The key decision in an industrial networking fieldbus project is often switch versus gateway. When you narrow it down to a MOXA EDS-316 Ethernet switch and a Burkert ME43 fieldbus gateway, the real question is whether your network needs an Ethernet switch or a fieldbus gateway-and how much you want to spend on that role.
Quick verdict
Choose the MOXA EDS-316 at USD 549.94 if you want an industrial Ethernet switch and are prepared for the higher outlay. Choose the Burkert ME43 at USD 249.99 if you need a fieldbus gateway and prefer to keep the gateway cost down.
At a glance
| Product | Listed Price | Network role |
| MOXA industrial Ethernet switch EDS-316 | USD 549.94 | Ethernet switch |
| Burkert 00307390 / ME43 Industrial Ethernet Fieldbus Gateway | USD 249.99 | Fieldbus gateway |
Where each product wins
- MOXA EDS-316 wins for a dedicated Ethernet switch role when your network backbone needs a switch at the center.
- Burkert ME43 wins for a fieldbus gateway role when you want a smaller price tag on that part of the network.
MOXA industrial Ethernet switch EDS-316
The MOXA EDS-316 is a new industrial Ethernet switch, and it carries the higher listed price in this comparison. The benefit is straightforward: you are buying a switch that has not been through a previous installation. For a network where Ethernet is the backbone and you want to start from zero prior service history, this is the stronger fit. The limitation is the cost gap. The price difference between the two products is USD 299.95, and that extra outlay only makes sense if your network actually needs a dedicated switch rather than a gateway. If you already have a fieldbus gateway or if your control layout revolves around fieldbus, spending more here may not solve the right problem.
Burkert 00307390 / ME43 Industrial Ethernet Fieldbus Gateway
The Burkert ME43 is a used industrial Ethernet fieldbus gateway, and it is presented as a working pull that comes as pictured. It is the lower-cost option by a wide margin, making it attractive when your goal is to bridge a fieldbus network to Ethernet without committing the larger part of your budget to the gateway. The limitation is that it is a used unit. Instead of a factory-new product, you are relying on the working-pull condition and the pictured appearance. For a spare, a test rig, or a less critical segment, the price makes it a sensible candidate.
Final choice by use case
- For an Ethernet backbone that needs a switch: Go with the MOXA EDS-316. The higher outlay makes sense when the central connection point has to be a switch.
- For a fieldbus-to-Ethernet bridge on a tighter budget: Go with the Burkert ME43. The lower cost makes it the pick when you need to connect fieldbus devices and want to reserve funds elsewhere.
- If you need both roles: The MOXA and the Burkert are not interchangeable. A switch handles Ethernet traffic, while a fieldbus gateway translates between fieldbus and Ethernet. Identify which device your network is missing before you spend.
