Description
Engineered for harsh environments and demanding industrial applications, the Brainboxes Industrial Embeddable 5 Port Ethernet Switch is a compact, plug‑and‑play unmanaged switch designed to keep factory networks fast, reliable, and noise‑immune. With galvanically isolated Ethernet ports, robust temperature tolerance, and flexible power options, this switch fits seamlessly into embedded systems, control cabinets, and OEM devices. Whether you’re integrating it into a machine, a conveyor system, or an industrial controller, this switch delivers dependable Ethernet connectivity without the overhead of managed features. Its rugged design, wide operating temperature range, and dual‑power redundancy make it an ideal networking backbone for industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) deployments, machine vision setups, and real‑time control networks.
- Industrial-grade 5-port unmanaged switch that delivers reliable, plug‑and‑play Ethernet connectivity. It requires no configuration, giving you instant network access right out of the box. Perfect for OEMs and application engineers who need a straightforward, low‑latency networking solution that Just Works in harsh environments.
- Galvanically isolated ports provide electrical isolation between each port and the chassis, offering superior protection against ground loops, voltage transients, and electrical noise. This isolation helps safeguard your critical devices and improves network stability in electrically noisy factory floors.
- 10/100 Mbps per port with robust real‑world performance ensures dependable data exchange for control signals, sensor data, and machine communications. While it isn’t a gigabit switch, it excels in deterministic industrial networks where reliability and predictability trump raw speed, making it ideal for legacy devices and time‑sensitive control systems.
- Extreme industrial temperature tolerance with an operating range from -40°C to +80°C (-40°F to 176°F) keeps networks running in cold cold rooms, outdoor enclosures, or high‑heat equipment cabinets. This rugged temperature range is paired with solid construction to withstand shock, vibration, and environmental exposure typical of factory environments.
- Dual input redundant power supply with wide voltage range supports flexible power delivery and high availability. It can be powered from USB or via a 24V factory floor supply (or other compatible voltages within its wide range), enabling seamless integration into existing power architectures and reducing single‑point failure risks in critical applications.
- Ports: 5‑port unmanaged Ethernet switch designed for embedded and industrial installations
- Data rate: 10/100 Mbps per port, suitable for real‑time control and status signaling in deterministic networks
- Isolation: Galvanic isolation between ports enhances electrical safety and noise immunity
- Operating temperature: -40°C to +80°C (-40°F to 176°F), supporting extreme environments
- Power options: Dual input redundant power supply with a wide voltage range; can be powered from USB or 24V (factory floor) sources
- Form factor: Industrial compact, embeddable design intended for OEM integration and space‑constrained installations
- Configuration: Unmanaged—no configuration required; immediate plug‑and‑play operation
how to install Brainboxes Industrial Embeddable 5 Port Ethernet Switch
Installing the Brainboxes 5 Port Industrial Ethernet Switch is a straightforward process designed for quick integration into OEM systems and control cabinets. Follow these practical steps to ensure reliable operation and long‑term performance:
- Plan your installation location: Choose a protected, ventilated area within the equipment enclosure or on a DIN rail mount where the switch will remain within its operating temperature range. Ensure there is adequate airflow to prevent heat buildup and that cables have a tidy routing path to minimize stress on connectors.
- Mount and secure the device: If the switch is intended for panel or enclosure mounting, use appropriate hardware to secure it firmly. For OEM systems, integrate the device into the chassis layout so that ports remain accessible for easy cabling and maintenance.
- Connect Ethernet devices: Attach up to five Ethernet devices to the five ports. Use shielded CAT5e/CAT6 cables in industrial environments to reduce noise pickup and maintain signal integrity on longer runs. Verify that each device is powered and functioning to confirm link establishment.
- Provide power: Connect the switch to its dual power inputs. If using USB power, plug into a USB power source supported by your system. If using a 24V or other suitable industrial supply, connect to the wide‑range input as specified by your installation plan. For redundancy, ensure both power paths are connected so that a failure in one path does not disrupt network operation.
- Power up and verify: Apply power and observe the link/activity indicators on the switch. A healthy set of LEDs typically indicates active ports and stable operation. Since the device is unmanaged, minimal configuration is required; you should immediately be able to communicate across connected devices once power and cabling are in place.
- Document and test: Record the installed cabling map and IP assignments if any devices require them. While the switch is unmanaged, verifying end‑to‑end connectivity and testing in a controlled environment helps ensure reliable operation in production.
Frequently asked questions
- Q: Is this a managed switch? A: No. It is an unmanaged, plug‑and‑play Ethernet switch designed for simple, reliable connectivity in industrial environments. No configuration is required to get it up and running.
- Q: What speeds does it support? A: Each of the five ports supports 10/100 Mbps operation, suitable for deterministic control networks and sensor data transmission where gigabit speeds are not essential.
- Q: Does it support PoE or PoE+? A: The product description does not mention Power over Ethernet. It is not described as PoE/PoE+, so standard Ethernet devices must be powered separately unless your system integrates a PoE injector or switch elsewhere in the network.
- Q: Can it be powered from USB? A: Yes. The device supports USB power as one of its flexible power inputs, which is convenient for compact OEM assemblies and devices with USB power rails available.
- Q: What about environmental durability? A: The switch is designed for industrial use with an operating temperature range of -40°C to +80°C, enabling operation in hot and cold environments, dust‑prone enclosures, and shock‑vibration prone installations.
- Q: How many ports are galvanically isolated? A: Each Ethernet port provides galvanic isolation, enhancing protection against electrical faults and noise on industrial networks—ideal for installations with multiple power domains or noisy equipment.
- Q: Is this suitable for OEM embedding? A: Absolutely. Its compact, embeddable form factor and rugged design make it an excellent choice for OEM integrations, machine enclosures, and control cabinets where space is at a premium and reliability is critical.
- Q: Are there any software requirements? A: No software configuration is required. The device is unmanaged and will function in typical plug‑and‑play fashion once connected to power and Ethernet devices.
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