Ethernet technology has expanded from commercial offices into industrial control and automation sites – but the modules, cables, connectors and switches used to support this protocol are very different. Products designed to work behind ceilings and walls in clean, temperature-regulated environments aren’t typically cut out for dirt, debris and moisture commonly found in industrial settings.

Lumberg Automation is introducing two additional product lines to its comprehensive LioN-Power IO-Link System portfolio. The EEC-capable IO-Link masters and hubs are specifically designed for low temperature operation down to -40°C. The new PX0-Line encompasses preconfigured IO-Link Hubs to reduce implementation and maintenance efforts significantly.

The family of the market’s smallest managed Industrial Ethernet switches expands. The GECKO 8TX combines easy handling and space-saving design with cost-effective operation. Available with 8 ports and two Gigabit Ethernet SFP slots, if required, the GECKO offers increased bandwidth performance for several industrial applications. 

Guarantee bandwidth with up to 40 Gbit/s and uninterrupted data transfer in demanding industrial environments with the new DRAGON PTN 2215 device with HiProvision software. 

Production is the lifeblood of every discrete manufacturing business, with professionals working to get high-quality product out the door quickly and within limited budgets. Advances in operational technologies and factory floor networking are giving operational technology (OT) professionals powerful tools to boost yields and reduce waste, but such tools cannot be implemented without an understanding of the resulting cybersecurity risk they open up.