100 Mbps vs Gigabit Ethernet for Robotics and Automation

Fast Ethernet provides a nominal link rate of 100 megabits per second. Gigabit Ethernet provides 1,000 megabits per second: ten times the nominal link rate. These are link rates, not guaranteed application throughput; protocol overhead, endpoint processing and other traffic affect the data your application can transfer.

The R1 100 Mbps models list 10/100 Mbps connectivity. The Gigabit models list 10/100/1000 Mbps. A Gigabit switch does not make a 100 Mbps device transmit at Gigabit speed: each connection depends on both endpoints and the cable assembly.

A network carrying small status messages may have different needs from one transporting camera streams or recorded sensor data. Estimate sustained traffic, short bursts and future additions for each link, especially the connection into the main computer.

For example, three hypothetical camera streams at 40 Mbps each would send 120 Mbps toward their receiving computer before allowing for additional overhead or traffic. A shared 100 Mbps connection to that computer would be insufficient. This is a planning example, not a measured R1 switch benchmark.

Gigabit offers more bandwidth for that path, but bandwidth alone does not establish response time, deterministic control or synchronized acquisition. Confirm latency and timing requirements separately. R1’s PTP and AVB support remains under hardware/firmware review.

The R1 Gigabit switches use X-coded M12 data connections. The 100 Mbps switches use D-coded M12 data connections. Specify the coding, mating connector, pin assignment and equipment-side termination together; the M12 name alone does not identify a compatible Ethernet cable.

Review the selected listing’s cable requirements and confirm the complete installed channel with R1. A connector or cable’s component rating does not establish the assembled machine’s environmental rating or network performance.

The PCBA format is intended for integration into a custom enclosure. Plan board mounting, clearances, ESD handling, grounding, heat management and access to the connectors as part of the equipment design.

The enclosed format combines the board and an aluminum housing. Review mounting locations, cable bend space and service access. Housing material alone does not establish ingress protection or suitability for washdown.

Gigabit describes the data rate; it does not establish Power over Ethernet capability. These four R1 listings do not offer a confirmed PoE feature. Plan a suitable power supply for each connected device, or separately specified PoE equipment if the application requires it.

The switches have a single DC power input. Check the selected product’s electrical reference values and validation notes before connecting the machine supply; do not infer redundant power inputs from the number of Ethernet ports.

R1 offers five-port switches in two speed families and two packaging formats. Open a listing for its current specifications, price and ordering information.

All four use a single DC power input through an A-coded M12 connector. Connector caps are included; cables are not included. Add the appropriate switch to your cart and include your application requirements with the inquiry.

Final dimensions remain under CAD review. Environmental qualification and PTP/AVB timing support remain under review; discuss any required test evidence with R1 before selecting a switch for those requirements.

Include device models, required data rates, traffic paths, cable lengths, mating connectors, machine supply and installation conditions. Identify any required timing, environmental or acceptance tests so the review can address the complete application.

For a machine-level planning checklist, read Planning Ethernet Networks for Agricultural Robotics.