What is a Ruggedized Switch?

A ruggedized ethernet switch is a piece of network equipment specifically developed to withstand extreme and harsh environments.

The ruggedised switch can withstand extended operating temperature ranges, vibrations and shocks greater than those of commercial or consumer industrial Ethernet switches.

The ruggedised switch is generally certified according to aeronautical or military standards such as DO-160 or MIL-STD-810 (Environmental), MIL-STD-461 (EMC) and MIL-STD-1275 (Power Supply).

The ruggedised switch is available in various configurations offering RJ45 or fibre optic Ethernet ports. These Ethernet ports are available in Gigabit or 10 Gigabit Ethernet, with some also offering PoE (Power over Ethernet). 

Unlike industrial switches, the connectors used are generally military-grade connectors such as MIL-38999 or RJ Field connectors, which are certified for harsh environments.

This type of Ethernet switch cannot be integrated on a DIN rail due to its conduction cooling design, which is specifically adapted for passive heat dissipation.

The ruggedised switch is available in either 19-inch format or in specific formats to optimise its weight and dimensions.

The ruggedised switch has many key features, including the following:

• A robust design based on resistant materials for increased environmental resistance.
• Resistance to dust and water ingress with a high IP rating.
• Certification to DO-160 or MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-461 standards for resistance to shock and vibration as well as harsh electromagnetic environments (EMC).
• An extended operating temperature range, typically between -40°C and +70°C or even +85°C, to suit extreme environments.  
• A reinforced power supply that can be redundant to withstand voltage fluctuations and ensure service continuity.
• Layer 2 & 3 Management
• Redundancy and fault tolerance features using network redundancy protocols (e.g. RSTP, Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol) to ensure the resilience of its features.
• Enhanced security software features: The ruggedised switch incorporates advanced security protocols (e.g. IEEE 802.1X, VLANS, etc.) to protect the system against a wide range of cyber threats.

Ruggedised switches offer numerous advantages, including:

• Operational reliability to minimise downtime thanks to a robust design and automatic recovery features
• Resistance to harsh environments (temperatures, shocks, vibrations, electromagnetic compatibility).
• Enhanced security to combat malicious attacks and unauthorised intrusions. Some rugged switches can isolate networks to prevent the spread of threats and thus ensure flawless operational safety.
• Controlled hardware durability for a long switch life cycle.

Rugged Ethernet switches are ideal for any environment where reliability and resilience are essential.

Rugged switches are widely used in aeronautical, military and land-based embedded systems — aeroplanes, helicopters, drones, armoured vehicles, ships and all-terrain vehicles — where they enable communication between computers, sensors, radars, navigation systems and mission systems.

Ruggedised switches are also used in critical infrastructure such as rail networks, power stations, the oil industry, public transport and outdoor video surveillance networks.

Their ability to operate under extreme temperatures, vibrations, shocks and electromagnetic interference makes them key pieces of equipment for ensuring service continuity, operational reliability and system security in the most demanding environments.