Why Industrial Networks Need More Than Ethernet: Introducing the Hirschmann BRS30-8TX/4SFP

A factory can continue running when a single sensor fails. It can often continue operating when one HMI needs maintenance.

But when communication between controllers, machines and network infrastructure becomes unstable, the impact can be much greater.

Modern automation systems depend on continuous data exchange. PLCs need to communicate with remote devices. HMIs need access to controllers. Production systems need information from the field. Higher-level systems depend on reliable industrial Ethernet to monitor and coordinate operations.

For this reason, choosing the right industrial network switch has become an important part of automation system design.

The Hirschmann BRS30-8TX/4SFP is designed for exactly this environment.

Also identified by Part Number 942170007 and Product Code BRS30-0804OOOO-STCY99HHSESXX.X.XX, this managed industrial Ethernet switch combines eight copper Ethernet ports with four SFP fiber interfaces in a compact 12-port DIN-rail device.

From the Machine to the Network Backbone

Consider a typical manufacturing facility.

A production area may contain several machines, each with PLCs, operator panels, drives and other Ethernet-enabled devices. The local equipment may be connected through copper Ethernet, while the production area itself needs to communicate with another cabinet, control room or network backbone.

This creates two different networking requirements: local device connectivity and longer-distance or electrically isolated uplinks.

The BRS30-8TX/4SFP addresses both requirements in one industrial switch.

Its eight 10/100BASE-TX RJ45 ports provide connections for local Fast Ethernet devices. Four SFP slots provide 100/1000 Mbit/s fiber connectivity, allowing the network architecture to be extended through suitable optical transceivers.

This combination makes the switch particularly useful for industrial network architectures where copper and fiber need to work together.

Why SFP Connectivity Matters

Fiber Ethernet is often selected in industrial environments for reasons beyond communication distance.

Fiber can help separate network segments electrically and can be useful when communication paths run between different areas of a facility. By using SFP technology, the network designer can select compatible optical modules according to the application.

The BRS30-8TX/4SFP provides four 100/1000 Mbit/s SFP slots, giving engineers greater flexibility when designing industrial Ethernet networks.

For system integrators, this can be especially valuable when a project needs to combine existing copper-based equipment with new fiber-based network infrastructure.

Managed Networking for Industrial Automation

Industrial Ethernet networks become increasingly complex as the number of connected devices grows.

A managed switch allows engineers to approach the network as an engineered system rather than simply connecting devices together. Traffic management, redundancy, diagnostics and network configuration can all become important when designing a reliable automation network.

The Hirschmann BOBCAT platform is designed for industrial communication and supports technologies aimed at reliable and real-time Ethernet networking, including TSN-related capabilities and industrial redundancy functions.

For applications such as factory automation, machine networking, process control and industrial infrastructure, these capabilities can help engineers build a more organized and resilient network.

Compact Hardware for Control Cabinets

The physical design of a network switch is also important.

Industrial control cabinets have limited space, and equipment must often be installed alongside PLCs, power supplies, I/O systems and other automation components.

The BRS30-8TX/4SFP is designed for DIN-rail installation and uses a fanless construction. Its specified operating power input is 12–24 VDC, making it suitable for common industrial DC control environments.

The result is a compact industrial Ethernet switch that can be integrated into machine cabinets and industrial control panels without requiring a separate IT-style networking environment.

Where Can the BRS30-8TX/4SFP Be Used?

The BRS30-8TX/4SFP can be considered for a wide range of industrial Ethernet applications, including:

• Factory automation networks

• Machine-to-machine communication

• PLC and HMI networking

• Industrial control cabinets

• Manufacturing production lines

• Fiber uplink applications

• Industrial infrastructure networks

• System integration projects

• Process automation networks

• Industrial Ethernet modernization

For engineers replacing older industrial switches, system integrators designing new automation networks, or maintenance teams looking for a managed switch with flexible fiber connectivity, the BRS30-8TX/4SFP provides a practical combination of interfaces and industrial networking capabilities.

Product Identification

To avoid confusion when sourcing this industrial switch, the following identifiers should be used:

Model: Hirschmann BRS30-8TX/4SFP
Part Number: 942170007
Product Code: BRS30-0804OOOO-STCY99HHSESXX.X.XX
Series: Hirschmann BOBCAT BRS30
Type: Managed Industrial Ethernet Switch
Ports: 8 × 10/100BASE-TX + 4 × 100/1000 Mbit/s SFP
Mounting: DIN Rail
Power: 12–24 VDC

In industrial automation, the network is part of the machine.

A well-designed Ethernet infrastructure can help connect today's equipment while providing a practical foundation for tomorrow's expansion. With its combination of managed networking, copper connectivity, flexible SFP fiber interfaces and compact DIN-rail construction, the Hirschmann BRS30-8TX/4SFP 942170007 is designed for industrial networks where communication reliability and flexibility matter.

Hot-selling Hirschmann BOBCAT BRS models

All products below are currently in our hot-selling portfolio. Availability, software revision, approvals and lead time are confirmed per quotation.

Technical note: Product identity and core specifications are based on current Belden/Hirschmann information and remain subject to revision.