The RSP switch series supports the new IEC-standard redundancy protocols, which make them ideal for environments such as electricity distribution, mechanical engineering, production or security, where uninterrupted data communications in environments are a requirement.

The RSP switches support the parallel redundancy protocol (PRP) and high-availability seamless redundancy (HSR), which provide failover times of 0ms. These protocols are based on the IEC62439 standard. They also offer extensive security functions that include authentication, RADIUS support, role based access, port security, SSHv2, HTTPS and SFTP. They provide precision time synchronisation in accordance with IEEE 1588v2 to comply with stringent real-time requirements of equipment such as sensors, drives and measuring equipment.

The RSP switches are robust fanless devices with eleven ports, three of which can be used for SFP transceivers that support Fast (100 BASE-FX) or, optionally, Gigabit Ethernet (100/1000 BASE-FX). The remaining eight ports can be configured for 100 BASE-TX or as a combination of four SFP transceivers and four TX ports. Additional features of these switches include comprehensive management, diagnostic and filter functions plus a variety of redundancy methods and markedly expanded security mechanisms.

DIN-rail mounted Hirschmann RSP switches are compliant with IEC 61850 3, IEEE 1613, EN 50121 4 and NEMA TS2, and are c(UL)508 approved. They feature sturdy, compact stainless steel housings measuring 100x164x116mm (width x height x depth). The switches are rated to operating temperatures of -40°C to +70°C, and are available with power supplies supporting 24/48 V DC, 60/120/250 V DC, or 110/230 V AC.

In addition to PRP, HSR and PRP/HSR Redundancy Box, RSP switches support RSTP, MRP and Fast MRP for high network availability. The integrated SNMP interface offers a centralised management function that can communicate with network management software such as Industrial HiVision. For more information on Hirschmann’s RSP switches, download Product Bulletin #342.

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.