In industrial automation, power systems, and robotics, real-time communication is not just a benefit — it’s a requirement. Precision, reliability, and ultra-low latency are critical for keeping machines synchronized and operations running safely.
This is where a real-time Ethernet switch plays a vital role. Unlike commercial Ethernet switches designed for general-purpose networking, real-time industrial switches are engineered for deterministic data transfer, nanosecond-level synchronization, and fault-tolerant communication in harsh environments.
Let’s explore what makes these switches different and the key types used across modern industrial networks.
Why Standard Ethernet Switches Fall Short
Most off-the-shelf Ethernet switches operate on a best-effort delivery model. That’s fine for email or file sharing — but not when you’re controlling robots or monitoring power grid faults in microseconds. Here’s why standard switches are unsuitable for real-time tasks:
❌ Non-Deterministic Latency
- Store-and-forward buffering introduces variable delays.
- Lack of strict traffic prioritization causes critical control messages to compete with bulk data traffic.
❌ Lack of Precision Timing
- Without PTP (Precision Time Protocol, IEEE 1588), devices cannot synchronize accurately, leading to drift in systems like motion control or distributed energy.
❌ No Traffic Scheduling
- Basic QoS (Quality of Service) isn’t robust enough for time-sensitive protocols like PROFINET IRT or EtherCAT.
How Real-Time Ethernet Switches Solve These Challenges
Real-time industrial Ethernet switches integrate advanced features like TSN, PTP, and hardware-level QoS to deliver:
✅ Deterministic Low Latency (Sub-1µs)
- IEEE 802.1Qbv (Time-Aware Scheduling) ensures time-critical frames (e.g., PLC outputs) are delivered within guaranteed time slots.
- Frame Preemption (802.1Qbu) allows urgent packets to bypass ongoing low-priority transfers, reducing jitter.
✅ Nanosecond-Level Synchronization (IEEE 1588 PTP)
- PTP synchronizes all devices — from PLCs and drives to sensors — with extreme accuracy, enabling:
- Multi-axis robotic coordination
- Smart grid protection with μs-level fault detection
- Synchronized automotive Ethernet (e.g., ADAS)
✅ Ultra-Fast Redundancy (<10ms Failover)
- ERPS (Ethernet Ring Protection Switching) and RSTP ensure immediate network recovery during link failure.
✅ Built for Harsh Environments
- Operating range: -40°C to +75°C
- IP-rated metal housing, fanless design
- Resistant to EMI, vibration, and dust
Types of Real-Time Ethernet Switches We Offer
At COME-STAR, we provide a complete lineup of industrial-grade real-time Ethernet switches tailored to industry-standard protocols. Here’s a breakdown of our top offerings:
🔷 TSN Switch (Time-Sensitive Networking)
Supports IEEE 802.1 standards for unified, converged networks that handle real-time and non-real-time traffic together without compromising latency.
Use Case: Smart factories, automotive lines, robotics.
Features:
- IEEE 802.1Qbv, Qbu, Qcc
- Supports converged OT/IT traffic
- Ideal for future-proof Industrial Ethernet setups
🔷 PTP Switch (Precision Time Protocol)
Synchronizes networked devices to a master clock with sub-microsecond accuracy, perfect for time-sensitive automation systems.
Use Case: Power substations, machine vision, high-speed sorting.
Features:
- IEEE 1588v2 Transparent/Boundary Clock
- Sub-µs synchronization across nodes
- IEC 61850-3 compliance
🔷 PROFINET Switch
Designed for automation networks, our PROFINET switches support real-time (RT) and isochronous real-time (IRT) communication.
Use Case: Industrial production lines, drive control, I/O synchronization.
Features:
- Conformance Class B and C support
- Real-time diagnostics
- Seamless TIA Portal integration
🔷 EtherCAT Switch
Our unmanaged EtherCAT switches are designed to extend EtherCAT networks while maintaining fast, real-time performance without introducing delays or complexity.
Use Case: CNC machines, multi-axis motion systems, decentralized I/O.
Features:
- Plug-and-play operation with no configuration required
- Transparent forwarding for EtherCAT frames
- Supports line and star topologies
- Ideal for deterministic applications with minimal setup
Applications That Demand Real-Time Switching
- Smart Manufacturing – Coordinated robotics and assembly lines
- Power & Energy – Substation automation and relay control
- Automotive – In-vehicle networking and testing environments
- Machine Vision – Camera and sensor synchronization for inspection systems
Final Thoughts
When milliseconds — or even microseconds — matter, a real-time Ethernet switch becomes the foundation of reliable industrial communication. Whether you’re upgrading legacy systems or deploying new smart infrastructure, choosing the right type of real-time switch ensures your network can meet today’s (and tomorrow’s) performance demands.
At COME-STAR, we’re ready to support your transition with rugged, standards-compliant Ethernet switches for every protocol — including TSN, PTP, PROFINET, and EtherCAT.
