Belden Unveils World's First 5G Industrial Switch Powered by Qualcomm at Hannover Messe

Venlo, The Netherlands – April 16, 2026 – Belden Inc. (NYSE: BDC), a leading global provider of complete connection solutions, is showcasing a groundbreaking demonstration of the world's first 5G industrial switch specifically designed for use on the factory floor. The BRS-5G industrial switch powered by Qualcomm Technologies will be unveiled as a concept April 20-24, 2026 at Hannover Messe, the world’s leading trade fair for the manufacturing industry.

In industrial settings, reliable communication is crucial. Private 5G technology, known for its extremely dependable and fast connections, now brings this level of precision to wireless factory operations. This means manufacturers could easily add more sensors and machinery to their existing facilities without the expense and hassle of installing new cables. The solution is designed to ensure that critical factory devices communicate instantly and smoothly, meeting the strict demands for quick responses and perfect timing, especially for synchronizing complex machinery.

The centerpiece of this demonstration is the BRS-5G, the world's first 5G industrial switch. This innovative switch builds upon Belden's trusted Bobcat Rail Switch (BRS) technology, integrating advanced 5G capabilities through a collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies. It's designed to work seamlessly with all major industrial communication standards, supporting compatibility across diverse factory equipment. Visitors to Hannover Messe will see a live conveyor belt system showcasing how sensors and drives communicate flawlessly in real-time, powered by a dedicated private 5G network.

The Snapdragon^® X72 5G Modem-RF System with industrial features is a key component, making it possible for industrial Ethernet to operate directly over 5G networks. This crucial technology transforms industrial Ethernet over 5G from a concept into a practical, ready-to-deploy solution for the first time, opening new possibilities for factory connectivity.

"The BRS-5G industrial switch represents a significant leap forward for industrial automation," said Vinod Rana, VP, Global Products. "By combining Belden's proven industrial networking expertise with cutting-edge 5G technology, we're delivering a solution that not only simplifies factory expansion but also ensures the ultra-reliable, real-time communication that modern manufacturing demands. This switch, supporting all major industrial protocols, is a testament to our commitment to empowering industries with the most advanced and flexible connectivity solutions."

"Our collaboration with Belden is bringing the power of 5G directly to the factory floor," said Jeff Arnold, VP & GM, Auto Telematics and Consumer/Connectivity, IE-IOT. "The Snapdragon^® X72 5G Modem-RF System with industrial features is at the heart of this innovation, enabling native Ethernet over 5G and making this groundbreaking technology a practical reality for industrial applications. This collaboration underscores our dedication to driving the next generation of industrial connectivity, offering manufacturers unprecedented flexibility and performance."

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