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Industrial Ethernet-APL Switch for Long-Distance Process Automation Networks
Instrava curated instruments are designed to help industrial facilities transition from traditional field communication to intelligent, Ethernet-based process automation networks with greater reliability, scalability, and operational efficiency. This Industrial Ethernet-APL Switch combines Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) and Ethernet-APL technology into one high-performance industrial networking platform, enabling seamless integration between field devices, control systems, and modern Industrial IoT architectures.
Built for demanding process industries, this Industrial Ethernet-APL Switch supports 10BASE-T1L long-distance communication up to 1000 meters over a single twisted pair cable while simultaneously delivering PoDL (Power over Data Line) power to connected field instruments. With support for redundant ring topology, Gigabit uplinks, and dual SFP fiber ports, the switch ensures highly reliable industrial Ethernet communication for applications requiring uninterrupted operation.
The switch is engineered for modern digital transformation projects in industries such as oil & gas, chemical processing, power generation, pharmaceuticals, water treatment, and intelligent manufacturing. By supporting mainstream industrial Ethernet protocols including PROFINET, MODBUS TCP/IP, EtherNet/IP, CC-Link IE, and POWERLINK, it enables fast deployment of Industry 4.0 and Ethernet-APL infrastructure without changing existing automation architectures.
As an advanced Industrial Ethernet-APL Switch, it simplifies the migration from legacy 4-20mA and fieldbus systems to high-speed, data-driven industrial networks while maintaining long transmission distance, excellent EMC protection, and industrial-grade reliability.
Ethernet-APL Switch Description
High-Reliability Ethernet-APL Networking for Process Automation
This Single Pair Ethernet switch is designed specifically for industrial environments where stable communication, long transmission distance, and power delivery are essential. The device integrates 10 Ethernet-APL/SPE ports, 3 Gigabit RJ45 ports, and 2 Gigabit SFP fiber ports, allowing flexible deployment across field-level and control-level networks.
Key performance advantages include:
- Supports IEEE802.3cg-2019 10BASE-T1L standard
- Long-distance SPE communication up to 1000 meters
- Full-duplex 10Mbit/s transmission over a single twisted pair
- Redundant ring network topology for improved network availability
- Integrated PoDL power supply for field instruments
- Compatible with Ethernet-APL field switch and power switch architectures
- Gigabit fiber uplink for high-speed backbone communication
- TVS surge protection and ESD protection for harsh industrial environments
- DIN rail installation for industrial control cabinets
- Wide 9–60VDC power input for flexible industrial deployment
The switch supports multiple PoDL power classes, making it suitable for various industrial instrumentation and Ethernet-APL field device applications. It helps reduce installation complexity and cabling costs while improving real-time data availability throughout the plant.
Its transparent Ethernet transmission architecture allows all upper-layer industrial Ethernet protocols to operate without modification, making it an ideal Ethernet-APL switch for smart factories and digital process automation systems.
Industrial-Grade Design for Stable Long-Distance SPE Communication
Designed for harsh industrial operating conditions, this Industrial Ethernet-APL Switch delivers high electromagnetic compatibility, network stability, and flexible system scalability.
The device supports both copper and fiber redundant ring networks, improving fault tolerance and minimizing communication downtime in critical industrial processes. Dual SFP fiber ports support transmission distances up to 20 km using single-mode fiber, with extended distance options available through replaceable SFP modules.
The industrial-grade protection design includes:
- IEC61000-4-2 ESD protection
- IEC61000-4-4 electrical fast transient protection
- IEC61000-4-5 surge protection
- Reverse polarity protection
- 1500VDC isolation between Ethernet ports and power interfaces
Its compact DIN rail mounting structure and wide operating temperature range of -20°C to +75°C make it highly suitable for industrial automation cabinets, remote process units, and hazardous process control environments.
By combining Ethernet-APL communication, PoDL power delivery, industrial redundancy, and long-range SPE transmission into one integrated platform, this switch provides an efficient solution for next-generation industrial Ethernet infrastructure.
Ethernet-APL Switch Parameter
| Parameter Category | Item | Specification |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Ethernet Ports | RJ45 Ports | 3 × Gigabit RJ45 ports, 10/100/1000M adaptive |
| Ethernet Standards | IEEE802.3, 1000Base-X, 100Base-TX, 10BASE-T | |
| Cable Distance | Up to 100m via Cat.5/Cat.6 cable | |
| Redundant Ring | Supported | |
| Fiber Ports | SFP Ports | 2 × Gigabit SFP fiber ports |
| Fiber Type | Single-mode 9/125μm | |
| Fiber Distance | Up to 20km | |
| Fiber Interface | LC connector | |
| Fiber Ring Redundancy | Supported | |
| SPE / Ethernet-APL Ports | Port Quantity | 10 × SPE/APL ports |
| Connector Type | 5.08-3Pin pluggable spring terminal | |
| Transmission Standard | IEEE802.3cg-2019, 10BASE-T1L | |
| Communication Mode | 10Mbit/s full duplex | |
| Transmission Distance | Up to 1000m | |
| Transmission Medium | SPE single twisted pair cable | |
| PoDL Support | Supported | |
| PoDL Power Classes | Class 10–15, A/C, 3/4 | |
| Industrial Protocols | PROFINET, MODBUS TCP/IP, EtherNet/IP, CC-Link IE, POWERLINK | |
| Protection | Surge Protection | IEC61000-4-5 |
| ESD Protection | IEC61000-4-2 | |
| EFT Protection | IEC61000-4-4 | |
| Isolation Voltage | 1500VDC | |
| Power Supply | Input Voltage | 9–60VDC |
| Reverse Polarity Protection | Supported | |
| Environment | Operating Temperature | -20°C to +75°C |
| Protection Rating | IP20 | |
| Mechanical | Installation | DIN35mm rail mounting |
| Dimensions | 96 × 116 × 140 mm | |
| Weight | 1.2kg |
Instrava OEM/ODM
Reliable Instruments. Solutions That Fit Your Application.
Instrava is focused on delivering reliable industrial solutions through carefully curated products, application-driven optimization, and flexible customization. We select proven instruments from trusted manufacturers to ensure consistent quality, optimize solutions based on real working conditions to solve practical challenges, and provide tailored configurations to meet specific application needs.
By combining selection expertise with application understanding, Instrava helps customers reduce risk, improve efficiency, and achieve dependable results in complex industrial environments.
Instrava design the right path to digitalize your operations — from legacy instruments to connected, data-driven systems.
What is an Industrial Ethernet-APL Switch?
An Industrial Ethernet-APL Switch is a specialized industrial network switch designed for Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) and Ethernet-APL communication. It enables long-distance industrial Ethernet transmission, power over data line (PoDL), and real-time communication for smart field instruments in Industry 4.0 environments.
What are the main advantages of an Industrial Ethernet-APL Switch?
Key advantages include:
- Long-distance Ethernet communication up to 1000 meters
- Single Pair Ethernet (10BASE-T1L) support
- Integrated PoDL power supply for field devices
- Redundant ring network support for high reliability
- Compatibility with industrial Ethernet protocols
These features make it ideal for process automation and smart factory networks.
How many ports does this Industrial Ethernet-APL Switch provide?
This Industrial Ethernet-APL Switch includes:
| Port Type | Quantity |
|---|---|
| 10BASE-T1L SPE / APL Ports | 10 |
| Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 Ports | 3 |
| Gigabit SFP Fiber Ports | 2 |
All Ethernet and fiber ports support redundant ring network topology for improved network stability.
Does the Industrial Ethernet-APL Switch support PoDL power supply?
Yes. The switch supports Power over Data Line (PoDL) for SPE and Ethernet-APL devices.
Supported power classes include:
- SPE PoDL: Class 10–15
- Ethernet-APL Field Switch: Class A and C
- Ethernet-APL Power Switch: Class 3 and 4
This allows both communication and power delivery through a single twisted pair cable.
What industrial protocols are supported by the Industrial Ethernet-APL Switch?
The switch supports transparent transmission for all standard industrial Ethernet protocols, including:
- PROFINET
- Modbus TCP/IP
- EtherNet/IP
- CC-Link IE
- POWERLINK
Compliant with IEEE802.3cg-2019 (10BASE-T1L), it enables seamless integration with modern industrial automation systems.
Is this Industrial Ethernet-APL Switch suitable for harsh industrial environments?
Yes. The switch is designed for industrial reliability:
- Operating temperature: -20°C to +75°C
- Wide power input: 9–60VDC
- Surge and ESD protection compliant with IEC61000 standards
- 1500VDC port isolation
- DIN rail mounting with IP20 metal enclosure
These features ensure stable operation in factories, process plants, and hazardous industrial environments.
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Built on Consistency, Not Claims
Focused on Industrial Applications
We specialize in industrial analysis and detection, with a clear understanding of real-world operating environments and requirements.
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Every instrument is evaluated based on performance, stability, and application suitability—not just specifications or pricing.
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We work with trusted manufacturers to ensure stable supply, consistent quality, and dependable delivery.
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Our recommendations are grounded in application understanding, helping customers avoid common issues and achieve reliable results.
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