Two versions of unmanaged REG switches for building automation

Phoenix Contact has released its Unmanaged REG switches series designed for building automation. The Conrad Sourcing Platform now offers the FL 1108 REG standard version, featuring eight Gigabit Ethernet ports (FL Switch 1108 REG), and the FL 1104-4POE REG version, which features four standard ports and four PoE ports that power the connected devices.

The FL SWITCH 1108 REG Industrial Ethernet Switch series is unmanaged. This means they do not require an additional setup or any operating software. Moreover, you do not require profound IT knowledge or expensive external service providers to install the products. The switches feature eight readily available RJ45 connectors.

Design compliance with DIN 43880 is another strong point of the switch. Installing the product in switchboard cabinets and on distribution boards is as straightforward as it gets since the switch permits mounting on DIN rails and busbars, thereby directly integrating with building consumer subunits. This makes it one of the fastest and most cost-effective ways to expand Ethernet networks.

Technically speaking, Ethernet switches can also serve as changeovers, directing data feeds towards the intended targets. The switch makes individual network components communicating with each other much easier and reliable. This is achieved through a process referred to as auto-negotiation, which ensures optimal connectivity between two devices. They use mutual signalling to determine the speed and duplex mode levels. Afterwards, they use the highest common score to enable efficient and uninterrupted data transfer.

The series eliminates the need for crossover cabling. This type of wiring was used to connect feeder and receiver components. The auto-crossing function makes this setup redundant, allowing devices to be connected using standard 1:1 cables, with the switch taking care of the necessary line adjustments.

Besides the standard product that features eight Gigabit-enabled Ethernet ports (FL Switch 1108 REG), Phoenix Contact offers a version that comes with normal and four PoE ports. PoE ports are used to power devices such as door intercoms, cameras, lights, and other electrical fixtures, integrating them into the building's network. The Phoenix Contact FL SWITCH automatically recognises devices that require IEEE 802.3at and 802.3af-based power supplies, using LEDs to display the status of each port.