Rockwell Automation has introduced the Allen-Bradley Stratix 2500 lightly managed switch that provides the security, resiliency, segmentation and bandwidth-optimisation benefits of a managed switch without the need for extensive configuration.

The Stratix 2500 industrial Ethernet switch can prioritise critical industrial network traffic and 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 and scaling it up to a lightly managed switch as their needs evolve.

As a lightly managed switch, the Stratix 2500 switch exceeds the capabilities of an unmanaged switch by monitoring and optimising traffic flow and providing diagnostic information to help minimise downtime. It can also support up to 64 VLANs for logical segmentation, which helps reduce total cost of ownership, while port security allows users to disable ports or control end-device connectivity based on the media access control address.

“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,” said Rockwell Automation South Pacific product manager Dean Tresidder.

The Stratix 2500 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 Cisco director of product management on IoT platforms Samuel Pasquier.