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ESW Family

Rugged Ethernet Switches

MilDef ESW Family rugged Ethernet switches support reliable data, voice and video communication in demanding defense environments. The family includes compact plug-and-play switches, managed Ethernet switches, high-speed switch platforms and rugged 10G core switches for tactical network integration.

MilDef ESW6100 Series rugged 10G core switch in compact 19”/2® form factor

Rugged Ethernet switches for tactical networks

MilDef rugged Ethernet switches help customers build dependable network infrastructure for military vehicles, shelters, racks and deployed systems. The ESW Family supports tactical networks that need reliable connectivity between computers, servers, displays, sensors and other mission-critical systems. In addition, the range includes both compact unmanaged switching and advanced managed switching for more demanding network architectures.

The ESW Family covers several levels of network performance and control. ESW1100 Series supports compact Gigabit Ethernet switching for straightforward plug-and-play use. ESW2200 Series adds managed Cisco-based switching with copper, fiber and PoE options. ESW4100 Series provides high-speed Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching with 1G, 10G, 25G and 40G interface options. ESW6100 Series supports rugged 10G core switching with Cisco IOS® XE, remote management and security functions.

As a result, customers can choose rugged Ethernet switches that match the role of each platform or system. Some applications need simple and compact connectivity, while others require managed switching, routing, PoE, fiber connectivity, 10G core capability or advanced network security. Therefore, the ESW Family gives defense programs a scalable switching range for tactical IT environments.

Tactical network connectivity

Rugged Ethernet switches help connect computers, servers, displays, sensors and mission systems in vehicles, shelters and deployed environments.

Managed and high-speed switching

A trusted rugged laptop form factor designed for long-term defense programs, platform continuity and dependable field use.

Rugged platform integration

Compact 19”/2® form factors, passive cooling and military-relevant ruggedization support tactical system integration.

Explore the ESW Ethernet switch family

The ESW Family includes rugged Ethernet switch series for different tactical network needs. Customers can choose compact Gigabit switches for local connectivity, managed switches for secure network control, high-speed switches for advanced data, voice and video traffic, or rugged 10G core switches for demanding network backbones.

  1. ESW1100 Series

    ESW1100 Series

    The Isolated Sensor & Peripheral Hub

    Designed strictly as an unmanaged Edge/Access switch for localized node isolation. It is the ideal fit for enclosed subsystems—such as weapon stations, local surveillance pods, or bumper-camera clusters—where sub-10-second startup times and zero software configuration are required to ensure continuous operational availability without maintenance overhead.

    Key features:

    • Primary Network Role: Unmanaged Edge/Access Switch
    • Boot-up time: Ultra-fast startup (<10 seconds)
    • Layer Capability: Pure Layer 2 processing (zero software overhead)
    • Ethernet Interfaces: Fixed layout with up to 10 ports (8 x 1G copper access, 2 x 1G fiber uplinks)
    • Non-Blocking Throughput: Up to 10 Gbps line-rate capacity
    • PoE Capability: Integrated PoE and PoE+ support
    Contact Download series data sheet
  2. MilDef ESW2200 Series managed rugged Ethernet switch with fiber and copper connectivity

    ESW2200 Series

    The Tactical Crew Station Switch

    Engineered to operate as the primary Edge/Access layer for crew stations, tactical displays, and on-board software-defined radios. Seamlessly
    connecting local 1G devices into a wider tactical network, it brings an enterprise-grade managed Layer 3 architecture directly to the vehicle crew, protected by tactical zeroization and hardware-validated secure boot for high-risk forward deployments

    Key features:

    • Primary Network Role: Fully Managed Layer 3 Edge/Access Switch
    • Tactical Zeroization: Wiping of encryption keys and configuration data during an emergency
    • Secure Boot: Hardware-validated cryptographic boot protection
    • Network Resilience: Sub 50-ms ring recovery via advanced resilience protocols
    • MACsec Encryption: Hardware-rate L2 encryption available on all 1G access ports
    • Ethernet Interfaces: Up to 26 ports (24 x 1G copper access, 2 x 10G fiber uplinks)
    • Non-Blocking Throughput: Up to 44 Gbps line-rate capacity
    Contact Download series data sheet
  3. MilDef ESW4100 Series high-speed rugged Ethernet switch in compact 19”/2® form factor

    ESW4100 Series

    The NGVA Vehicle Backbone

    The definitive multi-port Access/Core switch for fully integrated tactical vehicle networks. Optimized for NATO Generic Vehicle Architecture (NGVA) deployments, its massive, customizable port layout connects every internal sensor, radar, and crew screen into a single, cohesive backbone. Native TSN support guarantees that critical fire-control data and drive-by-wire commands always hit their targets with zero network jitter.

    Key features:

    • Primary Network Role: Fully Managed Layer 3 Access/Core hybrid Switch
    • TSN Support: Native IEEE 802.1AS determinism for time-critical vehicle systems (NGVA compliant)
    • Ethernet Interfaces: Ultra-high density up to 64 customizable ports (ranging from 1G up to 40G)
    • Boot-up Time: Fast operational deployment (<20 seconds)
    • Tactical Zeroization: Support to wipe encryption keys and configuration data during an emergency
    • Non-Blocking Throughput: Up to 200 Gbps line-rate capacity
    • PoE Capability: Integrated PoE and PoE+ support
    Contact Download series data sheet
  4. MilDef ESW6100 Series rugged 10G core switch in compact 19”/2® form factor

    ESW6100 Series

    Heavy-Duty 10G Core Backbone for Mobile Tactical Hubs

    Built to serve as the high-speed central switching core for mobile communication hubs, armoured command vehicles, and joint network nodes. This heavy-duty 10G switch aggregates and switches massive concurrent video feeds, radar data, and multi-vehicle sensor networks. With line-rate hardware encryption across all interfaces and an advanced management operating system, it ensures that your entire tactical network backbone remains secure from intercept and manipulation.

    Key features:

    • Primary Network Role: Fully Managed Heavy-Duty Layer 3 Core Backbone Switch
    • MACsec Encryption: Full line-rate hardware encryption simultaneously across all 10G interface
    • Ethernet Interfaces: Dedicated high-speed 10 ports operating at native 10G speeds
    • Tactical Zeroization: Support to wipe encryption keys and configuration data during an emergenc
    • Secure Boot: Advanced multi-stage cryptographically validated boot code execution
    • Multicast Switching: Line-rate L3 multicast processing optimized for concurrent video and heavy sensor streams
    • Non-Blocking Throughput: Up to 100 Gbps line-rate capacity
    Contact Download series data sheet

Discuss your rugged hardware requirements

From early-stage requirements to integration into existing systems, MilDef can help you identify the right rugged hardware for your platform, environment and operational needs. Share a few details below, and our team will get back to you.