Nexans Introduces New Fiber Switch Model for Wind Turbines

Regulatory News:

Nexans (Paris:NEX), the worldwide leader in the cable industry, introduces the new iSwitch G 1043E, an intelligent Fast/Gigabit Ethernet switch system for harsh environment applications. This small and rugged switch contains 3 fiber optic SFP (Small Form Factor Pluggable) uplink ports and 8 TP (twisted pair) copper ports to realize multiple applications such as monitoring, service telephone, camera surveillance, diagnostics of rotor blades, access control, etc. via just one optical fiber. The implemented manageable Power over-Ethernet (PoE) feature (optional) makes it further possible to power e. g. IP cameras, wireless access points, VoIP phones or multifunctional terminals directly via the switch system. This technology answers the increasing demand for fiber-optic installations within wind turbines and, at the same time, reduces investment cost for new components.

Protecting network in extreme environmental conditions

The enhanced internal construction of the new iSwitch features special components for operating under demanding conditions. Furthermore, the iSwitch allows an early detection of changes on the optical link and a fast and easy localization of possible faults on the copper twisted pair cables links. Supporting the Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP), the iSwitch system will automatically change over to a redundant link in the event of transmission failure.

User-oriented features optimizing workflow

The switch systems inside the wind turbines can be monitored and managed through an easy-to-use system interface NexManV3. This management software tool does not require any knowledge of complex management software systems.

In addition all iSwitch systems are equipped with an integrated MMC card slot through which the complete system configuration may be saved as a backup copy. In the event of a failure, the maintenance personnel only needs to swap out the MMC card from the old switch, insert it into the new switch, and the configuration will automatically be mirrored to the new device. This means, that non-IT maintenance personnel can replace and reconfigure the switch in a quick and inexpensive manner. This is ideal for offshore turbines.

Total solution supporting performance

Capable of outfitting an entire network through its WINDLINK® range of cable solutions that ensure reliable wind turbine performance for manufacturers worldwide, Nexans produces everything in a wind turbine from loop and nacelle cables to optical fiber cables and active equipment. This advantage makes it possible to test switches with cables under live conditions, ensuring compatibility and durability as a system. Nexans’ closely connected functions such as research, sales and technical support provide a most comprehensive and quick response to customers’ request.

With more than 20 years of experience in development and production of optical solutions, Nexans Active Networking Systems (ANS) has been contributing to the excellent performance of various civil and industrial applications (e.g. transformer substation networks, traffic management systems, video surveillance networks at airports, hospitals etc.). This proven expertise is a strong technology assurance for major international wind energy projects.

About Nexans

With energy as the basis of its development, Nexans, the worldwide leader in the cable industry, offers an extensive range of cables and cabling systems. The Group is a global player in the infrastructure, industry, building and Local Area Network markets. Nexans addresses a series of market segments from energy, transport and telecom networks to shipbuilding, oil and gas, nuclear power, automotive, electronics, aeronautics, handling and automation. With an industrial presence in 39 countries and commercial activities worldwide, Nexans employs 22,400 people and had sales in 2008 of 6.8 billion euros. Nexans is listed on NYSE Euronext Paris, compartment A. More information on www.nexans.com