Enhanced Network Operation

Enhanced Network Reliability and Performance
SIXNET managed switches detect and report network irregularities before serious problems can occur. These switches support SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) that allows you to monitor Ethernet and RMON statistics, and SNMP Notifications (traps) to report possible problems as they occur. Then the detailed information from these reliability-enhancing switches can point you to the source of the errors and eliminate hours of frustration while hunting down problems. These ultra-reliable switches will improve the overall performance of your network.

SIXNET managed switches ensure that your system stays running even after a break in a communications pathway. This is possible due to the Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) which lets you wire fault-tolerant loops or redundant rings within your Ethernet network. When a communications path is lost, the switches will automatically and quickly re-route
messages through backup or alternate pathways.

Real-time Performance Ensures Deterministic Results
SIXNET managed switches intelligently route messages to eliminate collisions, and use priority queuing (QoS & CoS) to ensure that higher priority messages are delivered first and in real-time. This automatic capability maximizes your network performance by making sure that priority traffic such as I/O control messages are delivered without delay, giving your deterministic software the open communication channels it needs. These switches also support IGMP for IP Multicast filtering for use with industrial protocols like Ethernet/IP. Plus they support VLANs for network segregation, and they automatically limit the number of broadcast and multicast messages to protect you from undesirable "broadcast storms" that can cripple your network.

Ultra-Reliability and Unmatched Environmental Performance
SIXNET managed switches are likely to provide
maintenance free service for the life of your equipment. Reliability data reported from field installed units proves the amazing track record of these rugged industrial switches. On average, you will enjoy over 1,000,000 hours of trouble free operation before service is required on even one unit!

SIXNET managed switches work reliably through the dead
of winter and those hot summer days. Unlike office-grade switches that are intended only for use in air-conditioned offices, SIXNET managed switches are designed for those places that you don’t want to be – over a wide temperature range. They are also rated for hazardous locations (Zone 2) and tested by DNV for offshore and marine use. SIXNET switches are even tough enough for the military and therefore tough enough for your application. They have been used in military Light Armored Vehicles (LAVs), ships and aircrafts.

Advanced Security without Holes or Back Doors
The reality is that security is measured by its weaknesses, not its strengths. If there is a single hole in your system’s security, the bad guys can find it and take advantage of it. Unless your Ethernet switches have every aspect of security adequately protected, access to your network management is not secure. SIXNET managed switches make sure that you are completely secure, with no holes or “back doors” for hackers to sneak into. The first way they do this is with SSH (Secure Shell) which gives you secure and encrypted terminal access to your managed switch.

SIXNET managed switches include the secure Apache Web Server (the same server that is used to manage many e-commerce sites). Authenticated communications (user name and password) and support for encrypted communications through an HTTPS are provided. Or you can turn off the web server completely for the ultimate security.

SIXNET managed switches also support SNMP v3 which provides authenticated and encrypted SNMP messaging. (Many of the other so-called "industrial" switches do not provide this important security feature. Without this protection anyone that gains access to the network can shut down or reroute your network traffic!)

The LINUX Advantage -
Free Industrial Computer with each SIXNET Managed Switch
The powerful IPm embedded-Linux engine is inside each SIXNET managed switch. The IPm engine provides a Linux computer with plenty of horsepower to run your own application programs. Save the expense of a separate computer and enhance the reliability of your systems through this cost-saving combination.

SIXNET provides open source development tools and engineering assistance to system developers. Private labeling and product customizations are just a few of the special services that SIXNET provides to OEMs. Want more information? Click Here!

SIXNET will also continue to make improvements and add features to these managed switches so that they will grow to meet your future requirements. These enhancements are provided through firmware upgrades which are free forever and easily installed.

20-Year Support and Service Promise
SIXNET will continue to supply drop-in replacement parts and service for your SIXNET managed switches for twenty years. Only SIXNET can make this promise because we own the technology inside our products. (We still manufacture and service our IOMUX RTUs that were first developed in the 1980's.) The LINUX open-source software is a big part of the full story. Read more about this unique 20-year promise.

SIXNET is an established industrial system supplier that provides world-class applications assistance. Real people answer the telephones at SIXNET and provide instant and thoughtful answers to your questions. We know that when you need help, you don't need to listen to a recording that tells you "Your call is important to us, so please don't hang up."