Description
Product Overview
The Red Lion N-TRON 508FX2-ST is an unmanaged industrial Ethernet switch designed to connect copper Ethernet devices and multimode fiber network segments in industrial automation environments. It provides eight Ethernet ports: six 10/100BaseTX RJ45 connections and two 100BaseFX multimode fiber uplinks with ST-style connectors. This arrangement allows PLCs, HMIs, industrial computers, remote I/O equipment, and other Ethernet-enabled devices to communicate over a local industrial network.
The two fiber ports provide a practical option for extending network connections beyond the normal reach of copper Ethernet cabling. The ST multimode fiber interface is specified for a segment distance of up to 2 km. The copper ports support 10/100 Mbps Ethernet connections, with automatic speed, duplex, and MDI/MDIX functions documented for the 508FX2 family. The switch operates from a 10–30VDC supply and is designed for DIN-rail installation in industrial control cabinets.
The Red Lion 508FX2-ST is an unmanaged switch, so it does not provide the configuration and network-management functions associated with managed Ethernet equipment. This makes it suitable for straightforward network distribution where VLAN configuration, advanced traffic control, or managed redundancy protocols are not required. Its industrial temperature specification is -40°C to +85°C for the standard configuration.
This model is listed as obsolete. For maintenance replacement, the key checks are the fiber connector type, multimode cable specification, optical link distance, copper port count, and DC power arrangement. A replacement with SC connectors or singlemode fiber may require changes to the existing fiber infrastructure.
Product Introduction (Non-Templated)
Industrial network faults are not always caused by the controller or PLC. A damaged fiber uplink, failed copper port, or unstable switch supply can interrupt communication across multiple devices. The 508FX2-ST combines six copper ports with two ST multimode fiber ports, making it suitable for network layouts that mix cabinet-level Ethernet connections with fiber links.
Before replacement, inspect the fiber connector type and confirm that the installed cable is multimode. Also verify the 10–30VDC supply and DIN-rail mounting arrangement. The model is obsolete, so replacement selection should be based on interface compatibility rather than port count alone.
Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Red Lion Controls |
| Brand / Series | N-TRON 500 Series |
| Product Model | 508FX2-ST |
| Product Type | Unmanaged industrial Ethernet switch |
| Total Ethernet Ports | 8 |
| Copper Ports | 6 |
| Copper Interface | 10/100BaseTX |
| Copper Connectors | RJ45 |
| Fiber Ports | 2 |
| Fiber Interface | 100BaseFX |
| Fiber Type | Multimode |
| Fiber Connector | ST |
| Maximum Fiber Segment | 2 km |
| Input Voltage | 10–30VDC |
| Mounting | DIN rail |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to +85°C, standard configuration |
| Switching Type | Unmanaged |
| Speed Negotiation | Automatic on copper ports |
| Duplex | Automatic on copper ports |
| MDI/MDIX | Automatic |
| Network Management | Not provided |
| Product Lifecycle | Obsolete |
508FX2-ST
Major Features and Advantages
Eight-port Ethernet connectivity
The switch provides six copper Ethernet connections and two fiber uplinks. This arrangement supports mixed network installations where local automation devices connect through RJ45 cabling and longer-distance connections use fiber.
Multimode fiber with ST connectors
The two 100BaseFX ports use multimode fiber and ST-style connectors. The documented 508FX2-ST configuration supports fiber segments up to 2 km. Connector type and fiber mode must match the existing cable plant.
Unmanaged plug-and-play operation
The switch operates without requiring network configuration through a management interface. This is useful for basic Ethernet distribution, although it does not provide the traffic segmentation and diagnostic options available on managed switches.
Industrial DC power input
The 10–30VDC input range supports common industrial control-cabinet power arrangements. Check the supply polarity and wiring before energizing the unit.
DIN-rail installation
The enclosure is designed for DIN-rail mounting, allowing installation alongside other industrial networking and control components.
Extended temperature operation
The standard 508FX2 family is documented for operation from -40°C to +85°C. Confirm the exact temperature variant from the complete nameplate before applying this range to a unit with a suffix-specific environmental configuration.
Related Products
These are documented replacement candidates or related models, not automatic drop-in equivalents.
- 708FX2-ST — Manufacturer-recommended replacement candidate for the 508FX2-ST.
- NT-5008-DM2-0000 — Red Lion industrial Ethernet switch replacement candidate; verify fiber interfaces.
- NT-5008-FX2-ST00 — Red Lion switch with ST fiber interface; confirm port arrangement and mounting.
- 508FX2-N-ST-S — Related 508FX2 configuration with N-View OPC monitoring; not identical to the unmanaged model.
- 508FX2-A-ST — Related managed configuration with advanced management features.
- 509FX-ST — Related N-TRON industrial fiber Ethernet switch with a different port configuration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the Red Lion 508FX2-ST used for?
It is an unmanaged industrial Ethernet switch used to connect Ethernet-enabled automation devices through six copper ports and two multimode fiber uplinks.
Q2: What fiber connector does the 508FX2-ST use?
It uses ST-style connectors on its two 100BaseFX multimode fiber ports. Confirm the connector type at both ends of the fiber link before replacement.
Q3: Can the 508FX2-ST communicate over singlemode fiber?
The documented 508FX2-ST is a multimode model. Singlemode variants belong to different model designations. Do not connect it to a singlemode fiber installation without verifying optical compatibility.
Q4: Can I hot-swap this Ethernet switch?
Do not assume hot-swap capability. Disconnect the DC supply before removing the unit unless the plant’s approved maintenance procedure explicitly permits energized replacement. Network connections through the switch will be interrupted during removal.
Q5: Does the 508FX2-ST support firmware v3.1?
It is an unmanaged switch, not a PLC or controller. Firmware compatibility is therefore not normally evaluated in the same way as a programmable control module. Confirm the exact hardware version and any applicable product-specific software requirements.
Q6: Is the 508FX2-ST still manufactured?
The product is listed as obsolete and no longer manufactured. Red Lion’s documented replacement suggestions include the 708FX2-ST and NT-5008 series models. Verify interface and mechanical compatibility before selecting a substitute.
Q7: What should I check before purchasing a replacement?
Verify the complete model number, six copper and two fiber port arrangement, ST connector type, multimode fiber, 10–30VDC input, DIN-rail mounting, and operating temperature requirement. Request confirmation that all eight ports have been tested.
Procurement note: The most important replacement detail is the optical interface: two 100BaseFX multimode ports with ST connectors. A switch with the same number of ports but different fiber connectors or optical mode may require changes to the existing network cabling.
