General Electric Multilin’s MultiNet-FE Ethernet switch

About the MULTINET-FE

Industrially hardened for harsh operating environments, General Electric Multilin’s MultiNet-FE is a Serial to Ethernet Converter designed for use with any GE Multilin IEDs (Intelligent End Devices). The unit transforms Modbus RTU over RS485 into Modbus TCP/IP over Ethernet, offering new communications capabilities to IEDs that do not inherently offer Ethernet elements. It can connect up to thirty-two RS485 serial devices to an Ethernet network and supports both 10BaseF and 10BaseT fiber connections. Device setup is easy and efficient when employing Multilin’s industry-leading EnerVista software, which features Plug & Play functionality.

The MultiNet-FE device reduces user costs by eliminating complex wiring processes and the associated charges. RS485 cable runs are typically quite expensive, and removing this aspect in systems reduces set up time and eliminates costly fees. Set up for the device is also made easier through convenient mountability; the unit is DIN rail mountable and comes with two DIN rail clips at the rear of the unit. The clips can affix the unit onto a standard 35 mm DIN rail. 

The device features a number of ports, terminals, and LEDs that assist users in making connections to the unit and reviewing system processes. MultiNet FE’s LEDs can indicate when the unit is ready, when Ethernet links are active, when the unit is not in service due to system errors, and when fiber connections are properly made. The fiber terminals accept 50/125, 62.5/125, and 100/140 um fiber sizes. The 10Base port accepts standard RJ45 Ethernet cables and can connect directly to a laptop.