Advantech Launches EKI-8700 Series, Compact 10G L3 Switches for Edge Network Deployments

Advantech, a global leader in IoT intelligent systems and embedded platforms, announces 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 unauthorized 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