“In many applications, cabinet space for system-level networks is limited or non-existent,” explains Mark Devonshire, Rockwell’s product manager for Stratix switches. “The ArmorStratix 5700 switch expands the Allen-Bradley On-Machine offering from Rockwell Automation – an industrially hardened portfolio of products that requires no cabinetry – and leverages pre-configured, quick-connect systems and simplified wiring layouts to reduce installation, troubleshooting and maintenance activities.”

The switch integrates machine-level data that, due to cost or location, might otherwise remain isolated from business-level systems. Using Cisco’s IOS network infrastructure software, it manages the transfer of production data to enterprise-level databases and information systems.

This switch is said to simplify the design and development of machine-level networks using configuration and monitoring tools that enable easy setup and diagnostics from within the Rockwell’s Integrated Architecture system. Automated monitoring simplifies network optimisation and convergence.

The switch is available in 8, 16 or 24 fixed-port versions, and comes with M12 Ethernet connectors, an SD memory card, dual-power inputs and a panel-mounted design. Expanded versions include 10 and 18 fixed-port configurations with 2Gbit ports, hardware-based IEEE 1588, hardware alarms, and up to eight Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) ports.