Description
1. Product Overview
The GE SLN080 IC086SLN080 – A is an 8 – port unmanaged switch tailored for the rigors of industrial networking. As part of GE’s suite of industrial – grade networking solutions, it is engineered to excel in environments where reliability, durability, and seamless operation are non – negotiable. This switch serves as a vital link in industrial setups, ensuring efficient data transfer between various devices, even in the harshest of conditions.
2. Technical Specifications
| Parameter Name | Parameter Value |
| Model | SLN080 IC086SLN080 – A |
| Ports | Equipped with 8 x 10/100Base – T(X) ports. These copper – based Ethernet ports are versatile and suitable for connecting a wide array of industrial devices. They can link up industrial PCs, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), sensors, actuators, and other equipment that rely on standard Ethernet cables for communication. |
| Network Standard | Complies with a range of Ethernet standards. Specifically, it adheres to IEEE 802.3 for 10Base – T, IEEE 802.3u for 100Base – TX and 100Base – FX, and IEEE 802.3x for flow control. This compliance guarantees broad compatibility with both existing and new – generation industrial and commercial networking gear, making it easy to integrate into diverse network architectures. |
| Environmental Adaptability | Features an extended temperature range, allowing it to function optimally in extreme temperature conditions. Whether it’s the sweltering heat of a steel mill or the freezing cold of a cold storage facility, this switch can maintain stable performance. It is also highly resistant to humidity and vibration, which are common in industrial plants with significant mechanical movement or high – moisture air. This resilience ensures that network connections remain stable and reliable, even in the face of challenging environmental factors. |
| Design Features | Boasts a compact design, which is a significant advantage in industrial settings where space is often at a premium. Its small form factor not only helps in reducing the overall panel size but also cuts down on installation costs. Additionally, it comes with redundant power inputs. In the event of a primary power source failure, the switch can automatically switch over to the redundant power supply, ensuring uninterrupted system uptime and minimizing the risk of network outages. |
| Network Recovery | Incorporates fast network recovery technology, achieving an impressively rapid ( < 10 ms) recovery rate. This is of utmost importance in industrial environments where continuous operation is critical. In automated manufacturing lines, for example, any network disruption could lead to production halts and financial losses. The quick recovery time of the SLN080 IC086SLN080 – A safeguards mission – critical data from network malfunctions, ensuring that production processes remain uninterrupted. |
| Alarm Function | Equipped with a fault alarm relay. When a network fault occurs, such as a port failure, loss of power, or other connectivity issues, the alarm relay can be configured to send an immediate signal to a monitoring system or directly to an operator. This enables prompt troubleshooting and maintenance, reducing the time that the network is down and minimizing the impact on industrial operations. |
| Configuration Tool | Comes with a user – friendly web – based network configuration tool. This tool simplifies the network configuration, maintenance, and deployment processes. Even users with limited networking expertise can easily access the switch’s settings through a standard web browser. They can adjust parameters, monitor the switch’s status, and perform basic management tasks without the need for specialized software or in – depth technical knowledge. |
GE SLN080 IC086SLN080-A
3. Core Advantages
Reliability in Harsh Environments: The ability of the GE SLN080 IC086SLN080 – A to operate flawlessly in extreme temperatures, high humidity, and vibrating conditions sets it apart from standard networking switches. In industries like oil and gas, where the operating environment is harsh and corrosive, this switch can be relied upon to maintain stable network connections. This ensures that critical processes, such as oil extraction, refining, and transportation, can continue without interruption due to network failures.
Compact and Cost – Effective: Its compact design is a boon for small – to – medium – sized industrial plants. Not only does it save valuable space in control panels, but it also reduces installation costs. In a food processing factory, for instance, where space in control rooms is limited, the compact switch can be easily installed without the need for major panel modifications. This cost – effectiveness allows businesses to optimize their infrastructure budgets without sacrificing network performance.
Redundant Power and Fast Recovery: The redundant power inputs and fast network recovery technology significantly enhance the switch’s reliability. In power generation facilities, any network interruption could lead to substantial losses. The SLN080 IC086SLN080 – A’s ability to quickly recover from network glitches and its redundant power supply ensure that monitoring and control systems remain operational at all times. This helps in maintaining the stability of the power generation and distribution processes.
User – Friendly Configuration: The web – based configuration tool makes it accessible for operators with varying levels of technical knowledge to manage the switch. In a manufacturing plant with a diverse workforce, technicians can quickly access and configure the switch’s settings using a standard web browser. This eliminates the need for specialized software or complex training, streamlining the network management process and reducing the time required to set up and maintain the network.
4. Typical Application Scenarios
Industrial Automation in Manufacturing Plants: In modern manufacturing plants, a vast number of devices need to be networked for smooth operation. The GE SLN080 IC086SLN080 – A can be used to connect PLCs, robots, conveyors, and sensors. This enables real – time data transfer and control, which is essential for optimizing production processes. In an automotive assembly line, for example, the switch can ensure that all the automated machinery, such as robotic arms and conveyor belts, communicate effectively. This leads to seamless production, reduces errors, and increases overall productivity.
Power Generation and Distribution: In power plants, whether they are traditional fossil – fuel – based or renewable energy – powered, reliable networking is crucial for monitoring and controlling various equipment. The switch’s ability to withstand harsh environmental conditions makes it an ideal choice for use in power generation facilities. It can connect monitoring systems, control panels, and power distribution equipment, ensuring that the power generation and distribution processes are stable and efficient. In a wind farm, for instance, the switch can be used to network the wind turbines’ monitoring systems, allowing for remote monitoring and control of the turbines’ performance.
Smart Grid and Energy Management: As the energy industry progresses towards smart grid technologies, the demand for reliable networking at the distribution level is on the rise. The GE SLN080 IC086SLN080 – A can be utilized to connect smart meters, grid sensors, and other devices in the energy distribution network. This enables real – time monitoring of energy consumption, grid health, and the implementation of energy management strategies. In a smart city project, the switch can be used to connect all the smart meters in residential and commercial buildings to a central monitoring system, facilitating better energy management and conservation.
GE SLN080 IC086SLN080-A
5. Related Product Recommendations
GE SLM080 IC086SLM080 – MM (Managed Switch): While the SLN080 IC086SLN080 – A is an unmanaged switch, the SLM080 offers more advanced features. It supports VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) configuration, which allows for the segmentation of the network, enhancing security and network performance. It also has QoS (Quality of Service) settings, enabling the prioritization of network traffic. For example, in a large – scale industrial complex with multiple departments and different types of network traffic, the managed switch can be used to ensure that critical control traffic gets priority over less important data. Additionally, it has port mirroring capabilities, which are useful for network monitoring and troubleshooting.
GE SFP Modules: For applications that demand longer – distance or higher – speed optical connections, GE offers a range of SFP (Small Form – factor Pluggable) modules. These modules can be used in combination with the switch’s ports (if compatible) to upgrade the network’s optical connectivity. For instance, the IC086SFP3MM 10000 Mbps SFP optical transceiver (multi – mode, 300 m active ZX) can be used in data centers or large – scale industrial monitoring systems where high – bandwidth and long – distance communication are required. This can significantly enhance the switch’s capabilities in high – performance networking scenarios.
6. Installation and Maintenance
Installation: Prior to installation, it is essential to turn off the power supply to the area where the switch will be installed to prevent electrical accidents. Select a clean, dry location that falls within the switch’s specified temperature and humidity operating range. Mount the switch using the provided mounting hardware, taking into account its compact size and the need for proper ventilation to ensure optimal cooling. Connect the Ethernet cables to the appropriate ports, ensuring a secure and proper connection. After all the cables are connected, power on the switch and use the web – based configuration tool to verify its functionality and perform any initial setup tasks.
Maintenance: Regularly monitor the switch’s status using the web – based interface. Keep an eye out for any signs of port failures, abnormal temperature readings, or power supply issues. In dusty industrial environments, clean the switch’s exterior periodically to remove dust and debris, as this can affect its performance over time. In case of a fault alarm, refer to the user manual for troubleshooting steps or contact GE’s technical support for assistance. Stay updated with the latest firmware versions by checking GE’s official website regularly. Firmware updates often contain bug fixes, security patches, and performance improvements that can enhance the switch’s functionality and reliability.
7. Service and Support
GE provides comprehensive service and support for the SLN080 IC086SLN080 – A. Their technical support team is readily available to assist with installation, configuration, and troubleshooting. In the event of a product defect or malfunction, GE offers a warranty period, the details of which can be obtained from their official documentation or customer service. Customers also have access to a wealth of resources, including user manuals, technical specifications, and FAQs, on GE’s online platform. This ensures that users can make the most of the product and have their issues resolved promptly, minimizing downtime and maximizing the switch’s lifespan and performance.
