When an older fieldbus device needs to talk to an industrial Ethernet network, or when a control panel just needs more Ethernet ports, the right part depends on the job. In the industrial networking fieldbus space, two products solve different problems: the Burkert ME43 Industrial Ethernet Fieldbus Gateway and the N-TRON 708TX Industrial Ethernet Switch.
Quick verdict
The Burkert ME43 is listed at $249.99 and the N-TRON 708TX at $34.99, so the decision is about device role rather than price alone. Choose the ME43 if you need to bridge fieldbus communication onto industrial Ethernet. Choose the N-TRON 708TX if you need an industrial Ethernet switch for PLC and HMI connections.
At a glance
| Consideration | Burkert ME43 Fieldbus Gateway | N-TRON 708TX Ethernet Switch |
|---|---|---|
| Listed price | $249.99 | $34.99 |
| Condition | Used | Used |
| Device type | Industrial Ethernet fieldbus gateway | Industrial Ethernet switch |
| Best suited for | Fieldbus-to-Ethernet gateway duty | Adding Ethernet ports for PLCs and HMIs |
Where each product wins
- The Burkert ME43 wins when the application needs a fieldbus gateway. Its title points to gateway functionality, making it the product in this pair meant for fieldbus-to-Ethernet translation.
- The N-TRON 708TX wins when the application needs a straightforward Ethernet switch. It is the switch in this pair, and it is tailored to industrial automation and motion control systems.
Product notes
Burkert ME43 Fieldbus Gateway
The Burkert 00307390 / ME43 is an industrial Ethernet fieldbus gateway, and its role is to bring fieldbus communication onto an Ethernet network. It is the right fit when a fieldbus instrument needs a gateway connection to the rest of a control system. It is a working pull from an operating environment, so it is a functional used unit. The ME43 is a specialized part for a specific job. If your network already communicates over industrial Ethernet and you simply need more ports, this gateway is more than the job requires. The catch is that specialization: a gateway rather than a general-purpose switch, so it will not simply expand the number of Ethernet connections in a cabinet.
N-TRON 708TX Industrial Ethernet Switch
The N-TRON 708TX is an industrial Ethernet switch built for industrial automation and motion control systems. It focuses on the communication needs of PLCs and HMIs, which makes it the more direct choice when you need to add Ethernet connections to a control network. With reliable performance and sturdy construction, it suits a control environment where PLCs and HMIs are on the same network. Its strength is a control setup that already speaks industrial Ethernet and needs more ports. Where it falls short: the switch handles Ethernet connections, not fieldbus protocol translation. If you are trying to connect an older fieldbus device to Ethernet, the 708TX will not perform that conversion.
Final choice by use case
If you need to bridge fieldbus communication onto an industrial Ethernet network, the Burkert ME43 is the product that fits that task. If you need to add Ethernet ports for PLC and HMI communication, the N-TRON 708TX is the switch to use.
