LAN, Ethernet and network devices

What interfaces and standards are typically used?

For common applications we use the following interfaces:

• Ethernet 100Base-TX, 1000Base-T and more: the most common but ingenious wired networking standard with speeds of 100 Mbps to 10 Gbps depending on the design. For most IoT devices, a speed of 100 Mbps is sufficient.
• Optical connection

Ethernet has many interesting variants:

• PoE (Power over Ethernet) allows devices to be powered over a regular Ethernet cable, saving a separate power cable. We have developed and produce devices for the highest permitted PoE power (almost 100 W), but also devices with the simplest, so-called. passive PoE.
• Single Pair Ethernet is a variant of Ethernet designed for industrial use, using a single pair of wires for both data and power, thus simplifying cabling.

In addition to the wire connection, we can of course try to work without wires. These options are discussed in more detail elsewhere:

• shorter distances: Wi-Fi and other wireless transmission options; sometimes other connection methods, such as Bluetooth, prove to be a better choice;
• for internet connectivity: see the article on using mobile networks and LPWANs.

As such, Ethernet forms a point-to-point connection between two devices. Most often, it is an end device (for example, a computer, camera or even a time and attendance terminal) and a network infrastructure element (typically a switch, sometimes also providing power via PoE).

The end devices can contain a powerful microcomputer, usually developed by us on embedded Linux, or just a simple microcontroller: we like to use ESP32 or very powerful STM32H7x microcontrollers for real-time applications. Sometimes it is also worth combining a microcontroller for real-time applications and embedded Linux for more complex data processing and visualization.

How the end device will communicate depends on the application: we have implemented simple communications using, for example, MQTT and other IoT protocols, as well as very complex devices including web interfaces, SNMP, cloud connectivity, remote access and other functionality.

Some of the devices we have developed are not endpoints, but are or integrate network infrastructure elements: for example, they include a switch for easier connection of multiple devices, or a router function and a built-in LTE modem for backup connectivity in case of a main connection failure.

What is your experience with atypical LAN/Ethernet applications?

With Ethernet it is usually not correct to invent other than completely standard hardware and system architecture designs. But sometimes there is nothing else and the result is interesting solutions, for example:

• intrinsically safe (ATEX) Ethernet connection solution for methane explosion hazardous environments where conventional hardware cannot be used – it could cause an explosion. Dozens of interconnected devices communicate with each other to transmit voice (radio and telephone functions with support for many simultaneous connections) and technology control signals.
• Multi-channel solutions to support systems with internal safety integrity (SIL, SIL3).

Are you looking for a solution for developing hardware and applications using Ethernet and other similar interfaces? Our company is here for you!

Our expert teams have extensive experience in developing solutions using technologies such as Ethernet, PoE, FSoE and more. Whether you need to develop a new product or optimize an existing solution, we are here to help you achieve your goals.

We will develop or help develop the entire device, hardware and software. We also develop user-friendly applications that allow easy interaction with your products.

We help integrate new and existing systems into one coherent network. Contact us today to find out how we can help your business succeed in the digital world!