Westermo Data Communications announce the release of a Line Extender for connecting two Industrial Ethernet networks over long distances via twisted pair cable. The unit is ideal for utilising existing wiring to link remote sites to a central industrial Ethernet network removing the need to install fibre optic cables for instance.
The DDW-100 is designed as a transparent Ethernet Line Extender for 10/100BaseTX networks. Using the SHDSL (Symmetric High-Bitrate Digital Subscriber Loop) standard the unit can send data at rates from 192 Kbit/s to 2.3 Mbit/s in both directions over distances of up to 6.5 km. SHDSL represents the best of several DSL technologies that have been combined into a single industry standard.
The DIN rail mounted DDW-100 is designed for industrial environments. The ruggedised unit can operate in a wide temperature range (-25 to +70°C) and total galvanic isolation and transient protection of the electronics makes it suitable for a broad range of applications including the railway industry. Because the DDW-100 is a bridge not a router, it is very simple to install, with all configuration done by DIP-switches.
Comprehensive diagnostics include line-testing software to access the quality of the DSL. The data transfer speed/settings can be adjusted accordingly to improve reliability. Settings include reliable mode, normal mode or high speed mode.
The DDW-100 has an RJ-11 connector for the DSL line. The Ethernet port has a RJ-45 connection which features Auto MDI/MDI-X, Auto negotiation and Auto polarity. The unit has redundant power options and also a wide DC input range of 10-60 VDC.