The Advantech EKI-3728-AE is an unmanaged 8-port industrial Gigabit Ethernet switch designed for use in industrial environments with high requirements for reliability and performance. It serves as a network connection component to connect multiple Ethernet devices within a local network without requiring central network management. The devices are particularly suitable for applications in manufacturing automation, power supply, or transportation infrastructure, where a robust and low-maintenance network solution is required.

Applications

The switch is designed for use in industrial plants where high mechanical loads, temperature fluctuations, or electromagnetic interference may occur. It is especially suitable for applications where redundant power supply and stable network connection are critical, such as in production lines, machine control, or building automation. Support for Jumbo Frames and QoS functions also makes it suitable for applications with high data traffic, such as video transmission or large data packets.

Functions and Features in Detail

The EKI-3728-AE features eight Gigabit Ethernet ports enabling data transfer rates of up to 1 Gbit/s. Loop detection protects the network from broadcast storms that may occur due to physical loops in the network. Support for Jumbo Frames with a maximum packet size of 9,216 bytes enables more efficient data transmission, especially for large data volumes. The QoS function according to IEEE 802.1p ensures that time-sensitive data, such as video signals, receive higher priority to maintain stable transmission quality even under high network load.

Technology Explained Simply

The switch supports the IEEE 802.3az standard for energy-efficient Ethernet, which automatically adjusts the power supply of the ports. If a port has no connection, it is automatically turned off to save energy. Power supply is provided via a redundant input with a voltage of 12 to 48 VDC, ensuring higher device availability. A P-Fail relay signals in case of power failure or voltage disturbance, allowing external systems to respond to the fault. These features increase the reliability and service-friendliness of the switch in critical applications.

Compatibility and Accessories

The switch is compatible with standard Ethernet networks and can be connected to any device supporting Gigabit Ethernet. It is suitable for use with industrial devices such as PLCs, sensors, cameras, or industrial PCs. However, the use of Jumbo Frames requires that connected devices also support this function.

Mounting and Installation

The switch is designed for mounting in standard 19-inch racks or on a wall. Installation is performed by connecting Ethernet cables to the ports and connecting to the power supply. Configuration is done without software or management interface, as it is an unmanaged switch. The connections are equipped with LEDs indicating the status of the connections.

Advantages in Operation

Operation of the EKI-3728-AE is simple and does not require special network knowledge. The integrated loop detection and redundant power supply increase network stability. Energy efficiency via the IEEE 802.3az standard reduces power consumption, especially in systems with many inactive ports. The QoS function ensures that critical data streams are not affected by other traffic loads, improving overall network performance.