As a rule, routers are deployed in two different types of applications: they separate Ethernet networks for reasons of data security or to facilitate even simpler configurations. And, in addition, they open up access to the Internet. Routers convey data between the individual networks. Each device must be configured to meet this requirement. The administrator specifies which hub is responsible for which network. When the network increases in size so does the amount of administration needed, which in turn increases the likelihood of errors occurring. That is why Weidmüller equipped its mini routers with sophisticated functionality including automatic route-finding capability by means of the OSPF protocol (Open Shortest Path First). Standardised by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), OSPF is a routing protocol designed to automate larger networks. If a connection fails, the additional fall-back function establishes a new connection to the network via a dial-up line (analogue, ISDN). That means data traffic can flow across different routes. OSPF automatically detects changes to the network and determines the routes accordingly. The network function is recovered without having to reconfigure the devices. The new mini routers support the SNMP protocol as well as NTP servers and clients. The primary objectives of the SNMP protocol are to reduce the complexity of management functions, enhance the expandability of the protocol and ensure the independence of network components. The compact and powerfully sophisticated mini routers IE-ARM-E-OSPF (Ethernet) and IE-ARM-U-OSPF (RS232) make it possible to establish a simple connection between industrial networks and other networks or to the Internet. A firewall integrated in the router offers additional protection and security.
External modems (analogue, ISDN, GSM) facilitate worldwide access to the routers. The routers are configured via a console connected to the RS-232 interface. The connection-oriented firewall ( Stateful Packet Inspection Firewall ) provides the system with maximum security. A web browser is used for configuration. Furthermore, all mini routers are supplied with an external management software on CD for configuration purposes. Other integrated services are, for example, DHCP, name and VPN servers.
Featuring robust plastic housings (rated to IP20) the extremely compact mini routers with a length of 79 mm, a width of 40 mm and a height of 85 mm are simply snapped onto TS 32/35 mounting rails for installation. They are fully IEEE 802.3, IEEE 802.3u and IEEE 802.3x compliant. The mini routers are optionally available with the following ports: 2 x RJ45/ 1 x RS-232 or 1 x RJ45/ 2 x RS-232.
Key word: Weidmüller s mini routers
For more information: www.weidmueller.com
Caption: Weidmüller s mini routers with OSPF functionality: pathfinders for the net - compact and powerfully sophisticated.