GE 336A4940DNP516TX Ruggedized Industrial Ethernet Switch

Product Overview

GE 336A4940DNP516TX Ruggedized Industrial Ethernet Switch: Built for Industrial Resilience in Harsh Environments

The GE 336A4940DNP516TX is a 16-port Fast Ethernet switch engineered to deliver uninterrupted network communication in the most demanding industrial environments. Designed under GE’s industrial networking standards, this switch is purpose-built for continuous operation in facilities where high temperatures, humidity, vibration, electromagnetic interference (EMI), and airborne particulates are everyday realities. Whether deployed in a petrochemical control room, a mining automation network, or a power generation facility, the 336A4940DNP516TX provides the backbone connectivity that keeps critical systems online.

In modern industrial automation architectures, network reliability is not optional — it is a safety requirement. The GE 336A4940DNP516TX integrates seamlessly into control system topologies built around GE Fanuc Series 90 PLCs, PACSystems RX3i controllers, and GE Mark VI turbine control systems. Its 16-port Fast Ethernet configuration supports high-density I/O node connections, enabling real-time data exchange between field devices, distributed control nodes, and supervisory SCADA layers without latency or packet loss.

Rugged Specifications Table

Comprehensive Protection Solutions

The GE 336A4940DNP516TX does not operate in isolation — it is a critical node within a broader industrial protection and control architecture. In a typical GE-based control cabinet, this switch provides the Ethernet backbone connecting the GE PACSystems RX3i CPU module (IC695CPE330) to remote I/O racks, HMI panels, and engineering workstations. Alongside the switch, the GE IC693MDL940 discrete output module and IC693ALG392 analog input module rely on stable, low-latency network communication to execute real-time control loops without interruption.

In power distribution and motor control applications, the 336A4940DNP516TX supports communication between the PLC rack and GE AF-600 FP series variable frequency drives (VFDs), enabling coordinated speed control and fault diagnostics over Ethernet/IP. The switch also facilitates integration with GE Multilin 750/760 feeder protection relays, which depend on reliable Ethernet connectivity for GOOSE messaging and IEC 61850 substation automation protocols.

For safety-critical installations, the switch interconnects GE Safety PLC modules and GE IS420ESWAH1A Ethernet switch assemblies within redundant ring topologies, ensuring that a single point of failure does not cascade into a plant-wide shutdown. Terminal modules, marshalling panels, and GE IC693CHS391 expansion chassis all benefit from the deterministic switching performance this unit provides. In communication-intensive architectures, the 336A4940DNP516TX bridges Modbus TCP, EtherNet/IP, and SRTP protocol traffic between controllers, I/O nodes, and SCADA servers — making it indispensable in any GE-centric automation ecosystem.

Application in Critical Infrastructure

The GE 336A4940DNP516TX has proven operational value across the most demanding sectors of critical infrastructure:

Oil & Gas: In upstream and midstream facilities, this switch supports real-time communication between wellhead PLCs, pipeline SCADA systems, and emergency shutdown (ESD) controllers. Its tolerance for wide temperature swings and high EMI environments — common in compressor stations and offshore platforms — makes it a preferred networking component for GE Mark VI-based turbine control systems.

Power Generation & Transmission: Deployed in substation automation networks, the 336A4940DNP516TX enables IEC 61850-compliant communication between protection relays, bay controllers, and control center SCADA. Its managed switching capabilities support VLAN segmentation, which is essential for cybersecurity compliance in power utility environments.

Mining & Mineral Processing: In underground and surface mining operations, where vibration, dust ingress, and electrical noise are constant challenges, this switch maintains reliable Ethernet connectivity between conveyor control PLCs, crusher automation systems, and plant-wide DCS networks. Its robust construction ensures continuous uptime even during blasting operations and heavy equipment cycles.

Water & Wastewater Treatment: Municipal and industrial water treatment facilities rely on this switch to connect distributed I/O nodes, chemical dosing controllers, and pump station PLCs across geographically dispersed sites. Its support for redundant power inputs ensures uninterrupted operation during utility power fluctuations.

Metallurgy & Heavy Industry: Steel mills, aluminum smelters, and foundries operate in environments with extreme heat, heavy vibration, and intense electromagnetic fields generated by arc furnaces and induction heating systems. The GE 336A4940DNP516TX is rated for these conditions, maintaining network integrity for rolling mill automation, ladle tracking systems, and quality control instrumentation.

Security & Quality FAQ

Q1: What does the 12-month warranty cover for the GE 336A4940DNP516TX?
All units supplied by TOPNLMS carry a 12-month quality warranty covering manufacturing defects and functional failures under normal operating conditions. If a unit fails within the warranty period, we provide a replacement or full refund. Our warranty applies to both new surplus and tested refurbished units, with condition clearly specified at the time of order.

Q2: How is each unit tested before shipment?
Every GE 336A4940DNP516TX undergoes a multi-point functional inspection prior to dispatch. This includes power-on verification, port connectivity testing across all 16 Ethernet ports, LED status confirmation, and visual inspection for physical damage. Units sourced as tested refurbished are additionally subjected to 24-hour burn-in testing to screen for latent failures before shipment.

Q3: Is the GE 336A4940DNP516TX compatible with third-party PLCs and DCS systems?
Yes. While optimized for GE Fanuc and PACSystems architectures, the 336A4940DNP516TX is a standard IEEE 802.3/802.3u Fast Ethernet switch and is fully compatible with any Ethernet-capable industrial controller, including Siemens S7 series, Rockwell Allen-Bradley ControlLogix, Schneider Electric Modicon, and Honeywell Experion DCS systems. Protocol compatibility depends on the higher-layer application, not the switch hardware.

Q4: Can TOPNLMS support long-term supply and replacement needs for this model?
Yes. TOPNLMS maintains ongoing inventory of GE industrial networking components, including the 336A4940DNP516TX and related GE Ethernet switch models. We support MRO (Maintenance, Repair & Operations) procurement programs, offering priority stock reservation, batch supply agreements, and technical consultation for customers managing aging GE control system infrastructure. Contact our team to discuss long-term supply arrangements.