Communications: Unmanaged Ethernet Switches Deliver Copper And Fiber Ports

Sept. 20, 2004

Standard-function (SF) unmanaged Ethernet switches from the SF switch line combine high-performance switched Ethernet connectivity for eight or 16 (10/100-Mbit/s) ports with a unique range of one or two multimode 100-Mbit/s glass fiber port options. Price levels run 35% to 50% less than comparable offerings. Couple that with the availability of multimode fiber/copper mixed switches at the price levels of media converters, and the end result is affordable fully switched Ethernet systems with high noise immunity. As such, industrial hubs quickly become a thing of the past. System startup time and ongoing maintenance costs are further reduced through a complete range of unmanaged switch functions, like redundant power supplies, alarm contact, auto negotiation, and cable auto crossing.

Phoenix Contact Inc.www.phoenixcon.com

About the Author

Dave Bursky

Technologist

Dave Bursky, the founder of New Ideas in Communications, a publication website featuring the blog column Chipnastics – the Art and Science of Chip Design. He is also president of PRN Engineering, a technical writing and market consulting company. Prior to these organizations, he spent about a dozen years as a contributing editor to Chip Design magazine. Concurrent with Chip Design, he was also the technical editorial manager at Maxim Integrated Products, and prior to Maxim, Dave spent over 35 years working as an engineer for the U.S. Army Electronics Command and an editor with Electronic Design Magazine.