Gigabit managed ethernet switch offers faster recovery

Korenix, an emerging manufacturer of Ethernet connectivity devices, has just launched a new range of innovative, reliable, cost-effective Managed Ethernet Switches, available through UK distributor M.A.C Solutions. The latest JetNet 5010G Gigabit Managed Ethernet switch is claimed to offer the fastest Ethernet recovery time in the world today - less than 5ms.

The density of new features and patented technology provided in the JetNet 5010G is astounding and only serves to demonstrate the technical excellence of Korenix-developed products. The JetNet 5010G, for example, is said to be the only industrial Ethernet switch in the world to provide three Gigabit SFP connections in one modular design. Most competing suppliers only offer two SFP connections per switch at best; other vendors require users to purchase three separate SFP models and three separate RJ45 models to achieve the desired connectivity.

As well as offering a fast recovery time, the units provide a number of benefits and technical advantages, including modular design technologies, excellent software and connectivity features, protection against harsh environments, power redundancy, high port density and Gigabit SX multi-mode 550M, LX single-mode 10km or more, as well as 1000Mbps fibre.

Noise immunity

Providing Gigabit fibre technology is a strong selling point, because it offers noise immunity, greater cable distances and electrical isolation - problems witnessed by many industrial companies these days.

There are three SFP modules on the unit, which are said to cater for all user requirements. A range of fibre optic cabling options is provided by modular connectors, up to 2km lengths with multi-mode and up to 30km in single-mode. Two digital inputs and two digital outputs are also provided.

As well as fibre optic ports, the device offers three Gigabit copper ports. These enable companies to mix media (ie use both copper and fibre optic cabling), using copper between lower-cost network devices if they wish.

Korenix recently conducted a successful network redundancy test, involving 250 of its JetNet 5010G units. The devices were tested with seven loops of Rapid Super Ring and Dual Homing II with Cisco 3650 switches. When man-made broken links occurred in any of the seven Ring loops and a broken link path was induced in one of the Cisco 3650 switches, it still generated 50 per cent unicast traffic and 5000 MAC-addresses to the ring. This is a milestone for Korenix that such a high number of linked switches did not affect network performance or reliability.

60 seconds to reboot 250 switches

More importantly, when Korenix conducted further tests to measure the time needed to reboot 250 JetNet 5010G units, a very low average of 60 seconds was achieved. Tim Ricketts, General Manager at M.A.C Solutions (UK), comments: "A sixty second re-booting time for 250 linked switches is a revolutionary achievement. Korenix has once again developed a world-class product with the JetNet 5010G. Korenix has again demonstrated its ability to develop truly innovative world-first products."

The JetNet 5010G supports a comprehensive range of interfaces and connectivity management tools, including VLAN/GVRP/QoS/IGMP Snooping/Rate Control and Online Multi-Port Mirroring, SNMP/RMON Network Management, web Interface, and Cisco-like CLI via RS232 console. Event notification is also possible via email, SNMP trap and Syslog.

For most industrial applications, the most common redundant Ethernet LAN (Local Area Network) topology is a 'ring'. Korenix's patented Rapid Super Ring (RSR) technology is specifically designed for meeting the fast recovery time requests in industrial ring networks, offering a recovery time of 30ms. However, Korenix's latest Rapid Super Ring 2 (RSR2) technology enables the JetNet 5010G to recover in just 5ms, which is said to be significantly faster than any competing technology on the market.

Compatibility with open networks

Interoperability between different ring topologies and vendors is critical. The JetNet 5010G works with all 'open' network topologies, enabling companies to integrate the device quickly and easily into their existing IT infrastructure at minimal cost and disruption.

Korenix's patented super-extended 'Dual Homing II' technology helps connect the Super Ring to other ring redundancy protocols, such as RSTP (Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol). This technology ensures that the rings communicate well and the dual homing paths can backup each other. For example, the user can auto-select one Dual Homing uplink path as an 'Active Link', while the other is a 'hot standby' link.

To further reduce recovery time and increase link capacity, the JetNet 5010G is equipped with IEEE 802.3ad Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP). This enables the device to automatically port bundle dynamically between switches. Two or more Fast Ethernet or Gigabit Ethernet connections are combined in order to increase the bandwidth and to create resilient and redundant links.

Another feature of the JetNet 5010G that is claimed to be unique is its 'auto elect ring master' functionality. Most other Managed Ethernet switches employ a master-slave relationship across a network ring. This means appointing a master switch and slave units. The problem here is if the master switch fails, what are the consequences? Potential chaos can occur. With the JetNet 5010G, each switch on the network is defined by a priority number using its MAC address (unique ID number). If the elected master switch fails, the master tag is passed to the next highest priority weighted switch and this unit becomes the new master switch.

24V or 48V DC power

On the power side, the JetNet 5010G caters for both standard and non-standard power source systems. It is equipped with a dual-mode power mechanism, for 24V or 48V DC, which means the device can detect different input power voltages, enabling it to automatically perform power device detection, classification, powering and disconnection processes. Because of this dual mode capability, the device is suitable for applications where there is no access to a 48V DC power source. This means adoption is likely to be very high in the transportation (vehicle, aviation and other public transport) sectors where access to a 24V DC power supply is standard.

Unlike most other industrial Gigabit Managed Ethernet switches, the JetNet 5010G is designed in a single-piece, rugged, IP31 aluminium housing for harsh industrial and transportation/infrastructure applications. The device is also compact, measuring just 96mm (W) x 137mm (H) x 119mm (L). It is also lightweight, corrosion-proof and heat resistant, with operating temperatures from -20 up to 70degC and operating humidity of 5-95 per cent (non-condensing). The unit is also backward compatible with the JetNet4000.

Follow the link for more information about the Korenix JetNet 5010G managed ethernet switch.