GarrettCom Europe unveils DX serial device routers

The DX serial device routers provide a 'dynamic serial edge' for hardened industrial networks that combines the features of a serial-IP device server, Ethernet switch, IP router and IP firewall in a compact product with a variety of field mounting and power supply options. There are two models in the range: the DX800 supports four serial interfaces and four Ethernet ports, including two fibre ports; the DX40 provides two serial ports and two Ethernet ports, one or both of which may be fibre.

The DX serial device routers offer significant advantages over more basic serial-IP devices such as terminal servers and device servers. The DX serial device routers provide network resiliency via secure, dual-connection fibre-optic Ethernet ports and software features such as RSTP and dynamic IP routing. Furthermore, the DX series extends cyber security protection for serial interfaces to the edge of the network via serial port SSL, IP firewall and a serial VLAN capability.

Advantages of Ethernet

GarrettCom Europe business development manager David Moss comments: "The rise of industrial Ethernet has been dramatic, with companies in all industries recognising the benefits of increased flexibility, increased standardisation and reduced costs. However, there is still a huge installed base of serial devices. As the transition to industrial Ethernet networks has evolved, serial edge devices have generally been left apart in a static and separate edge network.

"It is simply not realistic to expect that every one of these should be replaced by an alternative with an on-board Ethernet interface. But at the same time, there is a very real requirement to integrate these installed devices into modern networks, complete with all the features and functions that you would expect from an on-board Ethernet interface. The DX serial device routers provide a means to achieve exactly that, delivering what GarrettCom describes as a 'dynamic serial edge'."

The dynamic serial edge protects existing investment in industrial equipment where there are serial communications interfaces by network-enabling these serial devices for access by remote systems and personnel. Network reliability and, therefore, associated operational system and process reliability, is improved by increased resiliency of local network connections, use of noise-resistant fibre optic connectivity, and availability of extremely hardened and reliable networking devices. And deployment of additional industrial devices and systems is made more cost-effective by leveraging the emerging Ethernet core network in industrial environments, and by building for long-term project life cycles with open standards technology.

Applications

The range of applications for the DX series is extensive, and they will find use wherever it is desirable to integrate a standard serial device into an Ethernet network with all the benefits that you would expect to achieve with a native Ethernet device. GarrettCom expects to find a vast swathe of applications in the many process industries that have a large installed based of devices that use serial data protocols for SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) and remote device console access.

Note that these products not only comply with all relevant standards, but they are also third-party tested and proven to meet the necessary requirements. GarretCom's products typically have an MTBF of 30 years, so customers can be confident that the new routers will survive in harsh industrial environments and provide the reliability that helps to ensure high availability for the overall machine or plant.

Despite the fact that products are built to order, customers in the UK can receive deliveries around seven days after placing an order.

About GarrettCom

GarrettCom is a leading manufacturer of industrial and carrier-class Ethernet LAN products. GarrettCom offers a comprehensive line of ETSI and NEBS-certified switches and hubs for use in telecommunications, industrial, and automated environments. Software applications, embedded in the company's MNS-6K Ethernet management software, support redundant rings and secure web-based access to local and remote networks. GarrettCom markets its products through a network of resellers, OEMs, system integrators, and distributors worldwide. For more information on GarrettCom and its products, visit www.garrettcom.co.uk.