Industrial Ethernet Switches

Network failures in harsh industrial environments aren’t just inconvenient, they can halt production, delay operation and cost thousands of downtime. Eliminating these risks, Industrial Ethernet Switches are purpose-built with rugged construction, wide temperature tolerance, and resistance to shock, vibration, and electromagnetic interference.

Industrial Ethernet Switches are specialised networking devices designed to connect industrial equipment, such as PLCs, HMIs, sensors, and IP cameras, within an Ethernet-based network. Unlike standard commercial switches, they are engineered to perform reliably in extreme environments while supporting critical real-time data communication essential for automation and control systems. These switches ensure stable and high-speed data transmission even in the most demanding conditions.

Types of Industrial Ethernet Switches

Industrial switches come in various types, categorised by their functionality, level of control, port configurations, and intended environments. Here are the most common categories:

Unmanaged Ethernet Switches

Unmanaged industrial ethernet switches are basic and easy to use. They don't require any configuration, just plug in your devices, and the switch starts forwarding data automatically. Ideal for small setups or non-critical networks where advanced features aren't needed.

Managed Ethernet Switches

Managed switches offer advanced features such as VLANs, QoS (Quality of Service), SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol), redundancy protocols, and traffic monitoring. They are essential for networks that require higher security, uptime, and optimisation.

PoE (Power over Ethernet) Industrial Switches

These switches can deliver both data and electrical power over the same Ethernet cable, ideal for devices like IP cameras, wireless access points, or sensors in hard-to-reach locations.

DIN-Rail and Rack-Mount Switches

DIN-Rail switches are designed for mounting inside control panels or enclosures, while rack-mount switches are suited for centralised installations in server or network cabinets.

Modular Switches

Modular industrial switches allow you to add or remove different interface modules depending on your project’s requirements. They're ideal for expanding systems or specialised applications.

How do Industrial Ethernet Switches work?

Industrial Ethernet switches manage data communication between multiple devices such as PLCs, sensors, and HMIs within an industrial network. They receive data packets through their ports, read the source and destination MAC addresses, and forward the packets to the correct devices.

If the destination address is unknown, the switch momentarily sends the data to all ports while learning the address for future use. These switches handle traffic efficiently to avoid collisions and data loss, and they frequently use advanced features such as Quality of Service (QoS) and VLANs to prioritise and arrange network traffic. In critical systems, managed switches support network redundancy algorithms that reroute data dynamically if a connection fails, ensuring continuous operation.

Common Applications of Industrial Switches

• Industrial Automation & Manufacturing
• Transportation
• Oil & Gas Industry
• Utilities & Energy
• Smart Cities & Surveillance
• Water & Wastewater Treatment

How to Choose an Industrial Ethernet Network Switches?

Choosing a suitable Industrial Ethernet Switch is critical for establishing a dependable, efficient, and scalable industrial communication system.

1. Determine your network size – Assess your network infrastructure & count how many devices you need to connect and choose a switch with enough ports to support them now and in the future.
2. Decide between managed or unmanaged – Use unmanaged switches for basic, plug-and-play setups, and managed switches if you need control over traffic, security, or remote monitoring.
3. Check the port speed requirements – Go for Gigabit Ethernet if you need high-speed data transfer, or Fast Ethernet for less demanding applications.
4. Consider Power over Ethernet (PoE) – Choose a PoE switch if you plan to power devices like IP cameras or wireless access points directly through the network cables.
5. Choose a switch that suits the environment – Make sure the switch can handle industrial conditions such as extreme temperatures, dust, vibrations, and electrical interference.
6. Select the right mounting style – Use DIN-rail switches for compact control panels, or rack-mount switches for organised server or network rooms.
7. Look for redundancy and failover features – Switches with dual power inputs and recovery protocols help keep your network running during failures.

Benefits of Choosing JEA Tech for Your Industrial Ethernet Solutions in Australia

Rugged, Reliable Hardware: JEA Tech offers high-quality industrial Ethernet switches that can survive extreme temperatures, vibration, dirt, and voltage fluctuations, making them ideal for harsh settings.

Expertise You Can Count On: With deep knowledge in industrial networking, our team ensures the right solutions are tailored to your setup, no matter how complex your infrastructure.

End-to-End Support: From initial consultation to installation and maintenance, we offer complete support, minimising downtime and maximising reliability.

Custom Solutions for Every Industry: Whether you're in manufacturing, mining, energy, or transport, we offer networking solutions designed to meet the specific demands of your industry.

Scalable & Future-Ready Networks: Our switches support future expansion, allowing your network to grow with your business, without costly upgrades down the line.

Redundancy & Uptime Assurance: We prioritise network reliability with failover protection, redundant power inputs, and robust recovery features to reduce outages.

Local Service, Global Standards: As a trusted local provider, we deliver hands-on service while maintaining global quality standards for industrial-grade network performance.

Affordable, High-Performance Options: We help you balance performance and budget, delivering premium-grade equipment without the premium price tag.

With JEA Technologies, you’re not just buying hardware, you’re investing in a stable, scalable, and resilient industrial network that can serve a wide range of industrial applications. We simplify your buying journey with smart recommendations, friendly service, and tech that’s tough. Ready to upgrade your connectivity? Request a free quote or speak with an expert today!