Westermo RedFox industrial ethernet switch

The Westermo RedFox industrial ethernet switch range is now fully certified for use in hazardous areas. ATEX/IECEx certification by BASEEFA enables the Layer 3 switches to be installed in potentially explosive atmospheres typically found in oil and chemical processing plants, sewage treatment and gas distribution centres, sugar refineries and grain handling locations.

RedFox is powered by Westermo’s WeOS network operating software, which is now available for 70 different products within the Westermo range. WeOS has been developed to allow cross-platform and futureproof solutions. WeOS is claimed to deliver unique IP security functionality for this class of product, while secure remote access to a network can be provided using encrypted VPNs.

As a Layer 3 routing switch, RedFox delivers enterprise-type routing functionality, utilising industry-standard protocols such as OSPF, RIP and VRRP should a failure occur within a ring network,

Westermo’s FRNT protocol rapidly reconfigures (around 20 ms) the network to ensure the process can continue. This helps to minimise any disruption to operations and ensure resilient networks can be constructed.

RedFox has a wide power range of 19–60 VDC on dual power inputs for resilience, and requires 30% less power than the previous generation of products. It also has a wide operating temperature range of -40°C to +70°C, making it suitable for extreme environmental conditions. Because it has no moving parts or cooling holes in the aluminium enclosure, the reliability of the switch is maximised, providing an MTBF of up to 388,000 h for ATEX/IECEx approved models.