Next-generation switches built for the power utility market are adding features such as hot-swappable power supplies and heavy-duty cooling fins. Source: GarrettCom Inc.
Jim makes an important point about the lack of interchangeability between commercial routers and switches and industrial ones. The same thing goes for PCs--perhaps even more so. This article talks about hardening mainly in terms of physical hardening -- resistance to temperature extremes and use of conformal coating as protection. The other aspect is that commerical PCs and network gear have subtle differences from model to model, or even in the same generation. This makes the kind of swapping out that's done in the commercial world much more difficult to get away with in industrial settings, where the gear has to work and be up 100%, without having to constantly send in an IT person to tweak settings and diagnose problems.
The switch may be industrial, but as I commented in the Ethernet in the car article, the connectors are NOT. RJ45 does not belong in industrial settings; it's time for a new robust connector. M12 Code D might be it. Maybe M8 for higher connector densities?
There are a number of vendors out there that make what they might call industrial strength Ethernet devices. There is still room for improvement beyond simple temperature and vibration specs. I would like to see something with an IP-67 rating, for instance, so you don't need to enclose everything.
(TJ, I just added a comment to the auto article as well adressing the plastic tab connector concern).
We looked at a number of sources to determine this year's greenest cars, from KBB to automotive trade magazines to environmental organizations. These 14 cars emerged as being great at either stretching fuel or reducing carbon footprint.
Researchers at MIT and Sandia National Labs have observed a reaction in lithium-air batteries that could help improve the design of these cells for electric vehicles and other applications.
Healthcare might seem to be an unlikely target application for the Internet of Things technology, but recent developments show small ways that big-data is going to make an impact on patient care moving into the future.
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A quick look into the merger of two powerhouse 3D printing OEMs and the new leader in rapid prototyping solutions, Stratasys. The industrial revolution is now led by 3D printing and engineers are given the opportunity to fully maximize their design capabilities, reduce their time-to-market and functionally test prototypes cheaper, faster and easier. Bruce Bradshaw, Director of Marketing in North America, will explore the large product offering and variety of materials that will help CAD designers articulate their product design with actual, physical prototypes. This broadcast will dive deep into technical information including application specific stories from real world customers and their experiences with 3D printing. 3D Printing is
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