Electro Standards Laboratories Network Switches – FAQ

1. What types of network switches does Electro Standards Laboratories offer?

Electro Standards Laboratories offers a wide range of copper and fiber optic network switches used in data communication applications. Their products are grouped into three main product lines: QuickSwitch®, PathWay®, and LineSelect®. 

Manual and remote-controlled switches for audio, video, and data, including multi-interfaced, multiple ports, channels, pathways, DB-style rotary switches or complex GUI ethernet, RJ45 with industry standards of Cat5, Cat5e, RS232, RS485 and more.

By Media Type:
•Copper Switches: These include switches with various interfaces like RJ45 (Cat5, Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a), DB9, DB25, HD15, and Coaxial, used for data communication, KVM (Keyboard, Video, Mouse), and other applications.
•Fiber Optic Switches: These support single mode and multimode fiber with connectors such as ST, SC, and LC. They are available in standard and ruggedized formats for harsh environments. 

By Control Method and Features: Electro Standards offers switches with various control and operational features.
•Manual Switches: These are manually operated, often requiring no power, and use pushbuttons or rotary knobs for control.
•Automatic Switches: These switches can automatically sense activity on ports and switch accordingly, including automatic fallback based on loss of carrier.
•Remotely Controllable Switches: These can be controlled remotely via methods like RS232 serial interface, Ethernet (Telnet or GUI interface), or contact closure.
•Secure Switches: Options include secure off-line positions, keylocks, and password protection for enhanced security.
•Multi-channel and Multi-position Switches: Available in configurations like A/B, A/B/C, or A/B/C/D/E/F, with multiple channels within a single chassis.
•Switch/Converters: Integrated units that combine a switch with media conversion capabilities, such as fiber-to-copper conversion.

2. How are ESL network switches used?

They are used anywhere there is a need to share or change position of a device and/or network. Applications include IT networks, power and utilities, manufacturing floors, broadcast networks, laboratories, test systems, control rooms, railway signaling, redundancy, fallback, data sensing and more, allowing multiple signals to be routed without reconnecting cables.

3. Can ESL switches handle multiple signal types simultaneously?

Yes. Many ESL switches can switch audio, video, and data signals at the same time, simplifying complex system setups.  Also there are units designed for individual or gang switching as well.

4. Are your switches manual or remote-controlled?

ESL provides both manual switches with local rotary knobs or keylocks and remote-controllable switches via RS-232, RS485, RS422, Ethernet/IP, Telnet, ASCII, GUI or contact closure signals and more.

5. What makes ESL network switches reliable?

They are built in-house to industrial and aerospace standards AS9100 and ISO 9001, RoHS-compliant, and designed for long-lasting performance in demanding environments.

6. How many channels or ports can an ESL switch handle?

It depends on the model. ESL switches range from few-channel DB9/data switches to multi-interface robust switches handling numerous channels of audio, HDMI, PoE, and Ethernet. Expert support is available at 401-943-1164 or via Email: ESLAB@electrostandards.com or via Chat application.

8. Are ESL switches suitable for labs or broadcast studios?

Yes. They maintain signal integrity and allow seamless switching in sensitive environments like labs and broadcast stations.

9. Do you offer technical support?

Yes. ESL provides engineering support, integration guidance, and documentation for all switches.

10. Where can I find product datasheets?

Datasheets and technical specifications are available on the Electro Standards website at www.electrostandards.com

11. Can ESL switches reduce wear and tear on networks?

Yes. They eliminate repetitive plug-and-unplug operations, saving time, reducing wear, and minimizing errors.

12. Are ESL switches compliant with industry standards?

Most are RoHS-compliant and meet industrial, broadcast, and aerospace standards.