Managed Industrial Ethernet Switches for Edge Network Deployments
Advantech introduces the EKI-8700 series, compact 10G Layer 3 managed industrial Ethernet switches built for edge AI infrastructure and harsh environments.
Advantech launches the EKI-8700 series
Advantech launches EKI-8700 Series, compact 10G L3 switches for edge network deployments.
Advantech, a global leader in IoT intelligent systems and embedded platforms, recently announced the launch of the EKI-8700 series of managed industrial Ethernet switches. Available in 8-port and 16-port GbE configurations, the series combines four 10G SFP+ uplinks and full Layer 3 functionality, providing a high-performance networking solution in a compact DIN-rail form factor designed for intelligent transportation, e-station/trackside systems, and edge AI infrastructure.
As camera resolutions advance to 4K and 8K, multi-sensor fusion becomes standard practice at the network edge, and AI-driven applications place growing demands on bandwidth and compute resources, conventional 1G industrial switches increasingly struggle to keep pace. The EKI-8700 series addresses this challenge with high-throughput 10G uplinks, full Layer 3 functionality, and a space-saving chassis that fits within existing cabinet infrastructures—providing the bandwidth and reliability needed to support evolving AI-driven applications.
High-bandwidth edge routing for data-intensive applications
The EKI-8700 series provides four 10G SFP+ uplink ports alongside full Layer 3 functionality, including static routing, RIP/OSPF, NAT, VRRP, and PIM. This allows data to be processed and routing decisions to be made locally at the edge node rather than routed back to a central controller, easing backbone network traffic and enabling faster response for latency-sensitive applications such as intersection monitoring and production-line control. NAT further allows system integrators to integrate new equipment with legacy subsystems without reconfiguring existing IP addresses, helping reduce on-site deployment time. For simpler network architectures that don't require Layer 3 routing, Advantech also offers the EKI-7700 series, a Layer 2 managed Ethernet switch with a similar feature set, allowing customers to choose the solution that best matches their network complexity.
Industrial-grade reliability in a compact form factor
Engineered with X-Ring Pro redundancy technology, the EKI-8700 series delivers ring network recovery in under 20 milliseconds, helping ensure continuous operation for mission-critical applications. With a -40°C to 75°C operating temperature range, the series is well suited to outdoor cabinets and harsh industrial environments. The chassis is a compact 57.5mm (EKI-8712), enabling installation into existing cabinets and control panels without requiring costly modifications or additional space.
Simplified power delivery and industrial cybersecurity protection
The EKI-8700 series supports up to 16 ports of IEEE 802.3at/af PoE, with a PoE power budget of up to 480W – enabling power delivery to cameras, sensors, and wireless access points directly through a network connection without additional power infrastructure. Security is built into the system architecture: the switches are designed in line IEC 62443 standards and support 802.1X, ACL, RADIUS, TACACS+, SNMPv3, HTTPS, SSH, and SFTP, helping protect OT networks against unauthorised access while providing the security controls required for industrial deployments.
EKI-8700 series key advantages
- Full L3 Functions: Static Routing, RIP/OSPF, NAT, VRRP, PIM
Fast Network Recovery: X-Ring Pro, ring recovery <20ms
High-Capacity PoE: Up to 480W
Wide Operating Temperature: -40°C to 75°C (depending on model)
Compact Chassis: As narrow as 57.5mm, fits existing cabinets
Security Compliance: Designed in line with IEC 62443, with support for 802.1X, ACL, RADIUS, TACACS+ and more
The EKI-8700 series offers a diverse range of port configurations:
EKI-8712G-4XFPI: L3 8G + 4 10G SFP+ Port Managed Industrial PoE Switch
EKI-8712G-4XFI: L3 8G + 4 10G SFP+ Port Managed Industrial Switch
EKI-8720G-4XFPI: L3 16G + 4 10G SFP+ Port Managed Industrial PoE Switch
EKI-8720G-4XFI: L3 16G + 4 10G SFP+ Port Managed Industrial Switch
Advantech is a global leader in IoT intelligent systems and embedded platforms, with the corporate vision of ‘Enabling an Intelligent Planet’. To embrace the trends of edge computing and artificial intelligence, Advantech fully deploys its sector-driven strategy and focus on Edge Computing and Edge AI, targeting five key markets: Edge Intelligence Systems, Manufacturing, Energy and Utilities, iHealthcare, and iCity Services & iRetail. In the meantime, Advantech is enhancing its global presence and core competitiveness by integrating its Edge Computing hardware platform, the WISE-IoT software platform, and sector-specific Edge AI solutions with domain expertise. The integration will form an "Orchestration" model for seamless industrial chain connections, benefiting both our partners and clients. Advantech is also working with business partners to co-create business ecosystems that accelerate the goal of industrial intelligence.
