Gigabit Network Card FAQ

The Network-M3, like its Eaton network card predecessors, is an accessory that plugs in to Eaton-branded UPSs and ATSs – adding an Ethernet port that connects these devices to a computer network. The value-added features the network card provides include:

• Monitoring capabilities that improve visibility of infrastructure power
• Far-reaching UPS/ATS management capabilities
• Time-saving automation of updates, response actions and other tasks
• Enhanced safety and protection

Network-M3 is a platform refresh of the Gigabit Network Card from the earlier Network-M2 version. Network-M3 provides immediate performance benefits and also serves as a platform for accommodating future network card developments. Current Network-M3 improvements over Network-M2 include:

Firmware updates

• User-configurable firewall for enhanced security
• Secure boot process minimises cyber threats
• Faster, more accurate network card provisioning

Updated components

• Updated processor (faster, more efficient)
• Hardware root-of-trust security

Software compatibilities

• Adds Edge to supported browsers
• Compatible with Eaton’s Brightlayer Data Centers suite software (see below) and Intelligent Power Protection software

The Network-M3 card is ideal for organisations looking for more effective ways to manage the mission-critical IT power. These include:

• Small to medium-sized businesses with few or part-time IT staff
• Distributed/remote offices
  • Retail
  • Food service
• Campus-based organisations
  • Hospitals
  • Universities/secondary schools
• Government/military

The Network-M2 card is being replaced by the Network-M3 card and will only be available while supplies last. Availability will vary based on global region.

If you have the Network-M2 card, be sure to upgrade to the latest firmware.

For additional information on the legacy Network-M2 card, click here.

Eaton’s Gigabit Network Card was the first solution of its kind to obtain independent cybersecurity certifications UL 2900-1 and IEC 62443-4-2. The M3 version continues this emphasis on cybersecurity with the following enhancements:

Zero-trust architecture

• Chain-of-trust encryption and secure firmware boot capability prevent the Gigabit Network Card from being a cyber-attack vulnerability point on a network by ensuring that executed firmware is Eaton-authorised
• Loader can upgrade only to genuine encrypted Eaton firmware

Secure authorisation options

• SB-327-compliant role-based access
• Account expiry and locking

Additional threat barriers

• User-configurable firewall provides an additional layer of security to protect the Gigabit Network Card and the UPS system from unauthorised access and cyber attacks
• Remote storage of security key makes the device tamper-resistant
• Small attackable “surface area” with only necessary packages installed and only necessary services enabled by default
• Email alerts are sent through secure SMTP and can be integrated with Google Workspace and Office365

For discovery service: 5353/udp (MDNS/DNS-SD)

For communication: 8883/tcp (MQTT)

The Network Gigabit Card allows for rapid configuration of network cards, saving time exponentially in large-scale deployments.

USB ports can accommodate accessories like environmental monitoring probes, which can provide data on the temperature and humidity in your IT installation, as well as dry-contact monitoring. It can be daisy-chained (up to 3 per host), allowing multiple sensor connections to a single host.

The Certificate manager helps IT professionals easily create and distribute digital certificates to multiple devices, reducing the administrative burden and streamlining the management of a UPS system.

Real-time monitoring from Chrome and Edge browsers allows for fast, convenient response to power issues.