Procure 1783-BMS20CGL now for high-density network expansion
The Allen-Bradley 1783-BMS20CGL is an ultra-high-density managed industrial Ethernet switch from the Stratix 5700 portfolio. Designed to consolidate extensive network architectures into a single, centralized node, this hardware minimizes the need for daisy-chaining multiple smaller switches. It is the optimal solution for large-scale automation panels, complex packaging lines, and process control systems where numerous programmable logic controllers (PLCs), variable frequency drives (VFDs), and remote I/O modules must communicate simultaneously without latency or packet collisions.
Technical Specifications
- Total Network Ports: 20 ports total.
- Port Breakdown: Sixteen (16) 10/100 Mbps Fast Ethernet copper ports, two (2) 10/100/1000 Mbps Gigabit combo ports, and two (2) dedicated 10/100 Mbps SFP fiber slots.
- Firmware Tier: Lite Software (FW).
- Power Consumption: Maximum of 30 W (21 W nominal at 24V DC, 40°C).
- Dimensions: 12.7 cm Width x 12.95 cm Height x 13.58 cm Depth.
- Weight: Approximately 2.04 kg.
Comprehensive Technical Overview
The 1783-BMS20CGL is engineered around industry-leading Cisco Catalyst architecture, ensuring that the IT department and the OT (Operational Technology) floor can integrate seamlessly. While this model features the «Lite» firmware tier, it still delivers robust Layer 2 management tools that are essential for industrial stability. It fully supports Device Level Ring (DLR) protocols, allowing engineers to create highly resilient ring topologies where a single cable break will not halt the manufacturing process. The sheer volume of ports—including specialized Gigabit uplinks and fiber-optic SFP slots—provides unmatched flexibility. You can connect 16 local machine devices via standard copper while utilizing the fiber SFP slots to establish a noise-immune, long-distance uplink to the main plant server room or a supervisory SCADA system. The switch also supports advanced diagnostic tools and port mirroring, allowing technicians to analyze network traffic with tools like Wireshark without disrupting active control data.
Expert Installation and Thermal Management Advice
Deploying a 20-port switch requires meticulous cable management and thermal consideration. With a maximum power dissipation of 30 watts, this switch generates more heat than smaller models. Ensure that the DIN rail mounting location within the control panel provides at least 50mm of clearance above and below the chassis to allow for natural convection cooling. When populating all 20 ports, utilize structured cable routing ducts to prevent mechanical stress on the RJ45 connectors. The maximum ground terminal screw torque is precisely 0.96 Nm; ensuring a solid earth ground is paramount to protect the 20 connected devices from electrostatic discharge (ESD) and common-mode electrical noise.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What does the «Lite» firmware on the 1783-BMS20CGL mean?
A: The «Lite» firmware provides essential managed switch features like VLANs, QoS, and DLR. It does not include advanced features like NAT, CIP Sync (1588 PTP), or advanced routing which are found in the «Full» firmware versions.
Q: Can I use both the copper and fiber connections on the combo ports simultaneously?
A: No, a combo port shares the same internal switching fabric. You must choose to use either the RJ45 copper connection or the SFP fiber slot for that specific port number, but not both concurrently.
Q: Does this switch support Power over Ethernet (PoE)?
A: This specific catalog number (1783-BMS20CGL) does not supply PoE to connected field devices.
Series Continuity & System Integration
If your application requires Network Address Translation (NAT) or IEEE 1588 precision timing, we recommend exploring the 10-port 1783-BMS10CGN. For legacy system maintenance, we also supply the older 1783-EMS08T Stratix 6000 managed switches.
Do you need more references from this brand? Explore our full catalog of Allen-Bradley here.
