Hirschmann ethernet switch software Release 7.0

Belden has announced release 7.0 of its software platform for its Hirschmann product series, used in the MACH 100, 1000 and 4000, MICE, RS, RSR and Octopus families of managed switches.

The software platform now offers a range of functions normally only found in backbone systems for the office area. These include management, diagnosis and filter functions plus various redundancy methods, security mechanisms and real-time applications.

In addition to DVMRP and PIM-DM, the PIM-SM multicast protocol is now provided for Layer 3, enabling optimum utilisation of bandwidth. The configuration, security and service functions have also been further enhanced.

It is now possible to create configurations offline, without any active connection to the switches. These can be stored locally and copied to the devices later. In addition, Hirschmann’s ARC protocol makes it possible to configure an MRP ring automatically, enhancing the speed and reliability of this process. Only one switch must be modified in order to completely configure all others in the ring. All settings are then automatically stored on every switch.

Using IEEE802.1x multiclient authentication, several users can be authenticated on the same switch port. Blocked users can be automatically added to a ‘guest VLAN’ that only has restricted usage rights. In addition, ports that have faulty electrical or optical connections can be automatically deactivated in order to ensure the stability of the network.