Mr. Müller, why is D-Link entering the highly fragmented market for industrial switches?

Michael Müller: With our new DIS-100, DIS-300 and DIS-700 series of switches, we are addressing two megatrends that are currently dominating the IT market like no other. One is the trend of connecting production capital to the Internet - Industry 4.0 for short - and the other is the networking of public spaces, often subsumed under the term Smart City.

D-Link has a history of more than 30 years in the field of IP network technology, so its entry into the field of industrial switches can be seen as a logical consequence.

Where does D-Link set itself apart from its competitors?

Michael Müller: By entering the field of industrial switches, we are opening up new opportunities for users to merge commercial networks and industrial networks. This in turn goes hand in hand with potential cost savings - both in terms of procurement costs and infrastructure management.

In addition, D-Link's experience and quality in the field of network technology represent major advantages, considering that industrial switches are mostly used in critical environments where failure can mean high costs or risks to life and limb.

We also attach great importance to service and support. Our global resources are available for industrial switches just as they are for commercial switches.

Are further products/offers planned for industrial applications?

Michael Müller: In the area of industrial switches, D-Link will expand its portfolio, which is currently based on Gigabit technology, to include Fast Ethernet switches. Unlike in the field of video surveillance, where very high data volumes are generated, the amount of data to be processed in the production environment is often very low. This market can be addressed even more cost-effectively in the future.

We already offer industrial gigabit interface converters and the appropriate power supply units for industrial switches to meet the requirements of the industrial sector. We also offer the DWM-312 industrial mobile router. This product is suitable for use in situations where a network connection via cable is not possible or desired. It has dual SIM functionality and can therefore compensate for the failure of one of the two wireless networks - without affecting data traffic.

What features make the devices suitable for industrial use?

Michael Müller: Our industrial switches - with the exception of the DIS-700 series - are therefore designed for use between -40 and +75 °C, are passively cooled and can be mounted on a top-hat rail, for example. In addition, devices in the DIS-300 and DIS-700 series guarantee fast failover in just a few milliseconds. The devices are also certified for vibration and shock resistance as well as electromagnetic radiation (EMC) and come with a five-year manufacturer's warranty as standard.

How do the devices differ?

Michael Müller: The DIS-100 and DIS-300 series are access switches that essentially differ in terms of the level of management functionality. The DIS-700 series, on the other hand, is an aggregation switch with consistently high data transfer rates and reduced latency times for time-critical video, voice and data applications. It also has advanced intelligent Quality of Service functions.