LEMUR: HiEOS simplicity with PoE+
Up to 11 ports, 180 W PoE+ budget, MRP client, ERPS, and a responsive web GUI. Ideal for cost-sensitive applications.
17.2 Lite Managed Switches
Unmanaged switches handle the simplest cells. When an application needs VLANs, ring redundancy (MRP client), or remote monitoring, but the budget does not justify a full managed switch, lite managed switches fill the gap.
Why Lite Managed Switches Exist
Section titled “Why Lite Managed Switches Exist”A packaging machine with six Ethernet devices needs MRP client participation, VLAN segmentation, and SNMP monitoring. A full managed MSP switch with Layer 3 routing is overkill. LEMUR and GECKO provide the essential managed features at a lower price point and with simpler configuration.
The LEMUR family runs HiEOS (Hirschmann Entry Operating System), a simplified operating system with an intuitive responsive web GUI.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Ports | Up to 11 (7 TX + 3 SFP + 1 combo) |
| Speed | FE (LRS30/32) or GbE (LRS40/42) |
| PoE+ | LRS32/42 variants, 180 W budget (8 PoE+ ports) |
| Housing | IP30, DIN rail |
| Temperature | -40 C to +60 C |
| Redundancy | MRP client, RSTP (802.1D-2004), ERPS (G.8032) |
| Switching | VLAN (802.1Q), IGMP snooping (v1/v2/v3), QoS, jumbo frames |
| Security | MAC address limit per port, SSH, HTTPS, SNMP v3 |
| Markets | Machine building, food and beverage, airports, mass transit |
HiEOS vs HiOS
Section titled “HiEOS vs HiOS”| Capability | HiEOS (LEMUR) | HiOS L2A |
|---|---|---|
| Web interface | Simplified responsive GUI | Full HiOS GUI |
| CLI depth | Essential commands | Full Cisco-like CLI with scripting |
| MRP role | Client only | Client + Manager |
| 802.1X / RADIUS | Not available | Full support |
| ACLs | Not available | MAC, IPv4, VLAN, time-based |
| DHCP snooping | Not available | Full support |
| ERPS (G.8032) | Supported | Requires L2A |
| Price | Lower | Higher |
The GECKO family provides the smallest and most power-efficient managed switches in the Hirschmann portfolio. Power consumption stays under 3 W.
| Specification | GECKO 4TX | GECKO 5TX | GECKO 8TX | GECKO 8TX/2SFP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ports | 4 FE | 5 FE | 8 FE | 8 FE + 2 GE SFP |
| Temperature | 0 C to +60 C | -40 C to +60 C | -40 C to +60 C | -40 C to +60 C |
| Dimensions | 25 x 114 x 79 mm | 38 x 102 x 79 mm | 38 x 102 x 79 mm | 38 x 102 x 79 mm |
| Weight | 103 g | 110 g | 203 g | 223 g |
GECKO features: RSTP, MRP (pre-configured), PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, SNMPv3, SSH, SSL, MAC-based port security, IGMP snooping, LLDP, syslog, port mirroring 1:1, and SNTP client.
Use Cases
Section titled “Use Cases”Machine building: A packaging line with 6 sensors and 2 drives connects through a GECKO 8TX. The GECKO participates in the MRP ring as a client and provides PROFINET connectivity. Total power draw: under 3 W.
Food and beverage: A bottling station uses LEMUR LRS42 switches with PoE+ to power IP cameras and barcode readers. The 180 W PoE budget eliminates separate power supplies for 8 devices.
Airports: Baggage handling systems use LEMUR switches at each conveyor junction. MRP client participation provides ring redundancy. ERPS (G.8032) provides an alternative ring protocol where MRP is not required.
Key Takeaways
Section titled “Key Takeaways”GECKO: smallest managed switch
Under 3 W, 25 mm wide (4TX variant), PROFINET/EtherNet/IP pre-configured. Use for tight spaces in machine-level networks.
What Comes Next
Section titled “What Comes Next”Lite managed switches cover basic needs. The next section covers full managed DIN rail switches that add TSN, 10 GbE, Layer 3 routing, and seamless redundancy protocols.
References
Section titled “References”- Belden/Hirschmann. (2024). LEMUR Data Sheet. Belden Inc.
- Belden/Hirschmann. (2024). GECKO Data Sheet. Belden Inc.