Ethernet switch designed specifically for the utility and industrial markets

The SEL-2730M Managed 24-Port Ethernet Switch is a tough, easy-to-use managed
Ethernet switch designed specifically for the utility and industrial markets.
2

The SEL-2730M provides an Ethernet local-area network (LAN) communications solution
for substation communication.
The goal at SEL is to provide our customers with a fully integrated substation
communications system.
3

In creating the SEL-2730M, SEL applied decades of experience building protection,
control, and automation solutions, with the goal of providing a more integrated substation
communications system that is robust, reliable, secure and easy to use.
4

In a typical substation communications application, there are many message types that must
be prioritized and sent to the appropriate devices—both within the substation and also
externally to the network operations center via the ICON Integrated Communications
Optical Network access to a wide-area network (WAN). These message types include
IEC 61850 Generic Object-Oriented Substation Event (GOOSE), supervisory control and
data acquisition (SCADA), engineering management, and security messages.
Note that whenever messages are passed into or out of the substation, they must be meet
certain security requirements, which are handled in this example by the SEL-3620 Ethernet
Security Gateway.
5

The SEL-2730M is designed and tested to IEEE 1613 Class 2 and IEC 61850-3 standards,
which require uninterrupted operation for mission-critical communications during
electromagnetic interference (EMI) stress and environmental testing. IEC 60255 covers
vibration testing, including endurance, shock, and earthquake standards.
KEMA and UL certification testing of the SEL-2730M are in progress. KEMA certification
indicates that the switch is fully compliant with its standards. UL certification is required in
many industrial applications.
6

Looking at the port configuration options, the base model SEL-2730M comes with
20 copper Ethernet ports—16 are 10/100 Mbps and 4 are Gigabit Ethernet.
The modular design allows the 10/100 drop ports to be upgraded to 10/100 fiber ports,
which can be either single-mode or multimode.
The SEL-2730M can also be populated with four small form-factor pluggable (SFP) cages
to support SFP transceivers with LC-type connectors. These may also be either singlemode
or multimode. The transceivers can be added in the field while the switch is in
operation. Adding all four SFP transceivers creates a total of 8 gigabits of uplink capability.
7

The various SFP transceiver options for use in the SEL-2730M are shown on the slide. One
available option is even rated for 80 kilometers, which is useful for long distances when
trying to meet network requirements.
Note that the switch will not work with third-party SFP transceivers. SEL designed the
switch this way in order to ensure that the entire product, including the SFP transceivers,
fully meets industry standards.
The SFP transceivers can be installed in the field and are hot swappable, allowing upgrades
to occur while the switch is in operation.
With 8 gigabits of uplink capability, the SEL-2730M is ready to handle expanding uplink
needs for years to come as the smart grid data requirements grow.
8

The SEL-2730M comes standard in a 1 RU-high, 19-inch rack-mount form factor with one
power supply. An ordering option is also available for an additional power supply, which
provides the capability to have hot swappable dual redundancy.
The benefit of having dual power supplies is that each power supply may be connected to a
separate power source, a substation battery on one and ac power on the other. In the event
that one source fails or is not available, the unit remains in service. In the unlikely event
that a power supply fails, the failed power supply can be swapped without having to take
the unit out of service.
9

The SEL-2730M has several key features associated with switch traffic management.
Unlike other messaging protocols, Ethernet messages do not time out or expire. This can
cause a problem of messages endlessly looping through the system. Rapid Spanning Tree
Protocol (RSTP) is a methodology designed specifically to quickly and effectively pass
messages through the network without trapping them in an endless loop. RSTP keeps track
of port availability and ensures that messages are routed to only those ports that are
available, thus ensuring the fastest transport of priority messages.
10

Virtual local-area networks (VLANs) allow network traffic to be isolated between groups
of intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) or by GOOSE message type.
11

Utilizing Ethernet class of service (CoS) methodologies minimizes latency for missioncritical
applications.
12

Finally, Simple Network Time Protocol (SNTP) client mode synchronizes network
resources and provides a synchronized network time stamp.
13

The SEL-2730M has several essential security features built in.
Simple Network Management Protocol Version 3 (SNMPv3) provides a standardized method to work with
other network management systems (NMSs), as well as the SEL-5051 Network Management Software. The
SEL-2730M is also compatible with SNMP Version 2 (SNMPv2) to work with other NMS software.
SNMPv3 provides the following security features:
• Message integrity, which ensures a packet has not been tampered with while in transit.
• Authentication, which determines that the message is from a valid source.
• Encryption, which scrambles the contents of a packet to prevent it from being seen by an unauthorized
source.
This level of security allows data to be collected securely from SNMP devices without the fear of data
tampering or corruption.
And confidential information (e.g., SNMP SET command packets that change router configuration) can be
encrypted to prevent the contents from being exposed on the network.
Security logging is supported and is settable and viewable from the web interface.
User-based accounts are supported. The interface is just like a Microsoft ® Windows ® login.
Using port-based security, the SEL-2730M allows users to create access lists and restrict port access to
legitimate stations using one of three methods: Static Lock, Count Lock, or Time Lock mode.
Finally, all rear ports may be turned on or off (activated or deactivated) via the web interface to meet
security requirements.
14

Installing, configuring, and maintaining the SEL-2730M is easy and convenient.
A laptop, smart phone, or other web-enabled device can be used to access the simple and
secure web interface.
Switch parameters can also be set in an office. The configuration can then be delivered to
remote devices using a third-party NMS.
The status and parameters of the SEL-2730M can be monitored using the SEL-5051
software via an ICON monitor.
15

Another key feature of the SEL-2730M is the simple, plug-and-play design.
The switch is designed to use immediately as an unmanaged switch that can be configured
for managed operations at a later time.
Commissioning and setting up the SEL-2730M is easy using the captive portal. The captive
portal technique directs the user to a special webpage used for authentication purposes
before allowing access to the Internet. This effectively turns the web browser into an
authentication device.
When configuring the switch, setup is very straightforward and intuitive. The setup
procedures were developed with non-IT personnel in mind, and it requires minimal port
settings.
16

The SEL-2730M can be front- or rear-mounted, allowing the uplink and downlink ports to
be visible on the front of the rack.
Another option includes the use of conformal coating, which is used in environments that
are subject to corrosive chemicals, salt spray (marine), or high humidity.
17

The numerous ordering options available with the SEL-2730M are shown on the slide.
18

The SEL-2730M base model is priced at $1,850. It will be available in the second quarter
of 2012.
19

SEL builds switches in our U.S.-based manufacturing facilities, using the same processes
we use to build relays. SEL offers the same ten-year, worldwide warranty for our
communications equipment that we do for our protection and automation equipment.
20

SEL provides a fully integrated communications system designed specifically to address
the unique requirements of the substation. The SEL-2730M is tough, reliable, secure, and
easy to use. It also is a key component of the LAN communications solution.
21