Phoenix FL SWITCH SFNT/SFNB/SFN Series Selection Guide: Precise Matching of Part Number, Model, and Application

Opening: Efficient Industrial Ethernet Switch Selection – One-Stop Part Number & Model Reference

In industrial automation networks, industrial Ethernet switches are the core of stable data transmission, connecting PLCs, sensors, actuators, and upper-layer control systems. As a classic product line of Phoenix’s industrial communication portfolio, the FL SWITCH SFNT/SFNB/SFN series stands out for its non-managed plug-and-play design, robust industrial-grade performance, and flexible port combinations. This guide integrates part number-model correspondence, core functions, and scenario adaptation to provide clear guidance for technical selection and procurement, helping to quickly lock in suitable solutions for different industrial network needs.

I. Core Advantages: Why Choose the Phoenix FL SWITCH Series?

• Plug-and-play simplicity: Non-managed design eliminates complex configuration, supporting auto-negotiation and Auto-MDI/MDIX autocrossing for quick deployment.
• Industrial-grade reliability: Operating temperature range of -40°C to +70°C, IP20 protection, and resistance to electromagnetic interference (EMC compliance) for harsh industrial environments.
• Flexible port combinations: Supports mixed configurations of twisted-pair (TX) and fiber (FX/SX) ports, with options for Fast Ethernet (10/100 Mbps) and Gigabit Ethernet (1000 Mbps) to meet distance and speed requirements.
• Compliant with industrial protocols: Compatible with PROFINET Conformance-Class A, ensuring real-time communication for automation networksPhoenix Contact USA.
• Long service life: Mean Time Between Failures (MTTF) exceeding 100 years (per MIL-HDBK-217F standard) for stable long-term operation.

II. Complete Product Series Selection Table (Part Number + Model + Core Information)

1. FL SWITCH SFNT Series: High-Temperature Standard Type

Designed for high-temperature industrial environments with standard port expansion capabilities, suitable for basic network connectivity needs.

2. FL SWITCH SFNB Series: Entry-Level Basic Type

Cost-effective entry-level models with compact design, ideal for simple network expansion and basic connectivity requirements.

3. FL SWITCH SFN Series: High-Performance Versatile Type

Supports Gigabit Ethernet and diverse port combinations, suitable for high-speed, high-demand industrial networks.

III. 3-Step Quick Selection Technique (Easy for Beginners)

Step 1: Select the Sub-Series Based on Scenario Requirements

• Basic entry-level needs: Cost-sensitive, simple connectivity → SFNB series (e.g., 2891001, 2891002).
• High-temperature or standard applications: Harsh environments, basic port expansion → SFNT series (e.g., 2891004, 2891952).
• High-speed or versatile needs: Gigabit, PROFINET compatibility, diverse port combinations → SFN series (e.g., 2891673, 2891518).

Step 2: Confirm Port Type and Quantity

• Copper wire (short distance): Select TX (RJ45) ports; confirm the number of devices (e.g., 5 devices → 5TX models, 16 devices → 16TX models).
• Fiber (long distance): Select FX/SX (fiber) ports; single-mode (SM20, up to 20 km) for long distances, multi-mode (NF, up to 8 km) for short distances.
• High speed: Need Gigabit transmission → Select GT (Gigabit) or SX (Gigabit ) models (e.g., 2891673, 2891518).

Step 3: Check Special Requirements

• Power supply: AC power needed → 2891020 (24VAC); DC power is standard for most models.
• Packaging: Batch deployment → 2891014 (50PK bulk package).
• Protocol compatibility: PROFINET networks → 2891018 (PN-optimized).
• Legacy system integration: ST-type fiber interfaces → 2891028, 2891110.

IV. Recommended Industry-Scenario Combinations (Ready-to-Use)

V. Selection Pitfall Avoidance Guide (Common Mistakes to Note)

1. Confusing fiber types: Single-mode (SM20) for distances >8 km, multi-mode (NF) for <8 km; mismatched types cause transmission failures.
2. Ignoring speed requirements: High-bandwidth applications (e.g., video + control) require Gigabit (GT/SX) models, not Fast Ethernet (TX/FX).
3. Overlooking power supply: AC-powered sites must select 2891020 (24VAC); default models use DC power (12-48V DC).
4. Neglecting interface compatibility: Legacy ST fiber interfaces need ST-suffix models (e.g., 2891028); most new systems use SC interfaces.
5. Underestimating port density: Future expansion requires reserved ports (e.g., 10 devices → select 16TX or 8TX models instead of 5TX).

Conclusion: Select the Right Switch for Stable Industrial Networking

The Phoenix FL SWITCH SFNT/SFNB/SFN series covers entry-level to high-performance industrial network needs with its plug-and-play design, industrial-grade reliability, and flexible port configurations.