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Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about Fiberroad products, certifications, warranty coverage, technical support, and ordering. Browse by category or search below.
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Company & Manufacuring
5 QUESTIONS
What industries and applications does Fiberroad support?
Fiberroad provides networking solutions for a wide range of industries and applications, including industrial automation, transportation, security and surveillance, smart cities, utilities, telecommunications, and other mission-critical communication environments. Our products are designed to provide reliable connectivity in applications where network stability, durability, and long-distance transmission are important.
How do I choose the right Fiberroad product for my application?
The right product depends on factors such as the number of network ports, copper or fiber connectivity, transmission distance, bandwidth, PoE requirements, operating environment, network management features, and redundancy requirements. Fiberroad’s technical team can help you evaluate your application and recommend a suitable product or solution based on your network requirements.
How does Fiberroad guarantee product quality and manufacturing standards?
At Fiberroad, high quality is embedded in every stage of our operations, from initial R&D and design to manufacturing and final testing. Our processes are strictly aligned with ISO 9001:2015 certification standards to guarantee system-wide consistency and stability. To ensure flawless deployment for our customers, we enforce a strict quality control workflow that includes 100% pre-shipment testing on all finished goods. This rigorous commitment to manufacturing excellence compliance (including CE, FCC, and RoHS) has successfully maintained our impressive RMA rate at less than 1%.
Are Fiberroad products compatible with third-party networking equipment?
Fiberroad products are designed to operate using industry-standard Ethernet and optical networking technologies and can generally be integrated with compatible third-party network equipment. However, compatibility can depend on specific interfaces, protocols, optical specifications, and network configurations. For project-specific requirements, Fiberroad’s technical team can help verify compatibility before deployment.
Can Fiberroad assist with customized project solutions, network design, and product selection?
Yes. Fiberroad provides comprehensive technical support and tailored solutions for specific project requirements. Our dedicated engineering team works closely with customers to evaluate complex project environments and design optimal network architectures.We assist in precise product selection by assessing key technical considerations, including network topology (redundant rings), bandwidth limits, transmission distance, fiber optic types, PoE budget specifications, and extreme environmental conditions. Contact our team today to discuss your project and expedite your network expansion.
Warranty & Technical Support
2 QUESTIONS
What is your warranty policy?
Depending on the nature of the product, we have warranty periods ranging from 1 to 5 years, along with lifetime technical support. Click here to learn more about our warranty policy.
Where can I find Fiberroad product documentation, manuals, and firmware?
Product datasheets, user manuals, technical documentation, and other resources are available in the relevant product’s download section on the Fiberroad website. If you cannot find the documentation you need, please contact Fiberroad’s technical support team for assistance.
Power & Electrical
7 QUESTIONS
How do I connect the power supply to an industrial switch?
Before wiring the device, verify the operational voltage range specified on the product’s serial label. Industrial switches typically support either a 9–56VDC Wide-Range DC Input or an 110–220V AC/DC Wide-Range High-Voltage Input. Ensure all power lines are correctly assigned to the corresponding terminals on the terminal block:
For AC-Powered Models: Connect the power lines to the designated L (Line/Hot) and N (Neutral) terminals (which may be labeled as P1/P2 depending on the casing). Unless the datasheet explicitly states dual-power redundancy for the AC model, do not split wires into secondary terminals. Always prioritize safety to prevent electrical shock.
For DC-Powered Models: Connect the input lines via the P1+ / P1- or P2+ / P2- terminals. Securely wire the positive lead of your DC power supply to P1+ (or P2+), and the negative/ground lead to P1- (or P2-).
What is the significance of the "Wide Voltage Range" in industrial DC power supplies?
The acceptable input voltage range is determined by the switch’s internal power management circuit. While mainstream industrial networks standardly operate on 12V, 24V, or 48VDC nominal ratings, our switches support a broad input spectrum of 9–56VDC.
This wide-voltage architecture ensures that even if the nominal voltage fluctuates by ±20% or more due to heavy machinery start-ups or unstable power grids on the factory floor, the switch’s internal voltage regulators continue to deliver a stable, constant current. This resilience guarantees uninterrupted uptime and prevents device reboots in harsh electromagnetic environments.
What is Power Redundancy in industrial switches, and what are the types?
Power redundancy eliminates single points of failure in mission-critical networks. Depending on the hardware architecture, our switches utilize one of two redundancy designs:
- Dual Power Inputs (Terminal Block Redundancy): The switch contains a single internal power conversion module but provides two independent terminal input paths (P1 and P2). If the external primary power circuit or power supply unit (PSU) fails, the switch instantly draws current from the secondary backup circuit without network downtime. This is ideal for mitigating external line failures.
- Dual Power Modules (Hardware Redundancy): The chassis integrates two completely independent internal power supply modules. In the event of a catastrophic internal component failure within Power Module A, Power Module B immediately assumes the full power load. This carrier-grade design is engineered for high-availability industrial environments demanding maximum reliability.
Why do PSE port output voltage ranges vary across different PoE standards?
The output voltage of a PoE switch is strictly defined by the IEEE 802.3af/at/bt standards. As the power budget escalates, the minimum required output voltage is raised systematically to maintain maximum transmission efficiency and counteract line resistance:
- IEEE 802.3af (PoE): Delivers a port output voltage range of 44–57VDC. Engineered primarily for low-power edge devices.
- IEEE 802.3at (PoE+): Elevates the output voltage range to 50–57VDC. Because the power scales up to 30W, the current increases. Raising the minimum voltage threshold drastically reduces power dissipation along the ethernet cable.
- IEEE 802.3bt (PoE++): To support high-power delivery up to 60W (Type 3) and 90W (Type 4), the output ranges are further increased to 50–57VDC and 52–57VDC respectively. This guarantees that PD devices receive stable, sufficient power even after experiencing severe voltage drops over maximum cable distances (up to 100 meters).
Consequently, PoE switches enforce rigid minimum hardware input voltage requirements corresponding to their targeted operational standards:
- 802.3af (PoE) Mode: Requires a minimum switch input voltage of 48VDC.
- 802.3at (PoE+) Mode: Requires a minimum switch input voltage of 50VDC.
- 802.3bt (PoE++) Mode: Requires a minimum switch input voltage of 50VDC or 52VDC.
*While PoE port outputs are bound by international standards, the switch’s power supply input must be adjusted based on the total PoE budget and cable attenuation to ensure stable network uptime.
What is a "DC 24V Powered PoE Switch" and how does it work?
PoE switches powered by a 24VDC source generally fall into two distinct engineering architectures:
- Passive PoE (Non-Standard PoE Switches): These devices directly output raw 24VDC over the Ethernet cable without conducting standard handshake negotiations. Caution: Passive 24V PoE switches must never be mixed with standard IEEE-compliant devices, as delivering unnegotiated voltage can permanently burn out the connected hardware.
- Standard PoE with Built-in Voltage Booster: These switches accept a standard 24VDC industrial input but utilize an internal step-up (booster) circuit to elevate the internal voltage to the standard PoE range before routing it to the PoE controller module. These switches perform full PD detection and power negotiation before deploying electricity. Due to the physical current limitations of 24V step-up circuits, the maximum output is standardly capped at 30W per port (IEEE 802.3at PoE+) and cannot support the ultra-high-power 802.3bt standard.
The switch is powered on, but the connected devices are malfunctioning. How do I troubleshoot this?
Power-related operational anomalies typically manifest in two primary scenarios, which should be troubleshooted as follows:
Scenario 1: The Power LED is completely OFF.
The hardware has failed to initialize. Verify the input voltage range listed on the device’s serial label and use a digital multimeter to confirm that the actual output voltage of your power supply satisfies the switch’s required thresholds. For PoE switches, explicitly check against the IEEE criteria. For instance, if the switch is configured for 802.3bt 90W output, it demands a strict minimum input of 52VDC; supplying a standard 48VDC adapter will cause the switch to malfunction or refuse to initialize PoE delivery.
Scenario 2: The Power LED flashes continuously or loops.
The switch is caught in a reboot/boot-loop cycle. If utilizing a standalone external power adapter, verify its output stability under load. Secondly, inspect the physical terminal block connector on the switch to ensure all wires are securely fastened with no loose contacts causing intermittent resistance.
Can a switch labeled for AC 220V power input be connected to a DC 110V power source?
Connecting a DC source to an AC-labeled terminal depends entirely on the power supply architecture and requires a two-step validation:
Step 1: Verify Voltage Range Compatibility You can only connect a DC 110V source if the datasheet explicitly defines a wide-range universal input (e.g., AC 85–264V / DC 110–370V). Note that 110VDC is typically the absolute lower threshold of the operational range. Before connection, use a multimeter to measure the DC grid voltage under load to ensure it remains strictly above 110VDC, avoiding voltage sags that cause device boot loops.
Step 2: Identify and Wire the Terminal Block
- Universal L/N Terminals: If the switch features a single power input block marked with L (Line) and N (Neutral), the internal circuitry incorporates a bridge rectifier. Wiring orientation is flexible, but it is standard industrial best practice to connect the Positive lead (+) to L and the Negative lead (-) to N.
- Dedicated DC Terminals: If the device provides separate, dedicated DC terminal contacts, you must strictly respect the polarity. Double-check all positive and negative wire assignments before energizing the circuit via the circuit breaker.
INDUSTRIAL ETHERNET SWITCHES
9 QUESTIONS
What is the purpose of a network switch's IP address?
All managed Ethernet switches are assigned a default IP address to allow secure access to the device’s local management platform. By entering this IP address into a web browser, users can log into the Web Management Interface (Web GUI) to configure and manage network features across different layers:
Layer 2/2+ Management: Configure essential network optimizations such as VLANs, Multicast Traffic Control (IGMP Snooping), and Redundant Ring Protocols (ERPS/RSTP) to prevent loops and ensure network uptime.
Layer 3 Performance: For switches with Layer 3 capabilities, the IP architecture allows the device to handle inter-VLAN traffic, traffic segmentation, and routing functionalities, enabling it to efficiently direct data between different subnets.
Additionally, the IP address supports network diagnostics via the ICMP protocol (such as the ping command), helping network administrators easily verify host connectivity and accelerate system-wide troubleshooting.
What is the default IP address of the switch?
The default network settings for our industrial managed switches are as follows:
IP Address: 192.168.1.6/24
Username: admin
Password: admin
What should I do if I forget the switch's IP address?
If you forget or lose the switch’s current IP address, you can retrieve or reset it using one of the following two methods:
Method 1: Hardware Reset Button (RST)Locate the RST (Reset) button on the switch’s front panel. Press and hold it for 5 to 8 seconds to restore the device to its factory default settings. Once reset, you can log in using the original default IP address (192.168.1.6) and reconfigure your network settings.
Method 2: Serial Console Port (CLI)Connect a console cable to the switch’s physical Console Port. Access the Command Line Interface (CLI) using terminal emulation software (such as PuTTY). Run the show running-config command (or specific IP interface commands) to view and retrieve the currently assigned IP address without interrupting device operation.
What types of fiber ports are available on switches, and how should I choose the right one?
Selecting the correct fiber interface depends on your specific network topology and environmental requirements. You should evaluate the following key indicators:
- Transmission Speed: Fast Ethernet fiber ports utilize 155 Mbps optical modules, whereas Gigabit Ethernet ports require 1.25 Gbps modules.
- Connector Type: Common fiber patch cord interfaces include LC, SC, ST, and FC. Typically, LC is the standard for Gigabit or 10-Gigabit high-density connections, while SC/ST/FC are widely used for Fast Ethernet or standard Gigabit links.
- Fiber Core Mode: Choose between Single-mode (SM) for long distances or Multi-mode (MM) for short-range local networking.
- Strand Configuration (Single vs. Dual Fiber):
– BiDi (Single-Fiber) technologies transmit and receive over one strand and must be deployed in complementary pairs (e.g., Side A: Tx1310nm/Rx1550nm must connect to Side B: Tx1550nm/Rx1310nm).
– Standard Dual-Fiber interfaces do not require specific pairing; you simply cross-connect the Tx (Transmit) and Rx (Receive) channels between adjacent switches. - Transmission Distance: Options are categorized based on point-to-point field requirements, typically scaling across 10, 20, 40, 60, 80, or 100 km.
- Form Factor: Available as hot-swappable SFP slots (for flexible module upgrades) or 1×9 fixed transceiver modules (soldered directly onto the PCB for maximum vibration resistance).
What causes a switch's fiber port to fail or remain disconnected?
Fiber ports usually serve as the backbone links or aggregation channels between switches. If the fiber port LED indicator remains off, the connection is down. This is commonly caused by:
- Incorrect Tx/Rx Wiring: Standard dual-fiber connections require a cross-connection (Tx to Rx, and Rx to Tx). A straight-through connection will prevent link establishment.
- Speed Mismatch: Fiber ports adhere to Ethernet standards and require mutual rate negotiation. If one switch is set to Fast Ethernet and the opposite end is Gigabit, the link cannot be established. Ensure both sides operate at identical speeds.
- Optical Power Attenuation: The Tx output power and Rx receiver sensitivity determine the link budget. For example, a standard 20km Single-mode dual-fiber Fast Ethernet module has a Tx power of approximately -3 to -14 dBm and an Rx sensitivity around -31 dBm. Gigabit modules typically operate with a Tx power of 0 to -5 dBm and an Rx sensitivity near -21 dBm. Minor variances exist across different transceiver brands.
- Troubleshooting Tip: The most reliable method is using a Managed Switch with DDM (Digital Diagnostic Monitoring) functionality to read the real-time optical Tx/Rx power values in the web GUI. Alternatively, use a physical Optical Power Meter to verify if the received light intensity falls within the transceiver’s operational sensitivity range after traversing the fiber cable.
What is a Redundant Ring Network on a switch?
A redundant ring network is a highly reliable network topology where multiple switches are connected end-to-end via fiber optic or copper cables to form a physical “closed loop.”
Its primary purpose is to provide link redundancy, preventing massive network outages caused by a single point of failure (such as a cut cable). Switches supporting this topology must be Managed Switches capable of running ring protocols. These protocols logically block data loops during normal operation to prevent broadcast storms, and “fast-heal” (instantly switch) to the backup path within milliseconds if a failure occurs.
What are the common Ring Redundancy protocols?
Industrial and enterprise networks utilize different ring protocols depending on the required recovery time and compliance standards:
- Industrial Standard Protocols:
- ERPS (ITU-T G.8032): The global standard for carrier-grade Ethernet ring protection, delivering a self-healing recovery time of under 50 milliseconds.
- MRP (Media Redundancy Protocol, IEC 62439-2): A widely adopted standard in industrial automation environments for deterministic fault tolerance.
- Legacy Spanning Tree Protocols:
- STP / RSTP (IEEE 802.1D/w): While these traditional protocols can handle ring structures, their convergence time is typically in the seconds range, which fails to meet real-time industrial control demands. Additionally, RSTP has a structural limitation, supporting a maximum of 40 nodes per ring network
What are the troubleshooting methods for Gigabit fiber port failures on a switch?
Gigabit SFP fiber ports serve as critical network uplinks. If a connection issue occurs, follow these three systematic diagnostic steps:
- Step 1: Observe LED Indicators and Link Status The port LEDs reflect the physical link state. Verify the indicators on both connected devices. If one end is UP (LED on) while the opposite end remains DOWN (LED off), it typically indicates a physical-layer handshake failure.
- Step 2: Check Speed and Duplex Configurations (Primary Root Cause) Standard Gigabit SFP modules do not support automatic downgrades to Fast Ethernet (100Mbps). Switches generally identify fiber port speeds using one of two mechanisms:
- Mechanism 1 (Hardware-Level Auto-Negotiation): The switch’s Physical Layer (PHY) chip directly monitors configuration code streams (such as Fast Link Pulses or /C/ codes) within the fiber link to negotiate speed and duplex modes with the remote peer. Our unmanaged switches primarily utilize this mechanism for robust plug-and-play capability and broad backward compatibility.
- Mechanism 2 (Software-Driven Management Identification): The switch CPU reads the SFP module’s DDM data and vendor ID via the I2C bus, then actively forces the port hardware to the corresponding speed before initiating the link.
Telemetry Warning: If Mechanism 1 connects to Mechanism 2 on opposite ends, negotiation often fails, resulting in link down. To resolve this, log into the Managed Switch’s Command Line Interface (CLI) and manually force both ends to matching configurations (e.g., force Gigabit Full-Duplex).
- Step 3: Inspect Physical Infrastructure and Optical Power (Secondary Root Cause)If the link LED remains completely off, utilize professional testing instruments to inspect the physical fiber line:
- Optical Power Meter: Measure the received optical power at the Rx end. Ensure the reading is higher than the module’s Receiver Sensitivity and does not exceed its Saturation/Overload threshold
- Visual Fault Locator (VFL / Laser Pointer): While useful for checking continuity, a VFL has limitations. It only confirms whether a fiber strand is broken or if the Tx/Rx patch cords are reversed. It cannot measure actual optical attenuation and therefore cannot substitute for an Optical Power Meter.
How do I access and manage a Managed Switch using a PC web browser?
To configure and monitor your managed switch via its local Web application, proceed with the following steps:
- Step 1: Enter the Default Management IP
Open a web browser on your PC, type the switch’s default management IP address 192.168.1.6 into the address bar, and press Enter to load the login page. - Step 2: Configure the PC’s Network Interface Card (NIC)
Your computer’s IP address must reside within the identical network subnet as the switch. For modern Windows operating systems, configure your static IP via the following path:
Settings ➔ Network & internet ➔ Advanced network settings ➔ More network adapter options ➔ Right-click your Local Area Connection/Ethernet ➔ Select Properties ➔ Double-click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
Manually assign a static IP address for your PC within the 192.168.1.X range (where X is any number from 2 to 254, excluding the switch’s IP 6, such as 192.168.1.100), and set the Subnet Mask to 255.255.255.0. Once applied, you can successfully log into the Web GUI using the default credentials (admin/admin).