A new Fail-Safe Switch for fast Ethernet networks with a defined state in case of DC-power loss: Design and test

A new Fail-Safe Switch for Fast Ethernet networks with a defined state in case of DC-power loss is designed in order to improve the reliability of the network. High isolation and low insertion loss are essential to avoid losses in the network since a Fail-Safe Switch is connected in series with all the network devices. The paper shows the simulation and the layout of the switch, as well as the realization of a prototype switch which was completely tested focusing on the conservation of Fast Ethernet signal integrity and bit error rate due to the insertion of the Fail-Safe Switch in a network.