Maritime and offshore
Robust Ethernet solutions for the marine industry
Modern shipboard solutions are becoming increasingly automated. In order to provide centralised control and monitoring it is necessary to be able to collect data from the vessels many subsystems. Today, the Ethernet network has become the industry norm offering simplicity and reliability of connection.
Westermo have a comprehensive range of Ethernet switches approved for maritime use. All of these products have been fully tested and certified by DNV (Det Norske Veritas) allowing them to be used within many shipboard systems like propulsion, dynamic positioning, bridge control, alarm management and observation systems.
Certified by DNV GL
Maritime facilities are known for their harsh environments. Brutal offshore climate and weather conditions are factors which underscore the importance of making sure that products used for operation are robust enough to withstand these persistent conditions over longer periods.
Read more about the DNV approval and see all DNV certified products.
Read moreSecure ship-wide Ethernet solutions
The Lynx and Redfox switches are powered by the Westermo WeOS operating system. This can provide some revolutionary networking capabilities. With more and more subsystems relying on Ethernet connectivity, there will be more need to connect subsystem networks. Despite the obvious advantages of sharing networking resources, care should be taken to ensure that data from one network does not affect another system. If, for instance, IP cameras are used on a network to provide visual monitoring of unmanned areas, large amounts of data from cameras can flood the network and inhibit the function of other systems. By using VLANs or IGMP snooping, this data can be controlled or totally segregated. Westermo’s port based firewall solution can also be employed to create secure zones and ensure only the required information passes between different subsystems.
Many ships nowadays have satellite based broadband systems that can allow remote connectivity. By using the remote access VPN capability of the Lynx and Redfox, a secure connection can be made via the ship board network directly to a ship subsystem providing the propulsion manufacturer, for instance, the ability to monitor performance remotely or offer instant support in the event of a system problem.
No interference to other electronics
Did you know the DNV approval for the Lynx allows the switch within 5cm of the ships compass?
The Lynx has the best DNV approval in class. The magnetic field around the Lynx is so small it can be mounted withing 5cm of the compass. Most other devices in the same class are not permitted to be mounted any closer than 20cm. It would be unusual to find a Lynx so close to a ship's magnetic compass. However, the very small magnetic field means the Lynx can be installed safely in locations where magnetic fields will influence delicate electronic equipment.
Mikael Lindahl
Network application specialist
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