Westermo Wolverine DDW-242 and DDW-242-485 ethernet extenders

Westermo’s rugged Wolverine family of SHDSL routers, switches and modems has been enhanced with additional models that now include sophisticated but easy-to-use cybersecurity functionality, higher bandwidth and cable quality monitoring.

They provide network designers the capability to create or extend industrial ethernet networks beyond the 100 m segment limit using any existing twisted-pair copper cables. They are also suited to applications where it’s not possible to install fibre-optic cable due to cost or logistics.

The DDW-242 and DDW-242-485 enable ethernet networks to be connected over distances of up to 15 km at data rates up to 15.3 Mbps on a single twisted-pair cable. Using two pairs bonded, the rate can be doubled to support applications requiring larger bandwidths. An integral switch allows two ethernet devices to be attached, and a choice of either RS232 or RS485 serial port enables legacy equipment to be incorporated into the IP network.

To help improve cybersecurity, the DDW-242 and DDW-242-485 include full layer 3 functionality and IP security provided by the Westermo WeOS operating system. The devices include a built-in, port-based firewall securing data between trusted and untrusted networks, as well as NAT rules and VPN tunnels for encrypting data on the ‘last mile’ section of the network, which is particularly susceptible to security risk.

The devices offer a wide operating temperature range of -40°C to +70°C and have been tested to meet electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), isolation, vibration and shock standards.