INTELLIGENT CABLING
Stratix 2500 lightly
managed switch
addresses evolving
networking needs
M
anufacturers that use
unmanaged network switches,
but struggle with downtime or
security concerns, now have an alternative
to using managed switches. The Allen-
Bradley Stratix 2500 lightly managed
switch from Rockwell Automation provides
the security, resiliency, segmentation
and bandwidth-optimisation benefits of
a managed switch without the need for
extensive configuration.
Unmanaged switches deliver the
network connectivity required for less
complex industrial applications, but they
can’t provide diagnostics, manage traffic or
enhance security.
Manufacturers need a more robust
switch when issues like packet storms are
bringing down their network, or if they
want to protect against growing security
threats. This is where a lightly managed
option like the Stratix 2500 switch delivers
exceptional value.
When installed straight out of
the box, the Stratix 2500 industrial
Ethernet switch can prioritise critical
The new industrial network
switch from Rockwell
Automation closes the
gap between unmanaged
and managed switches
says Divya Venkataraman,
Global Product Manager,
Rockwell Automation.
industrial network traffic. It also can be
configured for application-specific needs.
Manufacturers can use this flexibility to
future-proof their operations by deploying
the switch out of the box today and scaling
it up to a lightly managed switch as their
needs evolve.
As a lightly managed switch, the Stratix
2500 switch far exceeds the capabilities
of an unmanaged switch by monitoring
and optimising traffic flow and providing
diagnostic information to help minimise
downtime. It also can support up to 64
VLANs for logical segmentation, which
helps reduce total cost of ownership.
In addition, port security allows users
to disable ports or control end-device
connectivity based on the media access
control address.
The Stratix 2500 lightly managed
switch uses embedded Cisco technology
and is part of the Rockwell Automation
Integrated Architecture system. This helps
ease network configuration, management
and support while optimising integration
with the enterprise network.
“With embedded Cisco technology, the
Stratix 2500 switch delivers the security
and monitoring capabilities required
by IT professionals, while exposing an
easy-to-use web interface for operations
professionals,” said Samuel Pasquier,
Director of Product Management, IoT
Platforms, Cisco.
The switch is another result of the
ongoing collaboration between Rockwell
Automation and Cisco to provide
industrial networking solutions that
help manufacturers on their digital
transformation journey.
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