HMS Networks Releases New Industrial Ethernet Switches for Demanding Environments

HMS Networks has introduced the N-Tron NT7000 series, a new platform of advanced managed industrial Ethernet switches designed for demanding real-world industrial applications. The series aims to address the increasing speed and complexity of industrial networks.

The new switches are optimized to minimize downtime. They feature a fast boot-up time of under seven seconds and support N-Ring redundancy with approximately 20 ms healing, allowing operations to return to service quickly after network faults. These capabilities are critical for rapid production line restarts.

Furthermore, the NT7000 series offers hardware-based IEEE-1588 Precision Time Protocol (PTP) support, enabling sub-microsecond time synchronization. This precision is essential for time-sensitive industrial applications such as robotics and motion control.

The switches are also designed for simplified deployment and maintenance. The N-View 3 management software provides switch and topology discovery, network health monitoring, and firmware management. Configuration backup and restore are facilitated by a microSD card, enabling faster replacements. For EtherNet/IP environments, CIP messaging AOI and Faceplate functionalities simplify control integration.

The N-Tron NT7000 series includes all-Gigabit copper port configurations ranging from 6 to 18 ports, with options for fixed fiber (FX) or dual SFP slots. The devices are certified for harsh industrial applications, including UL Ordinary and Hazardous locations, ATEX, and IECEx certifications, as well as marine and railway standards. They operate within an extended temperature range of -40°C to 85°C and offer high shock and vibration tolerance.