Description:
The EDS-308-MM-SC from Moxa is an industrial unmanaged Ethernet switch, part of the robust EDS-308 series. Designed for demanding industrial applications, this switch provides reliable network connectivity with a combination of copper and fiber optic ports, making it ideal for extending network distances and ensuring stable communication in harsh environments.
Application Scenarios:
Consider a remote pipeline monitoring system spanning vast distances, where data from sensors and control devices needs to be reliably transmitted back to a central control room. Traditional copper cabling might be limited by distance and susceptible to electromagnetic interference. In this scenario, the EDS-308-MM-SC is critical. It provides 6 copper ports for local device connections and 2 multi-mode fiber optic ports with SC connectors, allowing the network segments to extend several kilometers without signal degradation. This enables the continuous flow of critical operational data, such as pressure, flow rates, and security alerts, over long distances and through electrically noisy areas. The EDS-308-MM-SC directly addresses the pain points of distance limitations and environmental interference in remote industrial networks, ensuring reliable data transmission for proactive monitoring and control of widely dispersed assets.
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Technical Principles and Innovative Values:
The EDS-308-MM-SC represents Moxa’s focus on building highly reliable and robust industrial network solutions:
- Innovation Point 1: Integrated Copper and Fiber Connectivity: The combination of 6 Fast Ethernet copper ports and 2 Fast Ethernet multi-mode fiber optic ports (SC connectors) within a single compact unit is a key innovation. This design allows for flexible network architectures, enabling the extension of network segments over long distances (up to 4 km typically for multi-mode fiber) while providing local connectivity for standard Ethernet devices. This integration reduces the need for separate media converters, simplifying deployment.
- Innovation Point 2: Redundant Power Inputs with Alarm Function: The EDS-308-MM-SC features redundant dual 12/24/48 VDC power inputs and a built-in relay output alarm for power failure and port breaks. This dual power input significantly enhances power reliability, crucial for continuous industrial operations. The alarm function immediately alerts network engineers to issues, enabling quick response and minimizing downtime, a vital feature for unmanaged switches where advanced monitoring tools are absent.
- Innovation Point 3: Industrial-Grade Ruggedization: Built with a metal housing and an IP30 rating, the EDS-308-MM-SC is designed to withstand harsh industrial environments. It supports a wide operating temperature range (-10 to 60°C for this specific model, with -T variants going to -40 to 75°C) and complies with rigorous standards for shock, vibration, and hazardous locations (e.g., Class I Division 2, ATEX), ensuring reliable operation where commercial switches would fail.
- Innovation Point 4: Unmanaged Simplicity with Core Reliability: While “unmanaged” implies simplicity, Moxa embeds core reliability features into the EDS-308-MM-SC. These include broadcast storm protection and a store-and-forward processing type. This ensures efficient data flow and prevents network congestion, providing essential network stability without requiring complex configuration, making it ideal for quick deployment in various industrial settings.
Application Cases and Industry Value:
In a smart factory upgrading its production lines, the integration of new automated machinery required extending Ethernet connectivity to various distant corners of the facility, including areas with high electromagnetic noise from motors. Deploying traditional copper cables was problematic due to distance limitations and interference. The EDS-308-MM-SC was deployed as a solution, using its fiber optic ports to establish reliable backbone connections between distant sections, while its copper ports connected local PLCs and HMIs. This allowed for seamless data exchange between the machines and the central control system, leading to a 15% increase in production line uptime due to improved network stability and reduced troubleshooting time. The factory management specifically praised the EDS-308-MM-SC for its robust design and “install-and-forget” reliability, which minimized the need for ongoing network maintenance in their challenging environment.
Related Product Combination Solutions:
The EDS-308-MM-SC works effectively with a range of Moxa and third-party industrial networking components:
- Moxa SFP Transceivers (e.g., SFP-1G series): While the EDS-308-MM-SC uses fixed SC multi-mode fiber ports, for other Moxa switches that use SFP slots, these transceivers would provide flexible fiber connectivity.
- Moxa Industrial Power Supplies (e.g., MDR-40-24, MDR-60-24): These DIN-rail mountable power supplies provide the necessary stable 24 VDC power for the EDS-308-MM-SC, offering robust power management.
- Moxa Industrial Ethernet Cables and Fiber Patch Cables: Essential for connecting devices to the EDS-308-MM-SC’s copper ports and extending the fiber optic links.
- Moxa IMC-21GA Series Industrial Media Converters: For integrating existing single-mode fiber networks or other fiber types with the multi-mode SC ports of the EDS-308-MM-SC.
- Industrial PCs or PLCs (e.g., Moxa MPC Series Industrial Computers): These devices can connect to the copper ports of the EDS-308-MM-SC to exchange data over the industrial Ethernet network.
Installation, Maintenance, and Full-Cycle Support:
The EDS-308-MM-SC is designed for ease of installation and minimal maintenance, a hallmark of Moxa’s industrial networking products. Its compact form factor and DIN-rail mounting capability allow for quick and space-efficient integration into industrial control cabinets. Wall mounting is also possible with an optional kit, offering flexible deployment. Wiring is simplified by the removable terminal block for power inputs and relay output, and standard RJ45 and SC fiber connectors for data ports. The unmanaged nature of the switch means no software configuration is required, making it a true plug-and-play solution.
Routine maintenance for the EDS-308-MM-SC is limited, primarily involving visual inspection of LED indicators for status and alarm conditions (power failure, port link issues). Its robust metal housing and industrial-grade components contribute to a long Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF). Moxa provides comprehensive full-cycle support, including extensive online documentation (datasheets, QIGs, manuals), firmware updates (though less common for unmanaged switches), and a global technical support network to ensure the sustained reliability and performance of the EDS-308-MM-SC throughout its operational life.







