugging in cables and powering the unit. There’s no software to configure, no management interface to navigate, and no firmware to update for basic operation. This reduces total cost of ownership by lowering labor costs during installation and maintenance. The switch’s durability and low-maintenance design help minimize downtime and service interventions, preserving network performance in mission-critical processes such as production lines, packaging, material handling, and remote monitoring. Even in scaling scenarios, you can add more devices or segment networks without introducing complex configurations, keeping operations efficient and predictable over time.
• Designed for industrial ecosystems and future-proofing: While the switch operates as a simple plug-and-play device, it is purpose-built to integrate with broader industrial networking strategies. It complements a range of automation protocols and fieldbus architectures by providing reliable Ethernet connectivity where it’s most needed—at the edge, near sensors and actuators, or between control devices. Its rugged nature aligns with long-term, predictable deployments, making it a practical choice for retrofits and new builds alike. By combining a straightforward user experience with robust physical design, this switch supports ongoing operational efficiency and network reliability as your industrial network evolves.

Technical Details of Black Box Industrial 10/100-Mbps Ethernet Switch - Unmanaged, Extreme Temperature, 5-Port

• Ports: 5 x 10/100 Mbps Ethernet RJ-45 ports
• Switch Type: Unmanaged
• Operating Temperature: -40°C to 75°C
• Enclosure: Industrial metal housing designed for rugged environments
• Mounting: Suitable for installation in cabinets, on equipment frames, or within industrial enclosures

How to Install Black Box Industrial 10/100-Mbps Ethernet Switch

Installing this unmanaged industrial switch is a straightforward process intended to minimize downtime and complexity. Begin by selecting a secure, clean mounting location that protects the unit from moisture, direct exposure to harsh elements, and physical damage. Ensure that the installation area provides adequate airflow so the switch remains cool during operation, which helps maximize longevity in demanding environments. If you’re mounting inside a cabinet or on a panel, prepare a suitable mounting surface and align the device so that connection ports are easily accessible for cabling. Before connecting anything, verify that the power source matches the device’s power requirements and that any power supply in the system complies with local electrical codes. It’s important to plan your cabling layout to minimize cable length and avoid sharp bends, which helps preserve signal integrity and reduces the risk of interference with other equipment.

Step-by-step installation guidance:

Step 1: Power down any equipment connected to the switch and ensure the installation area is safe for handling electrical devices. Gather standard Ethernet cables (Category 5e or higher) and ensure they are free of damage or kinks. Consider using shielded cables in environments with high EMI to enhance protection against electrical noise. Note: This product is designed for straightforward plug-and-play operation and does not require network configuration, but proper cabling practices help achieve optimal performance.

Step 2: Mount or place the switch in the selected location. If mounting in a cabinet or on a panel, secure the unit firmly to prevent shifting due to vibrations. Ensure adequate clearance around the device to allow for air circulation and cable connections. Maintain neat cable management to avoid snagging on moving parts or other equipment. The durable housing is intended to withstand challenging industrial conditions, but careful placement contributes to longevity and reliability.

Step 3: Connect Ethernet devices to the five RJ-45 ports. You can mix devices such as PLCs, sensors, controllers, HMIs, and other networked equipment. Use straight-through Ethernet cables for most connections, and avoid creating unnecessary daisy-chains that could complicate troubleshooting. The switch’s auto-negotiation feature will automatically determine the appropriate speed and duplex mode for each connected device, simplifying deployment even further.

Step 4: Provide power to the switch according to the manufacturer’s recommended method. If an external power supply is used, connect it securely and verify that all connections are tight. Power up the switch and observe the indicator LEDs on the front panel. A healthy link typically corresponds to solid or blinking LEDs for each active port, indicating successful device communication. If any port does not indicate a link, recheck the cables and device orientation, and ensure the connected device is powered and configured appropriately for a 10/100 Mbps link.

Step 5: Perform a quick network check to verify connectivity among devices. Confirm that data can be exchanged between machines, controllers, and sensors as intended. In a production environment, it’s prudent to monitor the network for several hours after installation to ensure stability under real operating loads. If any anomalies arise, isolate the issue by testing individual cables and devices, and replace any faulty components. Because the switch is unmanaged, most network adjustments will be performed at the connected devices rather than on the switch itself, enabling you to maintain a clean, dependable network with minimal maintenance.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: What speeds do the ports support? A: Each port supports 10/100 Mbps Ethernet, enabling flexible connections to a range of industrial devices at appropriate speeds for the application.
• Q: Is this switch managed or configurable? A: It is an unmanaged switch, designed for simple plug-and-play operation without software configuration or management interfaces.
• Q: Can this device operate in extreme temperatures? A: Yes. It is designed for industrial environments and specified to operate across a wide temperature range, including low temperatures, to maintain reliable performance where typical consumer-grade devices would fail.
• Q: What mounting options are available? A: The switch is intended for rugged industrial deployments and is compatible with standard mounting approaches used in cabinets, on equipment frames, or inside industrial enclosures to suit various installation scenarios. Specific mounting hardware may be provided or available separately depending on the model.
• Q: Does the switch include PoE or require a special power supply? A: This model is a basic unmanaged 5-port switch and does not advertise PoE functionality. Power supply details should be confirmed with the product packaging or the supplier for the exact unit you purchase.