GE Multilink ML3000, Instruction Manual, Page: 55 / 356

CHAPTER 2: PRODUCT DESCRIPTION PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
MULTILINK ML3000 ETHERNET COMMUNICATIONS SWITCH – INSTRUCTION MANUAL 2–11
2.4 Applications
2.4.1 Description
The Multilink ML3000 Ethernet Switch offers high performance, modularity and availability.
It provides the flexibility of 100 Mbps fiber, copper, and Gigabit (1000 Mb) ports, with
industry-standard LAN management software. The ML3000 switches are easily used in a
variety of applications including client/server computing, secure VLAN performance
upgrades to industrial networks, and streaming traffic for VOIP and audio/video
applications. They can also be used in a diversified combination of mixed media in
substation automation and transportation systems applications. The performance
characteristics of the ML3000 switches enable them to inter-connect a series of subnets
(one subnet per ML3000 switch port) in a LAN traffic center. The subnet connections may
be via fiber or twisted pair cabling, Gb or 100 Mbps or 10 Mbps speed, and full-duplex or
half-duplex.
The mixed-media modular capability of the ML3000 is ideal for upgrading existing Ethernet
LAN networks where existing cabling must be accommodated. The fiber-built-in media
capability is ideal for integrating future-proof fiber cabling into an industrial network
structure.
2.4.2 ML3000 Switch for VLAN applications
The Multilin ML3000 Ethernet switch supports a VLAN application which provides security
and performance in an industrial network center. A secure VLAN-enabled network is simply
an administratively-configured broadcast domain. The network administrator determines
which ports and nodes are in which broadcast domains by setting membership profiles for
each of them. The ML3000 VLAN capability can be configured for use in standard Tag-
based VLAN networks.
The modularity of the ML3000 switch makes it an attractive choice for use in applications
with LAN connections to a large organization’s multiple site industrial facilities. The
different facilities can be easily connected together with the fiber ports supported by the
switch.
Future-proof fiber media can easily connect long distance subnets and provide a stable
secure network to all applications using VLANs. The SNMP management capability of the
ML3000 switch helps create a database of all the network subnets to easily manage the
network. Secure web-based management is also included, with SSL authentication and
encryption to keep out intruders.
2.4.3 ML3000 for an Industrial application
The Multilin ML3000 provides hardened enclosures, a variety of power supply options,
extended temperature ratings all of which qualify this switch for any industrial power
utility, surveillance and physical security, traffic control, transportation system, mining, or
COTS military application. The Multilink Firmware qualifies this managed switch to operate
and perform securely and reliably in mission critical applications. The industry-standard
RSTP-2004 software features allow this managed switch to provide a highly available
redundant network capability in any ring or mesh topology network.
The option of setting the ports at 10, 100 or 1000 Mb on copper and 100 or 1000 Mb on
fiber media provide widespread options to the users to mix and match their legacy and
advanced network needs. Different industrial locations can be easily connected together