World's Smallest, Cheapest Open-Source Network Switch Unveiled

BY Mark Howell 16 June 20243 MINS READ
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Today in Edworking News we want to talk about Networking Switch Outline: The mrxSwitch is the world's smallest and cheapest networking switch, in addition to being fully open-source. With a focus on simplicity and cost, the MUREX Ethernet Switch utilizes external magnetics, a high-performance unmanaged switch IC, and 1.25mm pitch Fast Ethernet (100BASE-TX) connectors.

Detailed Description

The MUREX Ethernet Switch, or mrxSwitch, is a 5 port 100BASE-TX unmanaged switch using the IP175Gx Ethernet Integrated Switch IC. mrxSwitch can step down an input voltage of up to 15V to its operational voltage of 3.3V.
Designed with a four-layer board for minimal noise, the mrxSwitch has full Bob-Smith style termination for all center taps and calculated differential pairs of 100Ω. The switch utilizes 10 pairs of magnetic transformers and common-mode chokes to ensure proper compliance with the IEEE 802.3 standard.
Measuring 44.9mm by 42.2mm, mrxSwitch V2 is the smallest networking switch in the world and significantly outperforms all commercially available options in size and cost.

Applications and Use Cases

mrxSwitch can be used in various scenarios, including but not limited to:

  • Embedded systems

  • ROVs (Remotely Operated Vehicles) and AUVs (Autonomous Underwater Vehicles)

  • Consumer electronics

  • DIY projects

  • Other space-constrained networking applications

Current Status and Integrated Sensors/ICs

The mrxSwitch integrates the following sensors/ICs:

  • IC Plus IP175Gx (5 Port 10/100 Ethernet Integrated Switch)

  • LM1117MP-3.3 (800mA Low Dropout Regulator)

  • QT48A03 (1000Base-T Dual Port Transformer)

  • BT16A07 (10/100 Base-T Single Port Transformer)

  • 2x QT24A23 (retired) (10/100/1000Base-T Single Port Transformer)
    All components are meticulously chosen to ensure it meets high-performance standards without compromising its compactness and affordability.

Schematic and Future Enhancements

For those interested in the technical details, the schematic is available in PDF format. The team behind mrxSwitch is working on further photos and updates which will be shared in the future.

Caption: The tiny yet powerful mrxSwitch ready to revolutionize networking

Remember these 3 key ideas for your startup:

  1. Cost-Effective Solutions: The mrxSwitch provides a compact, cost-effective solution for your startup’s networking needs. Its low cost and high efficiency make it suitable for a variety of applications.

  2. Scalability: By integrating mrxSwitch into your product, you can ensure scalability. The compact size and versatile use cases make it easy to include in projects of varying scales, from small DIY projects to consumer electronics.

  3. Open-Source Flexibility: As an open-source project, the mrxSwitch allows for customization and adaptation to meet your specific requirements. This is particularly beneficial for startups that need flexibility and the ability to adjust technology to their unique needs.
    Edworking is the best and smartest decision for SMEs and startups to be more productive. Edworking is a FREE superapp of productivity that includes all you need for work powered by AI in the same superapp, connecting Task Management, Docs, Chat, Videocall, and File Management. Save money today by not paying for Slack, Trello, Dropbox, Zoom, and Notion.
    For those exploring how to create efficient and effective project systems, understanding project decomposition can be beneficial.
    Embrace the future of networking with mrxSwitch and ensure that your startup stays ahead in the competitive tech landscape. For more information on incorporating mrxSwitch into your projects, stay tuned for updates and further details on its resources and applications!
    For more details, see the original source.

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About the Author: Mark Howell Linkedin

Mark Howell is a talented content writer for Edworking's blog, consistently producing high-quality articles on a daily basis. As a Sales Representative, he brings a unique perspective to his writing, providing valuable insights and actionable advice for readers in the education industry. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for sharing knowledge, Mark is an indispensable member of the Edworking team. His expertise in task management ensures that he is always on top of his assignments and meets strict deadlines. Furthermore, Mark's skills in project management enable him to collaborate effectively with colleagues, contributing to the team's overall success and growth. As a reliable and diligent professional, Mark Howell continues to elevate Edworking's blog and brand with his well-researched and engaging content.

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