March 2014 - Westermo has announced the release of a significant extension to its range of compact and ultra-reliable managed Ethernet switches. The lynx range has been enhanced with 10 new models designed to meet the needs of the global hazardous area market.

The Westermo Lynx switch range is now fully certificated by independent approvals bodies to Class 1 Division 2 by FM and ATEX/IECEX by BASEEFA making the products perfect for use at the extreme edge of Ethernet networks where there may occasionally be an explosive atmosphere. The whole range is also approved for marine application by DNV making this new version of the lynx well suited to offshore applications.

The lynx range is the perfect networking solution for the extreme edge of a network. It is capable of cold starting at -40?C and operating at a constant ambient temperature of 70?C without the need for air-holes in the case. In these locations the robust DIN rail mounting clip and compact size also makes installation simple and fast.

Reliability and resilience are critical in these remote locations as maintenance opportunities are limited and network failure often mission critical. Westermo provides industry leading MTBF figures exceeding 500,000hrs to the MIL-HDBK-217F standard and resilience is delivered with an extensive suite of both layer 2 and layer 3 ring protocols.

Network structures can be built with a range of fibre optic types, using SFP transceivers as well as with copper UTP cable. Also part of the lynx portfolio are 4 models with serial ports supporting a range of options for converting legacy RS232 or RS422/485 protocols to Ethernet data allowing older systems to be integrated into a new network.

Network security is now a mission critical requirement in many industries and the lynx product makes implementation of standard security protocols a simple task. Every port on a lynx can act a separate firewall and ports can also be configured to allow only authorised equipment to be connected.

The lynx family is designed and manufactured in Westermo's engineering facilities in Sweden. The production facility is regularly visited by quality auditors from major global corporations ensuring the already high standards of manufacture are maintained and improved.

Bo Jansson, Product Manager. Email: bo.jansson@westermo.com