Allied Telesis AT-FL-X930-MRP MEDIA REDUNDANCY PROTOCOL LICS FOR X930

Product Overview

The Allied Telesis AT-FL-X930-MRP is a software license that enables Media Redundancy Protocol (MRP) on Allied Telesis x930 series switches. This Allied Telesis x930 Media Redundancy Protocol MRP license implements IEC 62439-2 MRP, the ring redundancy standard used in PROFINET and industrial Ethernet environments, providing deterministic sub-200ms failure recovery for industrial ring topologies. This is a software-only entitlement — no hardware is shipped — and is specifically designed for industrial automation, process control, and manufacturing networks that must interoperate with PROFINET controllers and MRP-capable industrial devices.

Product Description

Media Redundancy Protocol (MRP), defined in IEC 62439-2, is a ring redundancy protocol developed specifically for industrial Ethernet applications, most prominently PROFINET networks. MRP operates by designating one switch as the Media Redundancy Manager (MRM) and the remaining switches as Media Redundancy Clients (MRC). In normal operation, one port on the MRM is blocked to prevent ring loops; upon detecting a link failure, the MRM unblocks that port and restores ring connectivity. MRP is specified to recover within 200 milliseconds for networks of up to 50 ring nodes, with faster recovery achievable in smaller rings. This is distinct from ITU-T G.8032 ERPS, which is an IT/carrier-oriented ring standard; MRP is the protocol of choice for PROFINET-based industrial automation where integration with SIEMENS PLCs, industrial I/O devices, and factory automation controllers is required. The AT-FL-X930-MRP license activates MRP capability in AlliedWare Plus on x930 series switches, which are enterprise-class Layer 3 switches suitable for both IT and OT (operational technology) convergence deployments. Once licensed, the x930 can operate as an MRM or MRC in a PROFINET ring, providing the network-layer redundancy that industrial automation standards require. License delivery is electronic; no physical hardware is included with this purchase.

Key Features

• IEC 62439-2 Media Redundancy Protocol (MRP) — Standard industrial ring protocol required for PROFINET integration; distinct from G.8032 ERPS which targets carrier/IT networks.
• MRM and MRC Role Support — The x930 can operate as either the Media Redundancy Manager (primary ring controller) or a Media Redundancy Client in existing industrial ring topologies.
• PROFINET Ring Integration — Enables the x930 to participate natively in PROFINET-based factory automation networks alongside SIEMENS and other industrial controllers.
• x930 Series Compatibility — Activates MRP on AlliedWare Plus running on x930 series enterprise Layer 3 switches.
• Software-Only Delivery — Electronic license key, no physical hardware shipped. Applied via AlliedWare Plus CLI or AMF.
• IT/OT Convergence Enablement — Allows a single x930 platform to serve both enterprise IT and industrial OT ring redundancy requirements.

Typical Applications

• PROFINET industrial ring networks in manufacturing, automotive, and process control environments
• Factory automation topologies requiring IEC 62439-2 MRP ring redundancy on managed Ethernet switches
• IT/OT convergence deployments where enterprise x930 switches must interoperate with industrial PROFINET devices
• Industrial Ethernet rings connecting SIEMENS PLCs, distributed I/O, and HMI systems
• Environments requiring deterministic ring recovery with MRP-compatible industrial switch infrastructure

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Media Redundancy Protocol (MRP)?

MRP (IEC 62439-2) is a ring redundancy protocol for industrial Ethernet, primarily used in PROFINET automation networks. It designates one switch as the Media Redundancy Manager that monitors ring integrity and controls a blocked port. Upon detecting a failure, the MRM unblocks the blocked port within the standard recovery time, restoring ring connectivity without full protocol reconvergence.

Q: How does MRP differ from G.8032 ERPS?

Both MRP and G.8032 ERPS protect ring-topology Ethernet networks, but they address different markets. MRP (IEC 62439-2) is designed for industrial Ethernet and is the required protocol for PROFINET integration with industrial controllers and I/O devices. G.8032 ERPS (ITU-T) is designed for carrier Ethernet and enterprise metro rings. If your network uses PROFINET, use MRP. If your network is a carrier or enterprise IT ring, use G.8032 ERPS. Allied Telesis offers both: AT-FL-X930-MRP for MRP on the x930, and AT-FL-X550-8032 for G.8032 on the x550.

Q: Can the x930 act as an MRP Manager or only as a Client?

With the AT-FL-X930-MRP license applied, the x930 can be configured as either an MRM (Media Redundancy Manager) or an MRC (Media Redundancy Client), giving full flexibility in industrial ring topology design.

Q: Is hardware included with this license purchase?

No. This is a software-only license. No physical hardware is shipped. The license key is delivered electronically and applied to the target x930 switch.

Q: Is this license perpetual or subscription-based?

The AT-FL-X930-MRP is a perpetual license. Once applied to the x930, MRP capability does not require annual renewal.

Q: Where can I purchase the AT-FL-X930-MRP?

Available from Creation Networks at creationnetworks.net, an authorized Allied Telesis reseller.