When you're building or expanding an industrial networking fieldbus setup, the first fork in the road is a simple one: do you need more Ethernet ports, or do you need fieldbus-to-Ethernet conversion? The PUSR 5/8 Ports Industrial Gigabit Ethernet Switch and the Burkert 00307390 / ME43 Industrial Ethernet Fieldbus Gateway sit on opposite sides of that decision. One is a plug-and-play switch for connecting industrial Ethernet devices. The other is a fieldbus gateway for linking a control network. The deciding factor is your network architecture and where the bottleneck sits.
Quick verdict
If you need simple Ethernet connectivity, the PUSR switch is the clear pick. If you need a device that sits between an industrial Ethernet network and a fieldbus system, the Burkert ME43 is the one to consider. Define whether your need is ports or protocol before you choose.
Comparison at a glance
| PUSR Industrial Gigabit Ethernet Switch | Burkert ME43 Fieldbus Gateway | |
|---|---|---|
| Listed price | $27.99 | $249.99 |
| Condition | New | Used |
| Primary job | Unmanaged 8-port 10/100/1000Mbps Ethernet switch | Industrial Ethernet fieldbus gateway |
| What stands out | IP40 protection, dual power DC 9.6-60V, -40℃ to 85℃, DIN-rail mounting | Model 00307390 / ME43, working pull |
| Best for | Adding Ethernet ports in demanding environments | Connecting fieldbus devices to Ethernet |
Where each product wins
The PUSR switch is the better fit when your problem is physical port capacity in an Ethernet-only network and you want a device that runs without configuration. The Burkert ME43 is the better fit when you need gateway translation to connect an industrial Ethernet network to a fieldbus network; the switch does not provide that gateway function.
Product notes
PUSR 5/8 Ports Industrial Gigabit Ethernet Switch
This PUSR switch is built around a simple unmanaged Ethernet design, with RJ-45 ports in a 5/8-port series and gigabit speed support. Its industrial strengths go beyond port count: dual power inputs, fanless operation, and a housing that handles -40℃ to 85℃ with IP40 protection. DIN-rail mounting and a compact footprint make it easy to place in a control cabinet, and it suits smart city, rail transit, security surveillance, and new energy applications. If your network already speaks Ethernet, this is the straightforward, economical way to add devices. What holds it back is the lack of gateway abilities: it will not translate between fieldbus and Ethernet, so it should be chosen for port expansion, not protocol conversion.
Burkert 00307390 / ME43 Industrial Ethernet Fieldbus Gateway
This used Burkert gateway carries the model number 00307390 / ME43 and is a working pull, so it was removed from service rather than being new. Its entire purpose is distinct from a switch: an industrial Ethernet fieldbus gateway sits between an Ethernet network and a fieldbus network, translating between those two worlds. If your setup already includes Burkert ME43 components and needs that bridging role, this unit is directly relevant. The trade-off is that it is a gateway, not a general-purpose switch, so its job is protocol translation rather than adding multiple LAN ports. At the same time, the used condition is a real consideration: you are buying a specialized device that has already been in service, not a brand-new component.
Final choice by use case
If you need to add Ethernet devices in a rugged environment and want plug-and-play installation with no management overhead, pick the PUSR switch. At $27.99, it covers the port expansion side of an industrial networking fieldbus setup. If you already run an industrial Ethernet fieldbus network and need a gateway to connect the two sides, the Burkert ME43 is the one to choose, with its $249.99 price reflecting the specialized role. In short: ports point to the PUSR switch; protocol bridging points to the Burkert ME43.
