When you're putting together an industrial networking fieldbus setup, the first question is usually about the gap between your field devices and your control system. Do you need more Ethernet ports for additional devices, or do you need a translator to bring fieldbus signals onto an Ethernet network? That's the fork in the road between the N-TRON 708TX 8-port switch and the Burkert 00307390 / ME43 gateway.
Quick Verdict
If your immediate need is to expand Ethernet connectivity on a machine with extra ports, the N-TRON 708TX is the practical pick. It lists for $159.99 and gives you the added capacity for machine-level devices. If you're integrating fieldbus equipment into an Ethernet-based system, the Burkert ME43 is the gateway that handles that bridging job, at $249.99. In short, the switch adds ports, the gateway connects protocols-choose based on the task your network actually needs solved.
Why Device Type Matters
An Ethernet switch and a fieldbus gateway look superficially similar in a panel, but they solve opposite problems. The switch gives you more Ethernet ports to connect controllers, HMIs, and sensors that already speak Ethernet. The gateway sits between a fieldbus network and Ethernet, translating messages so older fieldbus devices can be monitored or controlled by an Ethernet-based system. Choosing the wrong one means buying something that doesn't close the gap in your architecture.
At a Glance
| Feature | N-TRON 708TX | Burkert ME43 |
|---|---|---|
| Listed price | $159.99 | $249.99 |
| Condition | New open box | Used |
| Device type | 8-port Ethernet switch | Industrial Ethernet fieldbus gateway |
Where Each Product Wins
- N-TRON 708TX wins when you need more physical Ethernet connections for machine-level devices. It's an 8-port switch designed for industrial use, and it's identified with Ethernet/IP, a common protocol in factory automation.
- Burkert ME43 wins when you have fieldbus devices that need to talk to an industrial Ethernet network. That's a specialized integration task, and the gateway is built specifically for it.
Product Notes
NEW* N-TRON 708TX 8-Port Industrial Ethernet Switch 10-30VDC
The N-TRON 708TX is the product to reach for when a control cabinet needs additional Ethernet ports. It provides eight ports and accepts 10-30VDC, a common supply for industrial panels, and its Ethernet/IP labeling fits many factory automation networks. The unit is tested and working, so you're not inheriting a non-functional board. A practical limitation: the product includes only what's shown in the photos, so you'll need to source cables, power supplies, or mounting hardware separately. For that reason, factor in those extras when planning your installation. In a typical machine that's gaining Ethernet-capable sensors or drives, this switch gives you a simple way to bring those devices into the same network. If your goal is straightforward port expansion, this switch does the job with fewer variables than a protocol gateway.
Burkert 00307390 / ME43 Industrial Ethernet Fieldbus Gateway
The Burkert 00307390 / ME43 is the better fit when your network calls for a fieldbus-to-Ethernet bridge. Rather than adding ports, a gateway translates between fieldbus protocols and industrial Ethernet, making it a critical piece for integrating legacy field devices into a modern control network. This unit is a working pull, so it's been in service and comes exactly as pictured-that means some surface wear is likely. Because it's a used component, you're not getting a fresh industrial device, but you are getting a functional pull that's ready to handle the bridging task. For the specialized job of connecting fieldbus devices to Ethernet, this is the targeted choice. If your application depends on moving data from a fieldbus segment to an Ethernet controller, the ME43 is the component that makes that connection possible.
Final Choice by Use Case
Choose the N-TRON 708TX if you need an Ethernet switch for additional device connections in a 10-30VDC control environment. Choose the Burkert 00307390 / ME43 if you need a fieldbus-to-Ethernet gateway to integrate fieldbus devices, and you're comfortable with a previously used unit.
