ComNet Introduces Enhanced Security Managed Switch for Use in Demanding Cyber Security Applications

  • Apr 15, 2016

ComNet, Communication Networks of Danbury, Connecticut, a USA-based manufacturer of fiber optic transmission and networking equipment, is announcing an expansion to the Reliance product line for the utility and industrial markets. The RLGE2FE16R is the company’s first Ethernet switch/router that is designed specifically for use in electrical utility substations and switchyards, heavy manufacturing facilities, and as railway track-side electronic equipment.  Fully compliant with IEC6185-3 and IEEE1613 class 2, it is for use where high levels of electromagnetic interference are routinely encountered. The switch/router is designed to prevent unauthorized access to a network and offers an enhanced security version that easily allows for secure firewalls to be setup where multiple levels of authentication must be followed before access is granted. User APA (Authentication Proxy Access) controls remote use access and communications to network edge devices. The RLGE2FE16R is designed to meet NERC-CIP-5 guidelines and is an ideal platform for deploying a highly secure communications and networking gateway.

This feature-rich managed 18-Port Ethernet switch offers Ethernet layer 2 switching & layer 3 IP routing with integrated VPN and link protection per ITU-T G.8032. It has 16 10/100Mbps ports with optional PoE and two gigabit combination SFP/TX uplink ports for for use as an aggregation point. An internal 2G/3G/4G LTE cellular radio is also available for remote deployments.

With an optional internal terminal server, legacy RS-232 and RS-485 serial data RTUs and IEDs can be directly connected to the RLGE2FE16R. By substituting 8 of the 10/100TX ports with optional SFP ports, it may be used as a convenient aggregation device.

According to Andrew Acquarulo Jr., ComNet CEO and President, “The security of our utilities and power generation facilities is a real threat. If a utility substation is brought down, the repercussions become unfathomable.  ComNet made the decision to bring this switch/router to market to help secure these types of facilities and we believe these new Reliance product additions will be an effective solution in preventing unauthorized network access.”

The RLGE2FE16R line offers numerous product innovations that will soon be required in many different markets. The increased level of unauthorized access prevention will be a benefit to other markets such as physical security and Intelligent Transportation. As more and more of these IP Networks are in place, preventing those who wish to disrupt them becomes paramount.

“The Reliance line represents ComNet’s decision to provide highly ruggedized and secure products for the utility and industrial markets. It is a major undertaking, but we believe there is a great need for these products,” said Skip Haight, ComNet VP of Marketing. “ComNet will offer a Lifetime Product Guarantee with the Reliance line and this will differentiate ComNet from other manufacturers and creates significant value for the user,” Haight concluded.

ComNet offers an extensive line of fiber optic, copper and wireless video and data transmission equipment that is uniquely designed to meet the needs of the Security, Intelligent Transportation System, utility and industrial markets. Full product line details are available at www.comnet.net. Call direct 203-796-5300 or email [email protected] for details.


Featured

  • The Evolution of IP Camera Intelligence

    As the 30th anniversary of the IP camera approaches in 2026, it is worth reflecting on how far we have come. The first network camera, launched in 1996, delivered one frame every 17 seconds—not impressive by today’s standards, but groundbreaking at the time. It did something that no analog system could: transmit video over a standard IP network. Read Now

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

  • Beyond Apps: Access Control for Today’s Residents

    The modern resident lives in an app-saturated world. From banking to grocery delivery, fitness tracking to ridesharing, nearly every service demands another download. But when it comes to accessing the place you live, most people do not want to clutter their phone with yet another app, especially if its only purpose is to open a door. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • Luma x20

    Luma x20

    Snap One has announced its popular Luma x20 family of surveillance products now offers even greater security and privacy for home and business owners across the globe by giving them full control over integrators’ system access to view live and recorded video. According to Snap One Product Manager Derek Webb, the new “customer handoff” feature provides enhanced user control after initial installation, allowing the owners to have total privacy while also making it easy to reinstate integrator access when maintenance or assistance is required. This new feature is now available to all Luma x20 users globally. “The Luma x20 family of surveillance solutions provides excellent image and audio capture, and with the new customer handoff feature, it now offers absolute privacy for camera feeds and recordings,” Webb said. “With notifications and integrator access controlled through the powerful OvrC remote system management platform, it’s easy for integrators to give their clients full control of their footage and then to get temporary access from the client for any troubleshooting needs.”

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.

  • Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden Door Controls has relaunched its CV-7600 card readers in response to growing market demand for a more secure alternative to standard proximity credentials that can be easily cloned. CV-7600 readers support MIFARE DESFire EV1 & EV2 encryption technology credentials, making them virtually clone-proof and highly secure.