About Us


More Information

Rockwell Automation and Cisco make the switch


Modular managed switches are a line of jointly collaborated on co-branded industrial managed switches and are the first of its kind. It includes features optimised for both IT and manufacturing environments. The switch line uses the current Cisco Catalyst® operating system, feature set and user interface, making IT professionals feel at home.

At the same time, it provides easy set-up and comprehensive diagnostic information from within the Rockwell Automation Integrated Architecture. Users have the benefits of CIP tags and configuration screens in RSLogix 5000, as well as diagnostic faceplates for FactoryTalk View, which is the preferred way for controls and automation professionals to integrate networked devices. Modular and industrially rated, the product line scales from 6 to 26 ports with options for copper and fibre to meet a variety of applications.

Complementary offerings where enterprise network integration is less critical and with no integrated Cisco Technology

Fixed managed switches
Fixed managed switches feature simple set-up and default configurations for EtherNet/IP, and is designed to ease deployment of Ethernet on the plant floor. It integrates set-up and diagnostic information into Logix using CIP. The small, fixed form-factor provides 4 or 8 copper ports with an option for a fibre uplink to higher level networks. It is perfect for machine builders as well as for applications with small or highly distributed networked devices.

Linear and ring topologies
For linear and ring topologies Rockwell Automation embeds Ethernet switch technology directly into end devices to enable greater topology configuration choices for EtherNet/IP applications, such as daisy-chain and ring. The technology allows for a very high performance ring capability (make/break < 1ms), complete with diagnostics. The hardware embeds popular switch features useful in high performance applications without the need for configuration. A standalone three-port module will be available with the initial release of products and will allow single-port Ethernet devices to participate in the new topologies. This technology is openly available to third parties.

Unmanaged switches and media
Unmanaged switches and media round out the product portfolio. These are industrial grade products with 4 to 8 ports that offer a variety of copper and fibre options. The unmanaged switches are easy to apply because they do not require any configuration and use simple cable connections. Products will also be available for more demanding on-machine (IP67) applications.