Converter Switches provide connectivity in Ethernet networks.
Press Release Summary:
Magnum(TM) CS Ethernet Converter Switches combine 2-port edge switch plus media converter in modular package, smaller than typical PDA. One 10 Mb or 100 Mb fiber port connects to fiber backbone, while two 10/100 copper switch ports provide access to PLCs, IEDs, or sensors. All fiber ports can be configured with any standard or Small Form Factor multi-mode or single-mode connector. Power source choices include 110 or 220 Vac, or 12, 24, or -48 V.
Original Press Release:
New Compact Converter Switch(TM) Products Promise Convenient, Cost-Effective Edge Connectivity in Industrial Ethernet Networks
GarrettCom Introduces Family of Products that Combine Media Converter and Switch Functionality to Reduce Costs and Increase Reliability
February 12, 2004 - Fremont, Calif. - GarrettCom, Inc., has made edge-of-the-network connectivity for industrial applications easier, more reliable, and less expensive. The company's Magnum(TM) CS Ethernet Converter Switch family is the only set of products on the market today that offers the convenience of a two-port edge switch plus a media converter in one compact and modular package smaller than a typical PDA. In a CS product, one 10 Mb or 100 Mb fiber port connects to the fiber backbone, while the two 10/100 copper switch ports provide convenient access to PLCs, IEDs, sensors, and other devices in the industrial plant or at remote industrial sites.
By improving upon the traditional stand-alone media converter, GarrettCom offers a flexible, cost-effective connectivity solution and eliminates one point-of-failure in the system for more reliable operation. The ability to select fiber port types, various DC and AC power input options, and any of three levels of temperature ratings enables users of the Magnum CS products to get the best price-to-value ratio for each application.
A companion Convenient Switch(TM) product, the Magnum S14, offers four 10/100 copper ports in the same small package as the Converter Switch products.
"Space and money are always at a premium in a utility installation," said Rick Hillis, Manager Communications Engineering Electronic Systems. Salt River Project, Phoenix, Ariz. GarrettCom's Converter Switch solution allows us to connect our copper-ported equipment into our Ethernet backbone in an extremely convenient and cost-effective manner. It's good to work with a company that understands the realities and economies of the environment in which we operate."
The Magnum CS products are ideal for any location where a small number of PLCs or other industrial devices need to be connected upstream over a fiber cable, or where two or three devices need to be aggregated and connected over copper cable. There are no wasted ports; when expansion is needed, it is easy to drop in an additional Converter Switch or Convenient Switch device.
The Magnum CS products are designed to allow the user to select the best package for the application. Like most GarrettCom products, the Magnum CS products come in multiple levels of hardiness to cover the entire range of industrial edge-switch application requirements. GarrettCom's three-tier YOR hardiness ratings range from the "yellow" office and wiring closet model to the "orange" hardened model for factory floor and the "red" premium-rated model to withstand outdoor temperature extremes. Where the choice of power type previously has been conditioned upon the temperature rating of the application, the new Magnum CS line allows users to have any power input type in any temperature rating.
"The Converter Switch product is a new type of industrial Ethernet device," said Frank Madren, GarrettCom president. "Not only does a Converter Switch device do the traditional copper-to-fiber translation, but it also offers multiple copper ports. It is economical, too, costing no more than traditional Media Converters."
Product Specifications
The Magnum CS14 Converter Switch products come with one 100Mb fiber port and two RJ-45 copper ports. The Magnum CSN14 Converter Switch products come with a 10 Mb fiber port and two RJ-45 copper ports. Both Converter Switch models handle standard media distances on all connected media segments. The Magnum S14 Convenient Switch product comes with four RJ-45 copper ports. All three models are packaged in the same type of enclosure, and can be mounted and used together for application convenience. All fiber ports can be configured with any standard or Small Form Factor (SFF) multi-mode or single-mode connector. Power source choices are 110 or 220 VAC, or 12V, 24V or -48V DC. Dual source power is supported. All products can be ordered to meet office (Yellow), factory floor (Orange), or outdoor (Red) levels of hardening, and come with panel-mount brackets; DIN-Rail is optional.
Pricing and Delivery
GarrettCom products are marketed through a network of resellers, system integrators, and international distributors. List prices for Magnum CS14 Converter Switch product with 100 Mb fiber start at $180. The Magnum CSN14 with 10 Mb fiber starts at $175. The Magnum S14 Convenient Switch product starts at $95. All products are available for delivery two weeks ARO. More information is available on the company's website: www.garrettcom.com/converter_switches.htm
About GarrettCom
GarrettCom, Inc., Fremont, Calif., is recognized for its innovation in the design of industrial, power utility, intelligent transportation systems and telecommunications markets. For more information on GarrettCom and its Magnum line of Ethernet products, visit www.GarrettCom.com, or contact the company at 213 Hammond Ave., Fremont, CA 94539, voice 510-438-9071, fax 510-438-9072, email mktg@garrettcom.com.
Magnum, S-Ring, Link-Loss-Learn, Converter Switch and GarrettCom are trademarks of GarrettCom, Inc. NEBS is a trademark of Telcordia Technologies. Ethernet is a trademark of Xerox Corp.
