Belden Inc. has announced the launch of its BEETLE Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) Lite Managed Switch from Lumberg Automation. This new switch is part of Belden's Single Pair Ethernet portfolio and offers organizations the ability to simplify their network infrastructure by using thinner and lighter SPE cables that require only a single pair of wires, as opposed to the two or four pairs needed for standard Ethernet.

As enterprises undergo digital transformation, the demand for connecting more devices and transmitting real-time data increases. The BEETLE Lite Managed Switch addresses these needs by providing SPE connectivity for a future-ready network. It offers features such as Ethernet transmission over long distances (up to at least 1 kilometer) in compliance with the 10BASE-T1L standard. Additionally, it saves space by enabling Ethernet transmission through a single wire pair, making it lighter and more compact than traditional Ethernet cables.

One of the key advantages of the BEETLE Lite Managed Switch is its ability to reduce network complexity. It allows sensors and actuators to be integrated directly into the network without the need for an additional gateway. This simplifies configuration and maintenance processes, streamlining installation and reducing operating costs by eliminating the need for multiple gateways and protocols.

The switch also provides essential lite managed switch features like VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) at an optimized price-performance ratio, resulting in lower long-term total cost of ownership.

Timo Zipperle, Junior Product Manager at Belden, stated that the BEETLE Lite Managed Switch enables enterprises to build future-ready networks that support real-time communications. By using thinner and lighter SPE cables to transmit data from connected field devices, organizations can access more data for edge and cloud computing, leading to informed and rapid decision-making that enhances operational performance, safety, and security.

The BEETLE Lite Managed Switch is suitable for various industrial environments, including automotive manufacturing, material handling, logistics, and intralogistics, thanks to its space-saving design and long-distance Ethernet transmission capabilities.