Networks for APCS: Eltex Launches Industrial Switches with PTP and PRP Support

According to Grand View Research, the global Industrial Automation and Control Systems market will reach $288.9 billion by 2028, growing at an average annual rate of 8.9%. The main growth drivers are the implementation of Industry 4.0 technologies, the digitalization of manufacturing enterprises, and growing investment in automation, which improves the efficiency, quality, and sustainability of technological processes.

"The APCS market is now being shaped under the influence of industrial digitalization and the spread of the Industry 4.0 concept. As manufacturing processes become increasingly automated and distributed, demands on network infrastructure also evolve. Customers are not satisfied with standard switching now – the infrastructure must ensure highly accurate time synchronization, uninterrupted data exchange, and readiness for critical industrial processes. These requirements formed the basis for the development of new Eltex industrial switches".
 

Roman Polukhin, Eltex Broadband Product Manager

Eltex line of industrial switches is expanding with two new models: MES3510DS-24F and MES3510S-08P. Let's take a closer look at them.

One of the key requirements of automated process control systems is the operation of equipment within a single timeframe. For example, in the electric power industry, time synchronization is critical for the proper operation of Sampled Values and GOOSE protocols (IEC61850 standard). Without precise time synchronization, it is impossible to ensure the proper operation of differential protection, synchrophasor measurements, and emergency mode monitoring systems. The synchronization is also used in the railway industry, microprocessor-based centralization systems, collision avoidance systems, and train position monitoring systems. In the oil and gas industry, a unified timeframe allows for the precise correlation of events received from distributed pressure, temperature, vibration sensors, and emergency shutdown systems.

To address these challenges, new MES industrial switch models support the PTP protocol (IEEE 1588v2). This ensures time synchronization of devices with submicrosecond accuracy. A unified time environment eliminates errors in event processing.

Another characteristic of industrial facilities is their high requirements for fault tolerance. For automated process control systems, it's critical to ensure uninterrupted data transmission even if a single node fails. To achieve this, the MES3510DS-24F and MES3510S-08P models support PRP (Parallel Redundancy Protocol), that ensures zero switching time.

PRP simultaneously transmits each packet over two independent networks. If one channel fails, communication is not interrupted: the equipment continues to receive data via the backup path without frame loss or additional latency.

This approach is in demand, for example, at power generation facilities, where the loss of even a single frame in Process Bus or Station Bus networks can lead to incorrect operation of relay protection systems and the development of a cascading failure. In the railway industry, PRP ensures the uninterrupted transmission of critical control commands, such as movement prohibition signals. In the oil and gas industry and other hazardous industries, PRP guarantees the delivery of emergency shutdown system commands, preventing emergency situations due to delays in equipment shutdown signals.

The new MES switches are designed for various network levels in the industrial segment. The MES3510S-08P is intended for the field level and features PoE+ ports with up to 30W per port. This allows for connecting and simultaneously powering industrial Wi-Fi access points, industrial equipment, IP cameras, and other actuators.

The MES3510DS-24F focused on the control and aggregation levels. It features high-density optical interfaces and supports redundant, hot-swappable power modules.

Both devices are L3 switches and support dynamic routing, including OSPF, IS-IS, and BGP. VRF technology is used for traffic isolation.

Additionally, the switches support industrial infrastructure protection mechanisms: L2-L4 ACL, IP Source Guard, and Dynamic ARP Inspection.