Moxa EDS-518A 18-Port Managed Gigabit Ethernet Switch

Why the EDS-518A suits control-network edge and ring duty

A managed switch with 16 fast Ethernet ports and two Gigabit combo ports, aimed at medium-sized control networks that need Turbo Ring redundancy and a Gigabit backbone. Moxa’s own one-line description of the EDS-518A reads: Managed Gigabit Ethernet switch with 16 10/100BaseT(X) ports, 2 combo 10/100/1000BaseT(X) or 1000BaseSFP slots for adding SFP-1G Series Gigabit Ethernet modules, 0 to 60°C operating temperature.

Key figures from the Moxa page: the power input is 24 VDC; Redundant dual inputs; operating temperature is 0 to 60°C (32 to 140°F); dimensions are 94 x 135 x 142.7 mm (3.7 x 5.31 x 5.62 in); weight is 1630 g (3.60 lb); the enclosure is rated IP30.

Standards and approvals printed for this model include hazardous-location listings of ATEX; Class I Division 2; marine approvals (DNV; NK; LR); safety standard EN 62368-1; UL 60950-1; UL 508. Approvals can differ between variants of a series, so check the one on the exact order code.

Technical specifications

Selection and installation notes

It is a good fit for process-area aggregation and substation LANs where several 10/100 devices connect to a pair of gigabit uplinks. Fiber variants of the series add multi-mode or single-mode ports.

On the practical side, mounting is listed as din-rail mounting; wall mounting (with optional kit); the housing is metal; the stated MTBF is 250,966 hrs; the warranty period is 5 years. Treat the MTBF as a manufacturer prediction under its stated method, not a guarantee for your site.

What to confirm before ordering: the copper/fiber port allocation, the 24/48 VDC or high-voltage supply version and the temperature grade. Our team in Muscat works from the exact code on your enquiry, as an independent supplier.

Related models in the EDS-518A family

The Moxa product list shows these models in the same family page (9 entries): EDS-518A, EDS-518A-MM-SC, EDS-518A-MM-SC-T, EDS-518A-MM-ST, EDS-518A-MM-ST-T, EDS-518A-SS-SC, EDS-518A-SS-SC-80, EDS-518A-SS-SC-T, EDS-518A-T. Suffixes such as -T generally mark wide-temperature versions and fiber suffixes (M, S, MM, SS with SC or ST) mark the connector and fiber type, but the order code printed on the datasheet governs.

Installing the switch in the panel

Mount the EDS-518A on the DIN rail in a position where the RJ45 ports, combo ports and terminal blocks remain accessible for patching and testing. Leave room around the metal housing for air to circulate, since the switch relies on the enclosure atmosphere to stay within its operating range. Feed the redundant dual power inputs from two separate 24 VDC sources where the design allows, so that the loss of one supply or its breaker does not take the network down.

Wire the alarm contact to a PLC input or annunciator so that power or link faults are reported to the control room, and use the digital inputs where the application calls for them. Label every copper and fibre cable at both ends, and keep Ethernet cabling apart from power conductors inside the cabinet.

Commissioning and network configuration

Connect to the switch through the console port or the web interface, change the default credentials, and set the IP address, time source and SNMP settings to match the site network standard. Configure VLANs, IGMP snooping and port security before connecting production devices, and record the settings. When building a Turbo Ring, set up the ring ports on every switch first, then close the ring and test redundancy by disconnecting one link while watching the controllers and HMIs for communication loss.

Back up the configuration file of each switch once commissioning is complete, and store it with the network drawings so that a replacement unit can be loaded with the same settings.

Heat, dust and humidity in Oman and GCC installations

The standard model is rated for 0 to 60°C, and the IP30 housing gives limited protection against dust. In substations, pump stations and field cabinets across Oman and the Gulf, check summer cabinet temperatures with a logger rather than estimating them, and add shading, ventilation or cooling where needed. For locations that cannot be kept within the standard range, review the wide-temperature model listed in the family table.

Fine dust can settle on connectors and inside fibre ports, causing intermittent faults. Keep dust caps on unused SFP slots and fibre connectors, clean fibre end faces before connection, and keep cabinets sealed. In humid coastal sites, avoid condensation inside the enclosure, which can corrode RJ45 contacts over time.

Ongoing maintenance

Monitor port status, errors and ring events through SNMP or the management interface, and investigate rising error counts before they turn into outages. Review firmware release notes from Moxa periodically and plan updates during maintenance windows, after testing on a spare unit where possible.

Documents and quotation

The Moxa datasheet for this family (moxa-eds-518a-series-datasheet-v1.6) is attached to this page. Request a quotation with the exact order code, quantity and delivery location, and we will respond with availability.

More products in this range: Industrial Communications.