Phoenix FL SWITCH Series: Industrial Ethernet Switches - Comprehensive Application & Selection Guide

Product Positioning & Core Value

The Phoenix FL SWITCH Series represents a portfolio of industrial-grade Ethernet switches engineered for reliable, high-performance data transmission in automation and industrial networks. Designed to address diverse industrial connectivity needs—from basic Ethernet expansion to time-sensitive network (TSN) synchronization—these switches combine robust hardware, flexible port configurations, and support for key industrial protocols (Profinet, Ethernet/IP, TSN).

Core value propositions include:

• Industrial-Grade Reliability: IP20 protection, flame-retardant V0 housing, -40°C~+70°C operating temperature range, and resistance to electromagnetic interference (EMI) – ideal for harsh factory floors, process plants, and outdoor installations.
• Flexible Port Configurations: Supports 4~16 ports of 10/100M (TX) or 1G (GT) Ethernet, fiber optic (FX/SFP/POF) ports, and mixed media combinations (copper + fiber) for long-distance or noise-immune connections.
• Protocol Compatibility: Optimized for Profinet (PN) RT/IRT, Ethernet/IP, and TSN (time-sensitive networking) for real-time automation, motion control, and industrial IoT (IIoT) applications.
• Scalable Performance: From entry-level compact switches (SFNT series) to high-performance TSN switches (TSN series), covering small-scale control cabinets to large-scale plant-wide networks.

Ideal for manufacturing, energy, logistics, and process control industries, the FL SWITCH Series ensures stable network connectivity, minimizes downtime, and enables seamless integration with industrial controllers, sensors, and cloud platforms.

Product Family Overview

The FL SWITCH Series is categorized by performance class, port type, and protocol support to meet diverse network requirements:

1. TSN Series (Time-Sensitive Networking)

• Function: High-precision TSN switches for time-synchronized, low-latency industrial networks (sub-millisecond synchronization).
• Key Features: Supports IEEE 802.1AS (time synchronization), IEEE 802.1Qbv (time-aware scheduling), and Profinet IRT for motion control and real-time automation.
• Typical Model: FL SWITCH TSN 2312-2GC-2SFP (12 ports, 2x1G copper + 2xSFP fiber).

2. SMN Series (Profinet-Optimized)

• Function: Cost-effective switches optimized for Profinet RT/IRT networks, with mixed copper/fiber port options.
• Key Features: Plug-and-play Profinet integration, automatic device discovery, and support for network redundancy (MRP).
• Port Configurations: 6~8 TX (10/100M copper), 2 POF (plastic fiber) or 2 FX (fiber optic) ports.
• Typical Models: FL SWITCH SMN 8TX-PN, FL SWITCH SMN 6TX/2POF-PN.

3. SMCS Series (High-Performance Modular)

• Function: High-performance switches for large-scale industrial networks, supporting 10/100M (TX) or 1G (GT) copper, SFP fiber modules, and long-distance fiber (FX) connections.
• Key Features: 4~16 ports, gigabit uplink options, Profinet compatibility, and support for network redundancy (STP/RSTP/MRP).
• Port Configurations: Mixed TX/GT + SFP/FX, including 14TX/2FX (single-mode/multi-mode) variants.
• Typical Models: FL SWITCH SMCS 8GT, FL SWITCH SMCS 16TX, FL SWITCH SMCS 6GT/2SFP.

4. SFNT Series (Entry-Level Compact)

• Function: Cost-effective, compact switches for small-scale automation networks and control cabinet connectivity.
• Key Features: 5~8 ports (TX/GT copper or mixed TX/FX), plug-and-play operation, and low power consumption.
• Port Configurations: 5/7/8 TX (10/100M), 5 GT (1G), or mixed 6TX/2FX/7TX/FX with ST fiber connectors.
• Typical Models: FL SWITCH SFNT 8TX, FL SWITCH SFNT 5GT, FL SWITCH SFNT 6TX/2FX.

Technical Specifications (Universal Parameters)

Detailed Function Module Introduction

1. TSN Series

2. SMN Series (Profinet-Optimized)

3. SMCS Series (High-Performance Modular)

4. SFNT Series (Entry-Level Compact)

Application Scenario Analysis

1. High-Precision Motion Control (Robotics/CNC)

Recommended Configuration:

• TSN Switch: FL SWITCH TSN 2312-2GC-2SFP (1232305)
• Gigabit Uplink: FL SWITCH SMCS 6GT/2SFP (2891479)

Implementation Advantages:

• TSN’s sub-ms synchronization enables coordinated robot movements and CNC precision.
• Gigabit ports support high-bandwidth encoder and vision system data.
• Profinet IRT compatibility ensures seamless integration with industrial controllers.

2. Profinet Factory Networks (Automotive/Manufacturing)

Recommended Configuration:

• Core Switch: FL SWITCH SMN 8TX-PN (2989501)
• Fiber Extension: FL SWITCH SMN 6TX/2FX (2989543)
• Edge Switch: FL SWITCH SFNT 8TX (2891005)

Implementation Advantages:

• Plug-and-play Profinet integration reduces commissioning time.
• Fiber modules enable long-distance plant-wide connectivity (up to 2km).
• Compact edge switches fit in control cabinets for distributed I/O.

3. Industrial IoT & High-Bandwidth Data (Energy/Logistics)

Recommended Configuration:

• Core Switch: FL SWITCH SMCS 8GT (2891123)
• High-Density Edge: FL SWITCH SMCS 16TX (2700996)
• Compact IoT Gateway: FL SWITCH SFNT 5GT (2891390)

Implementation Advantages:

• Gigabit speed supports IIoT sensor data, video surveillance, and cloud connectivity.
• High-density ports accommodate multiple IoT devices and distributed I/O.
• Low-power compact switches ideal for edge computing gateways.

4. Long-Distance Inter-Plant Connectivity (Process Control)

Recommended Configuration:

• Long-Haul Switch: FL SWITCH SMCS 14TX/2FX-SM (2701466)
• Fiber Uplink: FL SWITCH SMCS 6GT/2SFP (2891479)

Implementation Advantages:

• Single-mode fiber supports 40km transmission between plants.
• Gigabit SFP modules enable flexible fiber type selection (MM/SM).
• MRP redundancy ensures network reliability for critical process control.

Selection Guide

Step 1: Determine Network Protocol & Performance

Step 2: Select Port Type & Quantity

• Copper-Only: Choose TX (10/100M) or GT (1G) ports based on speed (e.g., SFNT 8TX, SMCS 8GT).
• Fiber Extension: Select FX (100M) or SFP (1G) for long-distance (e.g., SMN 6TX/2FX, SMCS 6GT/2SFP).
• Plastic Fiber (POF): For short-distance noise-immune connections (SMN 6TX/2POF-PN).
• Port Count: 4~5 ports (compact), 6~8 ports (medium), 14~16 ports (high-density).

Step 3: Consider Environmental & Redundancy Needs

• Harsh Environments: All series support -40°C~+70°C (no special selection needed).
• Network Redundancy: Choose MRP-supported models (SMN/TSN/SMCS) for critical systems.
• Fiber Distance: Multi-mode (up to 2km) for on-site; single-mode (up to 40km) for inter-plant.

Step 4: Special Requirements

• TSN Synchronization: Only TSN series supports IEEE 802.1AS/Qbv (motion control/real-time).
• Legacy Fiber Upgrade: SFNT 7TX/FX ST with ST connectors for older fiber networks.
• High-Density I/O: SMCS 16TX for large-scale distributed systems.

Installation & Maintenance Guide

Installation Steps:

1. Mounting: Snap the switch onto a 35mm DIN rail, ensuring ≥10mm spacing for heat dissipation.
2. Wiring: Connect power supply (redundant input recommended for critical systems) and network cables (CAT5e/CAT6 for copper, compatible fiber for FX/SFP).
3. SFP Installation: Insert SFP modules (if applicable) before powering on; ensure fiber polarity (TX/RX) is correct.
4. Configuration: Use Phoenix FL Configurator software to set IP addresses, VLANs, and redundancy (MRP/TSN).
5. Testing: Verify LED indicators (green = link/activity, yellow = power, red = fault) and test network connectivity.

Maintenance Points:

• Status Monitoring: Regularly check port LEDs for link/activity and fault indicators.
• Firmware Updates: Periodically update switch firmware via FL Configurator for security patches and new features.
• Cable Inspection: Inspect copper/fiber cables quarterly for wear or damage; clean fiber connectors with lint-free cloth.
• Redundancy Check: Test MRP/STP failover to ensure network resilience.
• Environmental Control: Keep installation area dry (relative humidity 10~90%, non-condensing) and free of dust.

FL SWITCH Series vs. Traditional Industrial Switches

Summary & Next Steps

The Phoenix FL SWITCH Series delivers reliable, flexible industrial Ethernet solutions for diverse automation needs—from real-time motion control (TSN) to entry-level control cabinet connectivity (SFNT). With robust hardware, multi-protocol support, and mixed media options, these switches ensure stable network performance in harsh industrial environments while enabling seamless integration with controllers, sensors, and IIoT platforms.