3 min
Introduction
In industrial networking, extreme heat is more than a challenge, it’s a constant. From scorching roadside cabinets to sun-baked control rooms and plant floors, devices are pushed to their limits. That’s why Comnet engineers its switches to go beyond commercial-grade performance and operate where most others fail. Designed for mission-critical reliability in harsh conditions, Comnet’s products are built to thrive under pressure—and under heat.
Why Operating Temperature Matters in Industrial Networking
Ambient temperature isn't just what the forecast says, it’s the temperature at the device level, often impacted by nearby heat sources. Think HVAC exhausts, control panels, or enclosed cabinets that trap heat. In these environments, electronics are subject to thermal stress that can degrade performance or cause premature failure. That’s why industrial networking equipment must be purpose-built to handle these extremes.
At Comnet, our industrial switches are rated to operate in temperatures up to +75°C (167°F). That’s beyond what most commercial-grade electronics can withstand. It’s not a feature—it’s a necessity.
Engineered for Heat: Comnet’s Thermal Management Approach
To achieve this level of thermal durability, Comnet relies on a design-first philosophy rooted in proven thermal management techniques:
- High-Temperature Components: Every component in a Comnet product is rated for extended temperature operation. No corners are cut—because one weak link can cause an entire system failure.
- Efficient Board Design: Our circuit boards are precisely laid out to reduce transmission path length and minimize heat-producing resistance. Less resistance means less heat.
- Low Power Consumption: We optimize power usage to keep internal heat to a minimum which supports not only performance, but sustainability.
And when more power is needed—such as Power over Ethernet (PoE) applications up to 90W per port—our designs account for the added thermal load. Comnet switches like the CNGE10FX2TX8MSBT can deliver a full 720W PoE budget across all ports while maintaining safe internal temperatures even at +70°C.
No Fans. No Failures.
Unlike commercial-grade gear, Comnet does not rely on internal fans. Why? Fans have moving parts that fail over time—especially in dirty, high-temperature environments. Instead, we use passive cooling techniques such as:
- Integrated Heatsinks: Designed into the enclosures and circuit boards to transfer heat away from critical components.
- Ribbed Aluminum Enclosures: Not just for aesthetics—these fins maximize surface area for air cooling without the need for moving parts.
- Thermal Bonding: Internal components are bonded to the chassis to dissipate heat more effectively.
This rugged, fanless design eliminates failure points and ensures reliability in dusty roadside cabinets, trackside enclosures, power substations, and industrial control rooms.
Better for the System, Not Just the Switch
Thermal management isn’t just about protecting the switch—it’s about protecting the entire system. Poorly designed devices can radiate excess heat, putting strain on nearby equipment like power supplies, creating a ripple effect that reduces uptime and increases service costs.
Comnet’s switches are engineered with system-level thinking—ensuring your entire network benefits from smarter, more efficient thermal design.
Field-Proven: CNGE10FX2TX8MSBT
Our latest launch, the CNGE10FX2TX8MSBT, proves what’s possible when smart engineering meets real-world thermal challenges. This switch supports 90W PoE on all 8 ports simultaneously with a full 720W power budget—and holds that spec at operating temps up to +70°C.
It’s not just a high-power PoE switch—it’s a hardened, intelligent platform for video surveillance, perimeter detection, ITS, and industrial automation applications. And it’s built to stay connected—even in the toughest environments.
Why Comnet?
- Rated for Extreme Temperatures: Up to +75°C operational range.
- No Fans. No Failures.: Passive cooling design built for long life.
- Mission-Critical Reliability: Ideal for transportation, energy, security, and manufacturing.
- Designed & Tested in the USA: NDAA and TAA compliant.
- Trusted by Engineers Worldwide: When uptime matters, they choose Comnet.
Stay connected. Stay cool. Stay Comnet.
Ready to explore hardened industrial switches that thrive in the heat?
📧 Contact us at comnetsales@acresecurity.com to learn more.
