The IS420ESWBH3A is a key model within GE's ESWB series of industrial unmanaged Ethernet switches. Designed specifically for harsh industrial control environments, it delivers high reliability, strong noise immunity, and wide temperature tolerance, making it suitable for demanding applications in power generation, transportation, manufacturing, and other industrial sectors.
This switch provides 16 10/100BASE-TX copper ports and does not include fiber ports, making it an ideal solution for high-speed data communication between devices within a local area network. As an unmanaged switch, the IS420ESWBH3A supports plug-and-play operation, requiring no complex configuration, which significantly simplifies deployment and maintenance.
Its design complies with multiple industrial Ethernet standards and features a robust mechanical and electrical construction capable of stable operation in environments with high vibration, wide temperature fluctuations, and dust.
2. Key Features
Network Compliance: IEEE 802.3, 802.3u, 802.3x
Auto-Negotiation: 10/100 Mbps speed, full/half-duplex mode, and HP-MDIX (auto cable polarity detection)
Store-and-Forward Architecture: Enhances data integrity by checking each frame before forwarding
Flow Control: IEEE 802.3x Pause frame support for congestion management
Wide Operating Temperature: -30°C to +65°C
Dual Redundant Power Inputs: 18–36 V DC
DIN-Rail or Panel Mounting: Flexible installation options
Diagnostic LEDs: Per-port Link/Speed and Activity indicators, plus Power status
Robust Caching: Minimum 256 KB packet buffer with 4K MAC address table capacity
High MTBF: Exceeds 4 million hours at 35°C
3. Technical Principles
3.1. Store-and-Forward Switching
The IS420ESWBH3A utilizes a Store-and-Forward switching mechanism. Each incoming data packet is fully received and buffered before being processed for CRC checks, address lookup, and forwarding. While this introduces minimal latency, it ensures error-free transmission and improves network reliability—a critical requirement in industrial control systems.
3.2. Packet Buffering & Traffic Management
In industrial networks, broadcast or multicast traffic is common. The switch’s 256 KB packet buffer allows it to handle multiple simultaneous data streams without packet loss. This is especially important in time-sensitive applications, such as those using IEEE 1588 Precision Time Protocol (PTP), where timing and synchronization are crucial.
3.3. Flow Control Mechanism
The switch supports IEEE 802.3x flow control. When a port’s receive buffer is near capacity, the switch sends a Pause frame to the transmitting device, temporarily halting transmission to prevent packet loss. This feature is vital in maintaining real-time performance in industrial automation networks.
3.4. Auto-Negotiation and Durability
All copper ports automatically negotiate speed and duplex settings with connected devices. The RJ-45 connectors are rated for a minimum of 200 mating cycles, and the design accounts for static and dynamic mechanical stresses encountered in industrial settings.
4. Installation & Wiring
4.1. Power Connection
Terminal Type: Phoenix MC 1.5/ST-3.81
Wire Size: 28–16 AWG (0.14–1.5 mm²)
Torque: 0.22–0.25 Nm
Input Voltage: 18–36 V DC (redundant inputs supported)
4.2. Network Cabling
4.3. Mounting
5. Typical Applications
Power plant DCS/PLC networks
Rail transit signaling and control systems
Smart manufacturing equipment connectivity
Water treatment and municipal automation
Wind and solar power monitoring networks
