1. Electrical specifications
   Power input: It is possible to adapt to common industrial supply voltages such as 24V DC (direct current). This voltage specification is widely used in industrial environments and ensures compatibility with the existing power supply system in most factories, making it easy for equipment to be connected. For example, in the networking of a factory automation line, modules can be powered directly from an existing 24V DC supply without the need for additional complex power conversion equipment. Its power input range may be between 20.4V DC and 28.8V DC to adapt to a certain degree of voltage fluctuation, to ensure that the module can still work normally when there is voltage instability in the industrial power supply environment.
   Power Consumption: Considering the Ethernet communication function and port configuration, the estimated power consumption is around 10W. Taking the 8-port module as an example, the power consumption of each port under normal operation is about 1W, plus the power consumption required by the internal circuitry of the module for arithmetic, data processing and other functions, the overall power consumption is at this level. This level of power consumption ensures that the module operates efficiently without imposing an excessive burden on the power supply system, striking a balance between industrial energy saving and stable equipment operation.
2. Port specifications
   RJ45 port: If the module includes an RJ45 port, the physical interface complies with the IEEE 802.3 standard. The transmission rate of the port is 10/100 Mbps adaptive, which automatically detects the rate of the connected device and adapts it. In short-distance data transmission scenarios, such as intra-office network connections, the RJ45 port can easily and quickly connect devices to the network. The transmission distance of the port can theoretically reach up to 100 metres when using Cat5e and higher specification cables, which can meet the length requirements of general indoor network cabling.
   Fibre optic port (if available): If equipped with a fibre optic port, such as an SFP port, the supported fibre types may include multi-mode fibre and single-mode fibre. Multimode fibre is suitable for short-distance high-speed data transmission, which is more commonly used in the network connection inside the building, and the transmission distance can reach about 300 meters when using OM3 multimode fibre, which can meet the demand for short-distance high-speed connection between different buildings in the general campus network. Single-mode optical fibre is suitable for long-distance transmission, which is useful for connecting remote industrial sites or cross-city network connection, and the transmission distance can be up to tens of kilometres, for example, the network connection between different plants of large industrial groups.
3. Network specifications
   Protocol support: It must support IEEE 802.3 Ethernet protocol, which is the basic standard for Ethernet communication, ensuring that the module can communicate with all kinds of devices complying with this standard. Meanwhile, it may support VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) protocol, such as IEEE 802.1Q, which is convenient for users to logically segment the network and improve network security and management efficiency. In large enterprise networks, VLANs can be used to delineate different departments of the network for data isolation and traffic control. In addition, it may support Spanning Tree Protocol (STP, IEEE 802.1D), which is used to prevent loops in the network, safeguard the stability of the network topology, and avoid problems such as broadcast storms in complex network structures.
   MAC Address: Each port has a unique 48-bit MAC address, which is used to identify the device in the network and ensure that data is transmitted to the destination port accurately and correctly.The uniqueness of the MAC address is assigned by the IEEE, and is like an ID card for the device, unique worldwide, ensuring the accuracy and traceability of network communications.
4. Environmental specifications
   Operating Temperature: Industrial grade temperature adaptability, with a possible operating temperature range of – 40°C to + 70°C. This temperature range allows the module to operate in harsh industrial environments, whether in cold northern outdoor industrial facilities or hot southern factory floors. For example, in a cold storage environment, the module can operate stably at low temperatures to ensure normal communication in a cold chain logistics monitoring network, and in a hot steel smelting plant, it can also withstand high temperatures to maintain network connectivity.
   Storage Temperature: The storage temperature range may be wider, from – 45°C to + 85°C. Even during the storage period when the equipment is not put into use, the module can maintain its performance in the face of extreme temperatures to ensure that it operates correctly when it is put into use.
   Relative humidity: Capable of operating in non-condensing environments from 5% to 95% relative humidity. This means that in humid coastal factories or industrial environments where humidity varies greatly, the module will not cause electrical short circuits or other failures due to humidity problems, ensuring the reliability of network communications.
5. Mechanical Specifications
   Size: The module’s external dimensions may be designed to be more compact to facilitate installation in various types of industrial switches. For example, a common Hirschmann module measures about 100mm in length, 70mm in width, and 25mm in height, which fits into most standard switch slots for efficient deployment in limited switch space.
   Weight: Estimated weight is around 150g, which is light enough for easy installation and maintenance without putting too much weight on the switch, ensuring the overall stability of the device.

Ethernet Connectivity and Port Configuration
Communication speed: The module is most likely designed to support Fast Ethernet communication. Given that its model number is similar to other Hirschmann media modules, it may be able to operate at 10/100Mbps, which is a common speed range for Fast Ethernet devices. This makes it suitable for application scenarios that require fast data transfer, such as in industrial control systems where real-time monitoring and control of production processes is critical. For example, in a manufacturing plant, sensors and actuators can communicate at high speeds with a central control unit through the module to ensure the smooth running of the production line.

These ports may be a combination of different types. For example, some ports may be copper-based RJ45 ports, which are cost-effective and widely used for short-distance connections within a facility. They are convenient for connecting local computers, printers, or small industrial equipment close to a network switch. Other ports may be fibre-optic interfaces, such as small pluggable (SFP) ports, multimode SC ports, or single-mode SC ports. Fibre-optic ports are suitable for long-distance transmission, high-bandwidth applications, and environments where electrical interference is an issue. In large industrial complexes with multiple buildings, fibre optic connections via this module can be used to connect different parts of the network, providing reliable and high-speed data transmission over long distances without the risk of interference from electrical equipment.

Compatibility
Switch compatibility: The module is likely to be compatible with Hirschmann’s range of Industrial Ethernet switches, especially the Greyhound series of switches, such as the Greyhound 1020/1030 switch. The modular design of Hirschmann switches makes it easy to add media modules like GMM20 – MMMMMMMMSZ9HHS999.9.99. This compatibility ensures seamless integration into existing or new network infrastructures. If a company already has a Hirschmann-based network and needs to add more network connections or change the type of connection (e.g. from copper to fibre optic), they simply plug the module into a compatible switch. This not only saves the cost of replacing an entire network system, but also provides the flexibility to customise the network to changing business needs.

Device compatibility: In addition to being compatible with switches, the module may be compatible to some extent with other industry-standard Ethernet devices. However, this will depend on the specific protocol support and electrical/physical interface standards implemented in the module. For example, if it follows a standard Ethernet protocol like IEEE 802.3, it should be able to communicate with a wide range of Ethernet-compatible devices, including certain types of industrial sensors, actuators, and other networked devices from various manufacturers. This interoperability is critical in complex industrial environments where devices from multiple vendors need to work together in a unified network.

Industrial Grade Reliability
Environmental Adaptability: Hirschmann is known for producing industrial-grade networking equipment, and the GMM20 – MMMMMMMMSZ9HHS999.9.99 is likely to be no exception. It may be designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions. This may include a wide operating temperature range, similar to other industrial modules that are capable of operating in the – 40°C to + 70°C temperature range. Such a wide temperature tolerance makes it suitable for a variety of application scenarios, including outdoor installations in extreme weather conditions, industrial plants with high-temperature machinery and equipment in operation, or cold storage facilities. In outdoor oil and gas fields, for example, the module can withstand temperature fluctuations throughout the day and night, ensuring that the network connection to the monitoring and control system remains stable.

Resistance to electrical interference: It may also have the ability to resist electrical interference, which is critical in industrial environments filled with large motors, power distribution systems and other electrical equipment that generate a lot of electromagnetic noise. By meeting electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) standards, the module is able to operate reliably in these noisy environments. This means that data transmission through the module is unaffected by electrical interference, ensuring accurate and stable communication between networked devices. In a plant with many large motors operating simultaneously, the GMM20 – MMMMMMMMSZ9HHS999.9.99 is able to maintain a stable network connection, preventing data loss or errors that might otherwise disrupt the production process.

Installation and Configuration
Installation Ease: As an interchangeable media module, it is designed to be easily installed into compatible switches. The installation process can be as simple as following the standard procedure of inserting the module into a switch slot. This simplicity reduces the time and effort required for network installation and expansion. For network technicians, they can quickly add the module to a switch without complex tools or extensive training, minimising downtime during network upgrades.
Configuration Options: Similar to other Hirschmann modules, the GMM20 – MMMMMMMMSZ9HHS999.9.99 may support a variety of configuration options. It may be configured through a web-based interface that provides a user-friendly graphical interface for network administrators to set parameters such as port speeds, VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) assignments, and security settings.

For example, VLANs may be used to segment the network for security purposes, separating sensitive data traffic from normal network traffic. The module may also support configuration via a command line interface (CLI) to meet the needs of more experienced users who prefer a text-based approach for precise control over settings. In addition, it may be compatible with the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP), allowing remote monitoring and management of the module’s status and performance. This is particularly useful in large-scale network deployments where centralised management of multiple network devices is required.