Why Should the IES5220 Series Switches Be on Your Network Upgrade List?

In our ever-evolving digital world, upgrading your network infrastructure is not only a recommendation but a necessity to ensure optimal performance, scalability, and security. Industrial networks, in particular, face unique challenges and rigorous demands that require robust and resilient solutions. In this guide, we will delve into what makes the IES5220 series industrial switches indispensable, helping you understand why they should be at the top of your upgrade list when considering an upgrade for your network infrastructure.

What Is the IES5220 Series Switches?

The IES5220 series industrial switches are advanced, multi-faceted devices designed for demanding industrial environments. They feature RJ45/SFP Combo ports, 1G/10G SFP+ optical ports, and support for GE electrical ports and SFP optical ports via sub-cards. Built with high-reliability components and an IP40 metal enclosure, these switches operate in temperatures from -40 to 70°C, making them suitable for harsh conditions, such as traffic control cabinets, factory floors, and outdoor places where temperatures are extremely low or high. It is worth noting that the IES5220 series industrial switches offer a customizable, modular frame-based design, allowing for tailored configurations to meet specific business needs. Moreover, they support Layer 3 management, TR-069 protocol for zero-configuration startup, advanced security features (MAC and ACL), dual-boot redundancy, MRP, and compatibility with Profinet, Ethernet/IP, and Modbus industrial protocols, which fulfills the special needs of Industrial Ethernet networks.

Features of IES5220 Series Switches

Customizable Modular Design

FS offers a versatile selection of four main types of customizable modules, allowing users to tailor their switches to meet specific network requirements. These modules enable configurations ranging from 6 to 54 ports, providing flexible solutions for various industrial applications.

The Customized IES5220-6S-3ES features 6 x 1/10Gb SFP+ ports, expandable to up to 30 ports, and uses an Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE) design, optimized for size and power consumption. This design caters to a wide range of industrial and high-density connection needs.

Similarly, Customized IES5220-30TS-3ES includes 24 x 1Gb RJ45/SFP Combo ports and 6 x 1G/10G SFP+ ports, expandable to up to 54 ports. It also uses an Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE) design, optimized for size and power consumption, making it suitable for a variety of industrial and high-density applications.

The modular design of the IES5220 series industrial switches supports various sub-card options for different port configurations, making them highly adaptable to diverse network requirements.

Marvell Cygnus Chip

The IES5220 series utilizes the advanced MVL Cygnus chip, designed to meet the rigorous demands of modern industrial and enterprise networking. This high-performance chip ensures rapid data handling and efficient network traffic management, making it ideal for high-speed and large-scale networking applications. With its energy-efficient design, the MVL Cygnus chip reduces power consumption, supporting sustainable and cost-effective operations. Additionally, it incorporates robust security features such as encryption and advanced threat detection, safeguarding network infrastructure from cyber threats. The chip's scalability and flexibility, with support for multiple configurations and interfaces, enable theIES5220 series industrial switches to adapt to diverse network requirements, providing reliable and high-performance connectivity in both industrial and enterprise environments.

Stacking

The IES5220 series industrial switches support stacking, which allows multiple switches to be interconnected and managed as a single entity. This feature greatly enhances network scalability and simplifies management. Stacking improves redundancy and load balancing, ensuring seamless integration and operation within larger, more complex network infrastructures.

Layer 3 Management

The IES5220 series industrial switches support Layer 3 routing capabilities, allowing for efficient data management and routing across different network segments. These layer 3 managed switches make network configurations more versatile and scalable.

Resiliency Protocols (MRP)

Media Redundancy Protocol (MRP) ensures network reliability by providing a failover mechanism. This is critical for maintaining continuous communication in industrial settings, minimizing downtime significantly.

Industrial Protocols

The IES5220 series industrial switches support various industrial communication protocols such as PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, and Modbus TCP Industrial Ethernet Protocols, making them ideal for complex industrial applications that require precise control and monitoring.

Software-Defined Networking (SDN)

Incorporating SDN capabilities, the IES5220 series industrial switches enable centralized network management and real-time data flow optimization. This feature allows network administrators to dynamically adjust network policies, thereby improving operational efficiency.

Intelligent Resilient Framework (IRF)

IRF simplifies network configuration and enhances scalability by allowing multiple switches to operate as a single device. IRF2 intelligent resilient framework in the IES5220 Series industrial switches greatly simplifies management and streamlines operations, providing a more robust and efficient network infrastructure.

Defense Against DDoS

Equipped with robust security protocols, these switches protect against Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, ensuring network integrity and preventing unauthorized access.

Bidirectional Forwarding Detection (BFD)

BFD protocol provides rapid detection of path or link failures, which is crucial for maintaining network reliability in time-sensitive industrial applications.

Precision Time Protocol (PTP) 

PTP enables switches to deliver synchronization with a higher level of accuracy than NTP, it is ideal for telecom and Carrier Ethernet applications, providing Sub-microsecond Accuracy.

Suitable Industrial Environments and Applications

IES5220 series industrial switches offer a comprehensive suite of features tailored to meet the rigorous demands of various industrial applications, from urban monitoring to smart manufacturing. Their advanced capabilities and robust design make them an ideal choice for enhancing communication, ensuring operational excellence, and driving efficiency in these critical environments.

Monitoring: The IES5220 series industrial switches, with their high-density port configurations, can connect numerous IP cameras and sensors to urban surveillance systems. Layer 3 functionality ensures efficient routing of large amounts of video data, while MRP guarantees network resilience, maintaining continuous video streams for enhanced city security and public safety.

Transportation: These industrial switches support communication between trains, control centers, and trackside equipment in railway networks. Their rugged design withstands harsh environmental conditions, MRP provides network resilience, and Layer 3 functionality enables efficient routing of critical data, ensuring smooth operation and enhanced safety.

Power and Energy: IES5220 series industrial switches manage power distribution networks by connecting substations and control centers. Industrial protocols ensure seamless integration with power equipment, Layer 3 functionality supports efficient data routing, and high-density ports allow extensive connectivity, improving the reliability and efficiency of power delivery. In renewable energy operations like wind farms and solar plants, these switches facilitate communication and integration of various components. SDN capabilities enable dynamic network management, IRF allows for simplified scaling and management, and OpenAPI support facilitates the integration of third-party applications, ensuring efficient and stable energy production and distribution.

Smart Manufacturing Factories: In smart manufacturing, IES5220 switches connect PLCs, robotic arms, and sensors within automation control systems. Layer 3 functionality ensures efficient routing of control signals, industrial protocols guarantee compatibility with automation equipment, and high-density ports support extensive device connectivity, enabling precise control and monitoring of production processes. These industrial switches support real-time data monitoring and analytics in manufacturing processes. BFD ensures rapid detection of link failures, minimizing downtime, DDoS protection secures the network from attacks, and modular architecture allows for easy expansion and customization, facilitating immediate detection of issues and optimization of manufacturing operations.

Choosing the Right IES5220 Series Switch

Selecting the most appropriate switch from the IES5220 series industrial switches comes down to evaluating your specific network upgrade requirements. Consider the number of devices you need to connect, the required port density, and the network management capabilities necessary for your operations. Here’s a breakdown of the options available.

Network Devices and Port Requirements

If your network demands high bandwidth and involves multiple devices requiring 10Gb connections, you might need more 10Gb SFP+ ports. In this case, the IES5220-6S-3ES is an excellent choice with its six 10Gb SFP+ ports.

For networks with diverse devices requiring both 1Gb and 10Gb connections, and needing a larger number of ports, the IES5220-30TS-3ES would be more suitable. It provides 24 x 1Gb RJ45/SFP Combo ports and 6 x 1/10Gb SFP+ ports.

Network Management and Scalability

Both IES5220-6S-3ES and IES5220-30TS-3ES are L3 managed industrial switches with three modular slots, ideal for environments needing advanced network management features and complex network segmentation. If your network requires future scalability and flexible management capabilities, the modular design of these switches will meet your needs well.

Specific Application Scenarios

For enterprises or industrial environments with high data traffic and concurrent connection needs, such as in manufacturing or high-density data processing contexts, the IES5220-6S-3ES with multiple 10Gb connections offers high-speed and stable network connections.

In scenarios with a variety of network devices and diverse connection needs, such as in large to mid-sized office networks or industrial environments requiring many device connections, the IES5220-30TS-3ES provides greater flexibility with its diverse port types and higher port count.

Conclusion

Investing in the IES5220 series industrial switches is a strategic move for any industrial network upgrade. These switches blend advanced functionalities, high performance, and robustness, aligning perfectly with the rigorous demands of industrial applications. By choosing the right switch based on your unique requirements, you ensure not only a resilient and efficient network but also future-proof your infrastructure to handle evolving technological advancements. For more information, tailored advice, and to explore the full range of IES5100 series switches, please visit FS.COM. With our 24x5 tech support, you can trust that we are here to help you every step of the way.