With the OCTOPUS 24M-8PoE, Belden has added a new managed IP67 switch to its Hirschmann product range. Designed in particular for use in trains and buses, this switch has 24 Fast Ethernet ports (10/100 BASE-TX), 8 of which support PoE. This means that devices such as IP cameras and information displays can be powered via the Ethernet cable. The high number of ports also means that installations can be configured using a smaller number of switches and hence require less space. The OCTOPUS 24M-8PoE can be cascaded as often as required, permitting implementation of networks with a distributed structure and short transmission paths to the respective terminal devices. Redundancy methods such as HIPER Ring, MRP and RSTP bring fast reconfiguration times and ensure a high level of network availability. Other features include waterproof housing, an extended temperature range of -40° C to +70° C, and Ethernet ports with vibration-resistant M12 connection technology. In addition, the switch has received e1 approval from the German Federal Motor Transport Authority and complies with the EMC and fire prevention requirements governing its use in rail vehicles (EN 50155, DIN 5510-2 and NF F 16 101/ 102).
With a compact housing measuring 338 x 189 x 70 mm, the OCTOPUS 24M-8PoE is designed for wall mounting. Configuration can be carried out via an Ethernet interface using command line interface (CLI), DHCP relay agent option 82, HiDiscovery or V24 interface, or via the ACA21 autoconfiguration adapter.
RMON, port mirroring and LLDP (Topology Discovery 802.1ab) are available for diagnostics purposes. Alarms are signaled via an additional signal contact.
More detailed information can be accessed via a standard web browser or using convenient network management software such as Hirschmann™ Industrial HiVision. SNMP V2c and V3 are also supported. Security mechanisms include IP and MAC port security, SNMP V3, SSH V3, SNMP access settings (VLAN/IP) and access control via IEEE 802.1x.
The Fast Ethernet ports have D-coded M12 connectors. The PoE facility supplies 15W per connected terminal device, using the phantom power method in which the terminal equipment is powered via the same wire-pair that carries the data. This means that two-pair cabling systems can also be used. On the front of the housing are LEDs that display both the device status and the network status as well as indicating the correct power supply.
With the OCTOPUS 24M-8PoE, Belden has added a new managed IP67 switch to its Hirschmann product range that has been specifically designed for use in road and rail vehicles. "Thanks to the PoE function, terminal devices fitted in trains and buses can be operated without a separate power supply," says Product Manager Rolf-Dieter Sommer, who goes on to add: "What's more, the high number of ports means that fewer switches are required and hence less space for the overall installation."
