PROFIBUS asset management
16-port Ethernet-APL field switch for transparent connection of intrinsically safe Ethernet-APL field devices to higher-level Industrial Ethernet networks.
Softing · Plant Asset Management & Field Device Connectivity
aplSwitch Field
16-port Ethernet-APL field switch for transparent connection of intrinsically safe Ethernet-APL field devices to higher-level Industrial Ethernet networks.
Current productEthernet-APL
TechnologyEthernet-APL
RoleField switch
SpursModel dependent
AreaHazardous-area review
Product overview
Ethernet-APL
16-port Ethernet-APL field switch for transparent connection of intrinsically safe Ethernet-APL field devices to higher-level Industrial Ethernet networks.
APL network architectureConnect supported APL field devices through engineered trunk/spur topology and power architecture.
Hazardous-area selectionZone, gas group, temperature class, protection concept and entity/FISCO-like parameters require formal review.
Host integrationConfirm higher-level Ethernet protocol, redundancy, switch management and control-system compatibility.
Installation evidenceCable, length, shielding, grounding, spur load and commissioning tests must follow the selected system documentation.
Connection architecture
aplSwitch Field in the system architecture
The product belongs in the communication/information layer; exact protocol roles and compatibility remain model- and release-dependent.
01Industrial Ethernet / DCS
02aplSwitch Field
03Ethernet-APL / PA
04Field instruments
05AMS / control
Verify controller/device firmware, protocol role, network segmentation and cybersecurity ownership before commissioning.
Application fit
aplSwitch Field is relevant
PROFINET asset management
16-port Ethernet-APL field switch for transparent connection of intrinsically safe Ethernet-APL field devices to higher-level Industrial Ethernet networks.
HART device access
16-port Ethernet-APL field switch for transparent connection of intrinsically safe Ethernet-APL field devices to higher-level Industrial Ethernet networks.
Plant-wide monitoring
16-port Ethernet-APL field switch for transparent connection of intrinsically safe Ethernet-APL field devices to higher-level Industrial Ethernet networks.
Ethernet-APL infrastructure
16-port Ethernet-APL field switch for transparent connection of intrinsically safe Ethernet-APL field devices to higher-level Industrial Ethernet networks.
PA-to-APL migration
16-port Ethernet-APL field switch for transparent connection of intrinsically safe Ethernet-APL field devices to higher-level Industrial Ethernet networks.
Technical data
Key specifications and compatibility
Values are based on the supplied Softing archive data, with selected current lifecycle/product information refreshed from Softing public pages. Confirm the exact release and order code before design-in.
| Technology | Ethernet-APL / 10BASE-T1L field connectivity |
|---|---|
| Ports and power | Exact aplSwitch Field model and order option dependent |
| Hazardous-area use | Use only within the certification and installation conditions of the exact product |
| Selection inputs | Zone, protocol, trunk/spur layout, device count, load, cable and control system |
Selection guidance
Compare the role before selecting the product
Current page
aplSwitch Field
16-port Ethernet-APL field switch for transparent connection of intrinsically safe Ethernet-APL field devices to higher-level Industrial Ethernet networks.
Ethernet-APLVariant-specific selectionsmartLink
Network-access appliance family for connecting supported industrial networks to asset-management, parameterization and diagnostic applications.
Network diagnosticsCurrent productsmartLink HW-DP
Controller-independent access point for PROFIBUS DP networks, enabling Plant Asset Management for PROFIBUS and HART field devices and providing OPC UA, MQTT and HART-IP information paths.
Plant Asset ManagementComplete the architecture
Build the information path around aplSwitch Field
01Industrial Ethernet / DCS
02aplSwitch Field
03Ethernet-APL / PA
04Field instruments
05AMS / control
Resources & requirement capture
Current Softing documentation and specification data
Verify manuals, downloads, licences, certifications and lifecycle directly with Softing, then freeze the Primionics configuration.
Official Softing product / lifecycle pageOpen Softing ↗Return to Plant Asset Management & Field Device ConnectivitySolution area →
Installed systemController/device models, firmware, network protocol and topology.
Data / asset objectiveRead/write variables, parameterization, diagnostics, monitoring or development role.
Northbound interfaceOPC UA role, MQTT broker, API, FDI/FDT, SCADA/MES or application library.
DeploymentWindows, Docker, gateway, DIN rail, OEM device or industrial PC.
CybersecurityNetwork zones, certificates, identities, remote access and patch ownership.
Commercial scopeLicences, runtime/redistribution terms, quantity, support and lifecycle.