GE Security, the manufacturer of IFS fiber optic transmission equipment, has introduced a new model within the EtherNav D7600 Series of managed layer 2 Ethernet switches. This new model, the IFS EtherNAV D7608, features as many as nine optical 10/100 FX fast Ethernet ports. Optical Ethernet transmission is preferred when distances exceed the limits of traditional CAT 5 cables. A managed Ethernet switch is a device that segments Ethernet network traffic to enhance performance and for better bandwidth allocation. It has become an essential piece of equipment when local area networks (LAN) are handling multiple devices such as cameras and DVRs. A managed switch allows “virtual local area networks” or (VLANS) to be created that allows networks to be created using software rather than hardware. An interesting feature of the EtherNav line is the inclusion a Gigabit electrical or optical port in some models. As more and more devices are being integrated onto these Ethernet networks, bandwidth can become an issue. By using a Gigabit Ethernet (1 Gbps), bandwidth provides a significant increase in bandwidth over older Fast Ethernet. This allows devices using EtherNav switches to be easily integrated into larger networks. The EtherNav Series also features Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (IEE 802.1w) for quick data recovery.

The EtherNav Managed Ethernet Switch has several mechanisms to monitor, configure, and manage the VLAN it is tasked to manage. A console interface using a standard RS-232 interface allows for local network control from a standard PC. Alternatively, a Web-based graphical user interface or GUI will allow for remote configuration control from anywhere on an Ethernet based network.

For higher level system management, the EtherNav line supports SNMP or Simple Network Management Protocol Version 2C and is RFC1213-compliant. The benefit of SNMP is that it allows for a standards-based network element management system to be used for status monitoring and management of their network.

The EtherNav Managed Ethernet Switch was designed from the ground up to be mechanically and environmentally hardened for use in unconditioned environments. It has passed the rigorous tests and meets the CALTRANS and NEMA test standards. Many of the current competitive models available are not designed for more demanding outdoor and factory installations. The IFS EtherNav Series can be configured with a redundant power supply for greater reliability and is one of the only managed switch available with that feature.

:The IFS EtherNav D7600 Series is designed for use in today’s modern industrial security, intelligent transportation systems and industrial control applications where monitoring and control are taking place in centralized locations,” said Bruce Berman, infrastructure transportation/infrastructure sales manager. “These applications are extremely sensitive to variable delays and network congestion, which are unavoidable on a shared Ethernet network. By configuring the devices in a VLAN, sufficient bandwidth can be allocated for each, thereby ensuring effective management of the network devices,” continued Berman.

All models of the EtherNav series are FCC- and CE-compliant and have an operating temperature range of between –40°C to + 74°C.