Software Platform increases functionality of managed switches.

Press Release Summary:



Software platform 8.0, supporting MACH, MICE, Rail, and OCTOPUS managed switches, supports management and diagnostic and filter functions as well as redundancy methods, security mechanisms, and real-time applications. In addition to power industry standards support, solution provides jumbo frame support for select series. Software features that apply to all switches include PROFINET and Ethernet/IP extensions, overload detection, and diagnostic, documentation, and encryption mechanisms.



Original Press Release:



Belden Announces Software Platform 8.0 for Hirschmann Managed Switches



Release extends functionality of managed switch families



St. Louis, Missouri -- Belden Inc., a global leader in signal transmission solutions for mission-critical applications, has announced the availability of version 8.0 of the software platform that supports its Hirschmann managed switches. The new release significantly extends the functionality of managed switches from the MACH, MICE, Rail and OCTOPUS families.



Software platform 8.0 supports extensive management and diagnostic and filter functions, as well as a large selection of redundancy methods, security mechanisms and real-time applications. This makes it ideal for markets such as power generation and distribution, oil and gas, and automotive.



Power industry standards support



Software platform 8.0 allows RSR switches from the Rail family and switches from the MACH 1000 series to comply with power industry standards IEC 61850 and the C37.238 profile. An integrated IEC 61850 server offers seamless integration with data networks in power generation and distribution applications. In addition, the software platform 8.0 supports the C37.238-2011 IEEE power profile for the use of IEEE 1588 Precision Time Protocol (PTP) in power system applications for protection, control, automation and data communication applications.



High-resolution video support



Software platform 8.0 provides jumbo frame support for the MACH104 and MACH1040 switches support jumbo frames. Jumbo frames increase frame size to reduce overhead and CPU use. They are useful in supporting high-resolution video applications.



Updated features



New features for all four switch families include:

• PROFINET and Ethernet/IP extensions

• Overload detection

• Improved diagnostic, documentation and encryption mechanisms



Benefits include the ability to disable ports and various filter functions upon detection of an overload to ensure high network availability. New diagnostic options allow all ports to be mirrored to one port and differentiated according to data received and sent.



New security features include:

• An integrated "watermark" makes it possible to check whether the configuration of the switch still corresponds to the original state.

• SSHv2 for secure encryption of console access

• Security mechanisms such as Authentication, Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service (RADIUS) and port security.



Product Manager Jürgen Schmid said, "Version 8.0 of Hirschmann’s software platform is the most powerful operating system for industrial Ethernet switches currently available. Our managed switches not only have more standard features than any other network devices in the automation field, but also offer a host of special functions. For example, diagnostic information can be transmitted directly to controllers, making the switch an integral component of the respective application."



Hirschmann, a Belden Brand, manufactures Ethernet switches, wireless access points, firewall/VPN routers and network management software for harsh industrial environments. The Hirschmann brand stands for experience and expertise in the automation, power transmission and distribution, transportation and energy industries, having pioneered the development of Ethernet as a common standard for industrial control systems.



Hirschmann products ensure hassle-free and secure data communication under the harshest conditions due to their ruggedized design and construction. For more information about Hirschmann, please visit www.hirschmann.com or e-mail inet-sales@belden.com for product inquiries.



About Belden

Belden Inc., a global leader in high quality, end-to-end signal transmission solutions, delivers a comprehensive product portfolio designed to meet the mission-critical network infrastructure needs of industrial, enterprise and broadcast markets. With innovative solutions targeted at reliable and secure transmission of rapidly growing amounts of data, audio and video needed for today's applications, Belden is at the center of the global transformation to a connected world. Founded in 1902, the company is headquartered in St. Louis and has manufacturing capabilities in North and South America, Europe and Asia. For more information, visit us at www.belden.com; follow us on Twitter @BeldenInc.



For more information, contact:



Jim Krachenfels, Belden

510-850-2767

Jim.krachenfels@belden.com



Barbara Kline, Breakthru Communications

505-899-5878

bkline@breakthrucom.com



Belden, Belden Sending All The Right Signals, Hirschmann and the Belden logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Belden Inc. or its affiliated companies in the United States and other jurisdictions. Belden and other parties may also have trademark rights in other terms used herein.

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