ST. LOUIS -- Belden (NYSE: BDC) announced the launch of ruggedized industrial Ethernet networking products for the Smart Grid communications infrastructure. The company officially introduced its Ethernet switch and cabling lines for substations at the IEEE/PES (Power Transmission & Distribution) Conference and Expo in New Orleans on April 20-22, 2010.

At the IEEE/PES Conference, Belden is showcasing its substation-ready signal transmission products and solutions for industrial Ethernet. These include:

-- Hirschmann switches, security/firewall devices and networking software
-- Hirschmann BAT WAN/LAN wireless systems
-- Hirschmann terminated fiber optic and UTP media
-- Belden TrayOptic and FiberExpress fiber optic cables and
connectivity
-- Belden DataTuff Category 6 and 5e cables

The company says the substation-grade Ethernet infrastructure components are ruggedly constructed to withstand the severe environmental hazards under which they must operate. The products are designed to deliver high performance and 99.999% reliability over the long term, as well as the high bandwidth and high level of network security.

Brian Lieser, Belden's director of global vertical marketing, comments, "With our line-up of field-proven, substation hardened products for industrial Ethernet and other networking protocols, Belden is well-positioned to deliver data networking solutions that address the evolving needs of global substation designers and operators. From Belden cabling and connectivity to Hirschmann branded switches, hardware, and advanced wireless technology, we offer a range of solutions that are fully compliant with all industry standards while providing maximum security and uptime."

For more information, visit www.belden.com/industrial.