HMS Networks has recently announced its new addition to its N-Tron line of rugged industrial Ethernet switches, the NT100 Series, which includes the NT110-FX2, NT111-FX3, and the NT112-FX4 models. This new range of unmanaged switches is designed for essential operations, providing a reliable network connection in industrial environments where durability, uptime, and resilience are crucial.
The new addition is an unmanaged NT100 series switch (NT-111-FX3-ST00). Image used courtesy of HMS Networks
Built for Rugged Industrial Conditions
Designed from a rugged metal enclosure, the new N-Tron NT100 Series can withstand vibration, shock, and extreme temperatures ranging from -40°C to 85°C. The switch's compact size ensures simplicity in installation, even in tight cabinet space, without affecting performance. This leads to a space-efficient industrial-grade design that works reliably in various demanding applications. Aside from form factor, the new NT100 series switches feature RJ45 ports that have integrated ESD and surge protection, ensuring that the operation is not interrupted in environments with high electrical interference.
All the NT100 series switches are certified by ATEX, UL, and IECEx, and meet IEEE 802.3 standards, making them suitable for use in hazardous environments. In addition to industrial environments, the switches also comply with rolling stock, railway, and marine standards, broadening their applications to transportation and offshore applications where durable communication systems are essential.
Reliable Plug and Play Connectivity
To simplify network installation and setup, the N-Tron series switches use unmanaged plug-and-play functionality that eliminates the need for configuration. Despite being simple to use, the new switches support full wire speed communication through store-and-forward switching technology, guaranteeing consistent performance across all connected devices. Each model in the series also includes a dual 10 to 49 V DC power input that ensures redundant power supply options for minimized risk of network interruption, and to ensure further that downtime is minimized, the switches offer a high level of reliability with their MTBF rating exceeding 1.2 million hours.
Featured in flexible configurations, the NT100 product line offers all three models with eight fibre ports and up to four fibre ports. The fibre connection comes in SC or ST connector styles, offering both multimode and single-mode options that support 2 to 80 km in transmission distances. This allows integrators to choose setups that best fit their industrial environment, remote monitoring sites, or deployment in extended fields.
The NT100 series supports applications across a variety of industries. Image used courtesy of HMS Networks
Built for Mission Critical Industries
The new NT100 series is ideal for use in applications such as oil and gas production, factory automation, utilities, railway signaling networks, water and wastewater facilities, and intelligent traffic control, ensuring process data remains actionable and accessible for efficient operations.
Extending the N-Tron legacy, the NT100 series follows the 2024 release of the 16-port NT116 unmanaged switch, which, as affirmed by Barry Turner, N-Tron's Product Manager, has stood for its simplicity, reliability, and ruggedness. He added that the latest addition, the NT100 series, extends the tradition, giving users confidence in deploying the solution in demanding industrial environments without affecting performance.
With the industrial evolution tending towards more connected and autonomous operations, the new NT100 series stands in as a potential choice for users seeking high endurance, rugged design, and a flexible solution for their mission-critical industrial networks.
