IES3220 vs. TSN3220 Series Industrial Switches
Updated at Dec 28th 20241 min read
As industrial digitization progresses, reliable connectivity is crucial. Organizations must choose the right network infrastructure to enhance operational efficiency in diverse environments, from urban intersections to remote energy farms. Understanding the differences between industrial switches is essential for optimizing connectivity solutions.
This article compares the IES3220 and TSN3220 series industrial switches, highlighting their unique features and capabilities. While both series meet the demands of industrial applications, they cater to different requirements. By exploring these differences, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your operational needs.
Overview of Each Series
IES3220 Series Industrial Switches
The IES3220 series industrial switches are engineered for rugged environments, providing robust performance and enhanced reliability. These switches support various configurations, including models like IES3220-8T4F-U, which features Power over Ethernet (PoE) capabilities. Built within an IP41 metal enclosure, the IES3220 series operates effectively in extreme temperatures ranging from -40 to 75°C (-40 to 167°F). Enhanced Layer 2+ functions such as VLAN, QoS, and link aggregation ensure flexibility and scalability for industrial applications.
TSN3220 Series Industrial Switches
The TSN3220 series industrial switches are designed for demanding applications that require Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN). These ruggedized network switches feature high-speed 10GbE uplinks and PoE++ capabilities, making them suitable for power-intensive devices. Housed in an IP41 metal enclosure, they also operate in extreme temperature conditions. The support for TSN standards ensures deterministic Ethernet communication, which is critical for applications in sectors like energy, transportation, and industrial production.
IES3220 vs. TSN3220 Series Industrial Switches
Design and Installation
Both the IES3220 and TSN3220 series are din rail switches, which simplifies integration into existing industrial environments. The robust IP41 metal enclosures of both series ensure durability against harsh conditions, such as dust and moisture, commonly found in industrial settings.
PoE Capabilities
The IES3220-8T4F-U and TSN3220-10S-U both are outdoor poe switches, sharing similar PoE capabilities with a total power budget of 360W and 8 PoE++ ports. However, they differ in port configuration. The IES3220 offers more SFP ports, making it suitable for applications requiring additional fiber connectivity. In contrast, the TSN3220 provides higher bandwidth SFP+ ports, making it ideal for environments that demand faster data transmission. Users can select the model that best fits their specific application requirements.
PoE Port | 8 x 10/100/1000BASE-T PoE++ ports | 8 x 10/100/1000BASE-T PoE++ ports |
SFP Port | 4 x 100/1000BASE-X SFP ports | 2 x 1/10Gb SFP+ ports |
Power Budget | 360W | 360W |
Applicable Devices | Suitable for IP cameras, wireless access points, sensors, etc. | Suitable for IP cameras, robotic arms, CNC lathes, etc. |
Operating Environment | Ideal for public transport and traffic management | Ideal for smart manufacturing, 5G convergence, and autonomous driving. |
Redundancy and Reliability
The TSN3220 series ruggedized network switches offer superior reliability and redundancy features compared to the IES3220, making it more suitable for mission-critical applications.
IES3220: The IES3220 series implements MRP for quick recovery from network failures, ensuring continuous operation in industrial environments. This feature is vital for maintaining uptime in manufacturing processes where delays can be costly.
TSN3220: The TSN3220 industrial tsn switches enhance network reliability by incorporating multiple redundancy protocols, such as ERPS (Ethernet Ring Protection Switching), MRP, and Rapid Ring Protection Protocol (RRPP). These protocols provide robust failover mechanisms, making the TSN3220 ideal for mission-critical applications that cannot afford downtime.
Management and Configuration
While both series offer comprehensive management options, the TSN3220 industrial switches place a greater emphasis on time-sensitive features for enhanced performance monitoring.
IES3220: Offers multiple management interfaces, including Command Line Interface (CLI), Web, Secure Shell (SSH), Telnet, and Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP), allowing for easy configuration and monitoring. The user-friendly interface makes it accessible for network administrators to manage complex configurations effectively.
TSN3220: While providing similar management capabilities, the TSN3220 emphasizes TSN-specific features that enhance control over time-sensitive applications. This includes advanced monitoring tools for real-time performance tracking and diagnostics, crucial for applications requiring precise timing.
Networking Protocols
The IES3220 series industrial switches are suited for diverse industrial automation applications, while the TSN3220 series industrial switches excel in environments requiring precise timing and real-time data transmission.
IES3220: Supports a variety of industrial protocols, including PROFINET and EtherNet/IP, providing versatility for different automation applications. The series also features Media Redundancy Protocol (MRP) for redundancy, ensuring reliable communication even in the event of network disruptions. For instance, the IES3220-8T4F-U model is designed to handle complex automation networks efficiently.
TSN3220: Specifically designed for Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN), the TSN3220 series supports protocols such as 802.1AS for precise time synchronization and 802.1Qbu for frame preemption. This enables real-time data transmission, which is critical for applications like vehicular networks. The TSN3220-10S-U model exemplifies these capabilities, making it suitable for environments where timing is crucial.
Ideal Application Scenarios
Both the IES3220 and TSN3220 series industrial switches offer distinct features tailored to specific industrial needs. The choice between them will depend on the particular requirements of the application, including the necessity for protocol versatility or the need for deterministic communication and low latency.
IES3220
Industrial Automation: The IES3220 series is ideal for manufacturing environments where robust communication and reliability are essential. For example, it can be deployed in assembly lines where constant data flow is necessary to monitor equipment status.
Transportation Systems: Suitable for applications requiring standard industrial protocols and flexibility in deployment, such as traffic management systems that need to integrate various sensor inputs and control outputs.
TSN3220
Smart Transportation: The TSN3220 series industrial switches are perfect for managing data from traffic signals and surveillance systems in smart city applications. Its ability to handle real-time data ensures effective traffic management and public safety.
Autonomous Vehicles: Supports Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communications, making it essential for developing and operating networks that facilitate communication between vehicles and infrastructure, thereby enhancing safety and efficiency on the roads.
Conclusion
Both the IES3220 and TSN3220 series industrial switches offer robust solutions tailored to specific industrial needs. While the IES3220 excels in general industrial applications with its versatile protocol support, the TSN3220 is designed for high-demand scenarios requiring deterministic communication and low latency. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the specific requirements of the application, including the need for time-sensitive data transmission or general industrial connectivity.