Category: Industry Trends

Applications

The Hirschmann switches in the RSP, RSPL (Lite), RSPS (Smart), RED, Embedded 

Ethernet (EES) families, and OCTOPUS series, as well as the modular MSP, RSPE (Ex

pandable) and GREYHOUND systems, are ideally suited to virtually any application 

that calls for maximum network availability.

Markets

HiOS was developed specifically to meet the requirements of the automation sector. 

Examples include: 

• Automotive production

• Transportation

• Power transmission and distribution

HiOS provides extensive redundancy mechanisms to your state-of-the-art hard

ware. It adds Parallel Redundancy Protocol (PRP) over Gigabit, Rapid Spanning Tree 

Protocol (RSTP) over High Availability Seamless Redundancy (HSR), RSTP Ring-Only 

Mode and FuseNet network coupling protocols for maximum network uptime.

The latest Transport Layer Security (TLS) libraries enhance the security of network 

communication. The ability to disable unused slots on modular devices hinders 

unauthorized network access. Out-Of-Band management via a dedicated RJ45 port 

on the new GREYHOUND 1040 means that the devices can be managed even during 

high Central Processing Unit (CPU) load, for example if a network loop occurs.

HiOS also extends the range of applications for the latest generation of Industrial 

Ethernet products from Hirschmann. From cabling through switches and routers, 

supplemented by WLAN, firewalls and network management software, a seamless 

high availability solution for state-of-the-art automation networks is now available 

from a single supplier.

HiOS is focussed on redundancy technologies for maximum network availability. 

Devices running L2A software onwards offer unrestrained network topology design 

based on a combination of standards-based redundancy protocols and FuseNet 

coupling protocols.

Your Benefits

Highest availability and Data Security In One

The Hirschmann Operating System (HiOS) is well known as an operating system 

with unique redundancy and security features that enable it to provide high network 

availability and data security for efficient production processes. Network Address 

Translation increases the network deployment options. Extended backwards 

compatibility with devices running Classic Switch Software means that existing 

networks can be operated, maintained and expanded well into the future using HiOS

based components.

Easy Access Control Lists provide granular network security to devices using Layer 

2 Standard (L2S) software. Extensive new design combinations such as Media 

Redundancy Protocol (MRP) sub rings with Link Aggregation are available for the 

higher value Layer 2 Advanced (L2A) switches. 1:1 NAT now runs on the RSP, RSPE 

(Expandable) and OCTOPUS Layer 3 switches.

HiOS supports FuseNet, the “Fusion of Networks”. FuseNet uniquely identifies a 

family of redundant coupling protocols which are proprietary to Hirschmann. These 

protocols provide great flexibility in the way networks can be redundantly coupled, to 

suit every topology.

Hirschmann upgrades HiOS software to increase the power

and performance of its Industrial Ethernet switches.

HiOS software offers intelligent and unique  combinations of network

redundancy protocols to meet every physical and application requirement.

Redundancy – an extensive number of standardized and proprietary

redundancy mechanisms to meet any requirement.

Security – comprehensive security functionality to help you secure

your networks.

Ease of Use – an intuitive graphical interface, compre hensive command

line interface, and full SNMP support meet every management challenge.

Key Features

•  A combination of standards-based protocols and FuseNet coupling 

protocols results in a high level of fault tolerance

•  PRP over Gigabit is now available for existing hardware.

Only a software update is required

•  The incorporation of Classic Switch Software functions into HiOS ensures 

that existing networks can continue to be expanded many years into the future

•  Easy Access Control Lists allow control of what data crosses a network,

even in standard switches

•  Address Translation: 1:1 NAT allows the connection of networks that use 

identical subnets

•  HiOS supports the new 2.5 Gbit/s transmission rate. This provides faster

speed without a significant increase in power consumption or heat generation.

When used with Link Aggregation, it results in high speed data uplinks, at a

significantly lower cost than 10 Gbit/s

HiOS – Hirschmann Operating System

HiOS is the latest operating system for the new

generation of Industrial Ethernet devices, combining

comprehensive functionality with extensive certified

security. HiOS is a single operating system running

on a wide range of hardware, from field devices to

backbone routers. This ensures a consistent user

experience across the complete network, with a

shallow learning curve and reduced operational effort.

Configuration via web interface, command line and

SNMP meets the requirements of all administrators.

Regular updates ensure that the software offers state

of-the-art functionality into the future.

Classic Switch Software

Classic Switch Software has led the way in the

specialist field of Industrial Ethernet. Since the mid

2000s, customers have deployed Hirschmann

hardware running Classic software to build highly

resilient OT networks from the edge to the core. As

the forerunner of HiOS, Classic introduced innovations

such as rapid redundancy, management through

industrial protocols, and fast device replacement.

Hirschmann embedded software is developed in-house and

offers intuitive and familiar interfaces which appeal to both

automation engineers and IT specialists.

Extremely easy configuration ensures rapid network deployment

at minimum cost.

HiEOS – Hirschmann Entry Operating System

As automation expands and industrial networks grow

in complexity, easy-to-use network management

technology that supports streamlined configuration

and remote diagnostics is vital. The advanced HiEOS

software runs on LEMUR lite managed switches, which

are optimal for use in many industrial environments.

With the HiEOS intuitive graphical user interface,

switch setup and maintenance are easy – with little

IT intervention or knowledge required. Also, HiEOS

provides a rich feature set, including PoE/PoE+ support

and device management.

HiOS Switch Software –Hirschmann Operating System

Increases the power and performance of managed

Hirschmann industrial Ethernet switches

The switch software HiOS is the latest operating system for the new

generation of industrial Ethernet devices, combining high performance

with robust security. It offers intelligent and unique combinations of

various security mechanisms, comprehensive management and diagnostic

methods, precise time synchronization and network redundancy protocols

to meet every physical and application requirement.

Regular free switch software updates ensure low TCO (total cost of

ownership) by continuously providing the latest technology and security

functionality. This ensures that your network is always state-of-the-art,

while at the same time future-proofing your investment.

The Benefits

Redundancy – an extensive number of standardized and proprietary

redundancy mechanisms to meet any requirement

Security – comprehensive security mechanisms protect

networks against attacks and operating errors

Ease of Use – an intuitive graphical interface, comprehensive command

line interface and full SNMP support meet every management challenge

Markets

• Automation

• Transportation

• Power Transmission & Distribution

• Machine Building

Offering Comprehensive Service & Support

Belden recognizes that comprehensive expertise is necessary to ensure

an optimized, homogenous solution. We also know that consultation,

support and training requires more than just a general understanding

of the products, technologies and market trends. It requires a solid

understanding of the application and the ability to provide the type of

support that is needed – when and where it is needed. It requires the

four key service and support areas that are critical to success:

• Network design consulting

• Training

• Technical support

• System performance

Our Synergy Ensures Continuous Performance

With the Hirschmann product line additions to the Belden offering, our line

of complete industrial solutions is uniquely positioned to provide the best

network and communications infrastructure possible. Belden products and

systems expertise mean that you can maintain ongoing operations without

interruption and costly downtime – in any environment. Here are a few more

reasons why Belden is your best choice for industrial networking, communi

cations and control:

•  We have the expertise to integrate your industrial and commercial

networks.

•  Our products are engineered to perform in the harshest and most

demanding environments.

•  We offer the broadest selection of products, for a complete, end-to-end

Ethernet solution.

•  Our sales and engineering professionals can audit, recommend/design,

configure and assemble the products and systems to your specific

requirements.

•  Our global manufacturing, distribution and support network makes

our products and services available to you globally.