Red Lion N-Tron 106FX2-ST Industrial Ethernet Switch - Rugged DIN-Rail

In this review of the Red Lion N-Tron 106FX2-ST the bottom line is simple: this is a compact, rugged unmanaged Ethernet switch built for industrial control and data acquisition environments where reliability and simple plug-and-play operation matter most. The reviewer found the switch especially well suited to installations that need a hardened DIN-rail package, fibre uplinks for isolation or distance, and solid behavior across a wide temperature range. For engineers seeking a low-maintenance network device with multimode ST fibre and four copper ports, this unit delivers predictable, no-config operation.

Key Features

• Hardened metal enclosure: The DIN-rail housing provides a compact, protected mount that resists shop-floor impacts and secures easily in industrial racks.
• Unmanaged operation: Full IEEE 802.3 compliance means it works plug-and-play without complex configuration, reducing setup time for I/O and control networks.
• Mixed copper and fibre ports: Four 10/100BaseTX RJ-45 ports plus two 100BaseFX multimode ST uplinks allow isolation and longer runs between critical equipment.
• Wide operating range: Rated for -40oC to 70oC, the switch is suitable for extreme temperature environments often found in industrial applications.
• Redundant power inputs: Dual 10-30V dc inputs increase resilience against single-point power failures in control cabinets.

Who It's For

The N-Tron 106FX2-ST is aimed at industrial automation technicians, SCADA integrators, and facilities engineers who need a low-cost, dependable Ethernet switch that will work reliably in harsh conditions. Its unmanaged behavior and simple LED status indicators appeal to teams that prioritize straightforward deployment and minimal maintenance.

It is less suitable for users who require managed switching features such as VLANs, QoS policies, or SNMP monitoring; those who need advanced traffic control should consider a managed industrial switch instead.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Solid, compact DIN-rail enclosure that simplifies cabinet mounting and protects electronics in industrial settings.
• Combination of four RJ-45 ports and two 100BaseFX ST fibre uplinks allows flexible network topologies and longer fibre distances.
• Wide temperature rating and high MTBF make it dependable for continuous operation in harsh environments.
• Unmanaged plug-and-play design reduces setup complexity for field teams.

Cons

• Being an unmanaged switch, it lacks advanced configuration options expected in managed industrial switches.
• ST-style fibre connectors are less common in newer deployments that may prefer SC or SFP interfaces.

Specifications

Brand	Red Lion (N-Tron)
Ports	4 x 10/100BaseTX RJ-45, 2 x 100BaseFX ST
Enclosure	Hardened metal DIN-rail
Operating Temperature	-40oC to 70oC
Power Input	Redundant 10-30V dc inputs
MTBF	2M hours
Compliance	Full IEEE 802.3, FCC Title 47 Part 15 Class

Our Verdict

The Red Lion N-Tron 106FX2-ST is a practical choice for industrial networks that need a rugged, no-frills Ethernet switch with fibre uplinks and wide temperature tolerance. It represents good value for installations that prioritize reliability and simple deployment over managed features; teams needing VLANs or advanced monitoring should look at managed alternatives, but for straightforward I/O and control connectivity this unit is a dependable, cost-effective option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this switch require configuration?
The switch is unmanaged and operates plug-and-play with standard IEEE 802.3 behavior, so no configuration is required for basic use.

What fibre connector type does it use?
This model uses multimode fibre with ST-style connectors on the two 100BaseFX uplinks.

Can it handle extreme temperatures?
Yes, it is rated to operate from -40oC to 70oC, making it suitable for harsh industrial environments.