CTRLink Networking for Automation

Ethernet continues to evolve as the network of choice for automation systems due to its high speed, familiarity among users, and ability to easily connect to the Internet. But the environment can be demanding. The equipment must be robust, reliable, and easy to install, maintain and use. It must carry proper regulatory approvals and, in some instances, withstand harsh outdoor temperatures. Office-grade equipment, with its frequent model changes and inconvenient mounting, does not stand up to these demanding needs.

Designed for unattended operation in environments not conducive to office-grade equipment, CTRLink overcomes the challenges that Ethernet presents to the automation professional by providing convenient mounting in control panels, low-voltage power wiring, improved EMC compliance, and reliability. All CTRLink product enclosures are metal and intended for direct panel, rack or DIN-rail mounting. Metal DIN-rail clips prevent damage during installation. Most products can share with other automation equipment a common 24 VAC/VDC power source, eliminating the need for a dedicated mains-powered transformer. Most models have provisions for redundant power sources to accommodate back-up strategies in critical applications.

Related Products

Unmanaged Switches

Plug-and-play unmanaged switches can be put into service without adjustments and provide a simple, cost-effective method for expanding Ethernet networks. Some models include features such as auto-MDIX and auto-negotiation.

Diagnostic Switches

The diagnostic switch retains all the virtues of a switch with one exception—no address learning. All messages—directed, multicast, broadcast—are flooded to all ports on the switch allowing a protocol analyzer tool such as Wireshark the ability to observe all traffic on the network.

Media Converters

Media converters offer the lowest latency because they are pure media converters and not 2-port switches. Conversion from copper to fiber optic cabling is possible without the loss of autonegotiation features.

IP Routers

IP routers link two Internet Protocol networks together—passing appropriate traffic while blocking all other traffic. One of the networks is designated the local-area-network and the other the wide-area-network. IP routers are used to isolate traffic and for gaining access to remote equipment.

Power over Ethernet (PoE)

Power over Ethernet provides data and power over one cable, thereby eliminating the need for additional power supplies for Ethernet-enabled devices placed in challenging locations—such as wireless access points or IP cameras on a ceiling or outdoors.

Smoke and Fire UL 864

These products comply with the requirements of Underwriters Laboratories (UL) 864 Control Units and Accessories for Fire Alarm Systems 10th Edition. A UL recognized component has already been evaluated and tested in accordance with UL's component safety standards, streamlining the qualification process for the system supplier.

Remote Access (VPN)

Contemporary Controls offers three VPN solutions to meet your remote access needs — our RemoteVPN subscription service, and our Self-HostedVPN and BridgeVPN solutions. Contemporary Controls' EIPR-V, EIGR-V series and EIGR-C series Skorpion IP routers support OpenVPN® client functionality and can be used with our RemoteVPN subscription service. Our EIGR-V and EIGR-VB routers can be configured as VPN servers for our Self-HostedVPN and BridgeVPN solutions.

Legacy Products

Can't find your product? Check out our Legacy Products for discontinued items. Technical support materials are still available and replacement information is provided.