Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about BotBlox embedded networking and edge compute systems, from product specs and integration to ordering and compliance.
QUICK ANSWERS
QUICK ANSWERS
Everything You Need to Know
Everything You Need to Know
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All
General
Product & Compatibility
Technical Specifications
Integrations & Configurations
Software & Firmware
Ordering & Lead Times
Compliance & Certifications
Support & Resources
GENERAL
What is BotBlox Systems?
ANSWER
BotBlox Systems designs and manufactures rugged embedded networking and edge compute hardware for autonomous platforms. Our systems are deployed in UAVs, satellites, subsea vehicles, ground robots, industrial equipment, and motorsport.
What industries does BotBlox serve?
ANSWER
We serve six core domains: UAVs & Aerospace, Space Systems, Subsea, Ground Robotics, Industrial Systems, and Motorsport. Our products are designed for harsh environments where reliability, size, and performance are critical.
Where are BotBlox products designed and manufactured?
ANSWER
BotBlox was founded in the UK and is now headquartered in NYC, USA, where we assemble and qualify hardware in-house. For programs with sovereign-supply requirements — NDAA Section 889 or BlueUAS — we offer dedicated manufacturing flows with full component traceability.
What is the difference between Edge Networking and Edge Compute?
ANSWER
Edge Networking refers to our embedded Ethernet switch products (SwitchBlox, GigaBlox, UbiSwitch, Puck families) that move data between sensors, cameras, and compute modules onboard a platform. Edge Compute refers to our processing modules (SOMs, AeroStax50) that enable onboard AI inference and real-time decision-making. Together, they form the data backbone of autonomous systems.
PRODUCT & COMPATIBILITY
What is the difference between SwitchBlox, GigaBlox, and UbiSwitch?
ANSWER
SwitchBlox is our compact 5-port 100Mbps unmanaged switch family, ideal for size-constrained platforms. GigaBlox is the Gigabit equivalent. UbiSwitch is our managed switch platform with advanced features like VLANs, port mirroring, and 10G uplink options. Each product family is available in Standard, Rugged, and NDAA-compliant variants.
Is GigaBlox Nano compatible with Raspberry Pi CM5?
ANSWER
Yes. GigaBlox Nano integrates with Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 and other common SBCs via standard Ethernet. Pinout and wiring guides are available in our documentation hub and community forum.
Can I connect a GigaBlox SFP to a standard GigaBlox via copper?
ANSWER
Yes, you can connect them directly together via the copper ports. GigaBlox SFP communicates with any GigaBlox variant over standard Gigabit Ethernet copper links. The SFP port provides an additional fibre uplink option for longer-range or electrically isolated connections.
What SFP modules are compatible with UbiSwitch and GigaBlox SFP?
ANSWER
BotBlox products support standard MSA-compliant SFP and SFP+ modules. Specific module compatibility (including SFP-10G-T for UbiSwitch 10G) is listed in each product's documentation. Check the documentation hub for the latest tested module list.
What is the Puck family?
ANSWER
The Puck family comprises our most rugged, encapsulated switch form factors — including Puck Mini, Puck Edge, and Puck Maxi — designed for harsh environments where bare PCBs are not acceptable. They share the same networking capabilities as the board-level products in a sealed, connectorized package.
Do you offer Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) products?
ANSWER
Yes. Our Single Pair Ethernet product line enables long-reach, lightweight Ethernet over a single twisted pair. It is particularly suited for weight-sensitive aerospace and tethered drone applications where traditional cabling is too heavy.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
What is the operating temperature range of BotBlox products?
ANSWER
Standard series products operate from -20°C to +70°C. Rugged series products are rated for at least -40°C to +85°C extended range. Some boards exceed this rating, this information is on the product page.
What is the maximum MTU frame size on SwitchBlox?
ANSWER
The SwitchBlox (BB-SWB-E-1) supports a maximum MTU of 1,500 bytes. GigaBlox supports 1,500 bytes. UbiSwitch support 9,216 byte jumbo frames.
What is the latency of BotBlox switches?
ANSWER
Store-and-forward latency on SwitchBlox and GigaBlox is typically under 5µs for minimum-size frames. SPEBlox latency is comparable. Detailed benchmarks are available in our technical documentation and discussed on the community forum.
What is the pressure tolerance of Puck Maxi, GigaBlox and UbiSwitch?
ANSWER
Potted variants of Puck Maxi and GigaBlox are rated for subsea deployment. Exact depth ratings depend on connector and encapsulation configuration. Contact our engineering team for project-specific pressure specifications. UbiSwitch is, by design, rated for deep sea applications needing pressure tolerance up to 9400PSI.
What is the power consumption of SwitchBlox Nano?
ANSWER
SwitchBlox Nano typically draws under 1W at 5V with all ports active. The onboard 5V regulator efficiency is detailed in the product datasheet. Power consumption varies with traffic load and connected device negotiation.
What are the dimensions of BotBlox products?
ANSWER
Dimensional drawings for all products (PCB outline, mounting holes, connector positions) are available as downloadable PDFs and CAD files in the documentation hub. SwitchBlox Nano, for example, measures 25×25mm — among the smallest managed Ethernet switches available.
INTEGRATIONS & CONFIGURATIONS
How do I configure VLANs on UbiSwitch?
ANSWER
UbiSwitch supports 802.1Q VLANs configurable through the management interface. VLAN trunk configuration across daisy-chained switches (e.g., SOM + SwitchBlox Rugged) is supported. Step-by-step guides are available in the documentation hub and on the forum.
Does UbiSwitch support port mirroring?
ANSWER
No, but it is possible to add, please get in touch if you're interested in this functionality; we might add it to an upcoming BloxOSLite release.
Can I use BotBlox switches in a tethered drone setup?
ANSWER
Yes. SwitchBlox and GigaBlox are widely used in tethered UAV systems to carry Ethernet data (video, telemetry, command) over the tether cable. GigaBlox SFP is particularly useful as it as an SFP module which allows bidirectional fiber to be used. Our forum contains detailed integration guides for common tether configurations.
Can SwitchBlox Nano be potted or encapsulated?
ANSWER
Yes. SwitchBlox Nano has been successfully encapsulated in Scotchcast compound and similar potting materials for subsea and high-vibration environments. Thermal and signal integrity considerations are discussed on the community forum, but the board is very low power so thermal overloading is generally not an issue.
How do I integrate the UbiSwitch module with the UbiSwitch 10G Baseboard?
ANSWER
The UbiSwitch module connects to the 10G Baseboard via the board-to-board connector. The Baseboard provides 10G SFP+ uplinks and power delivery. A step-by-step integration guide is available in the UbiSwitch documentation.
Can I run Tailscale or other VPN software on the Rugged SOM?
ANSWER
Yes. The Rugged SOM runs OpenWRT and supports Tailscale and other VPN packages. This allows secure remote access to embedded networks in the field. Setup instructions and community experiences are available on the forum.
SOFTWARE & FIRMWARE
What software runs on BotBlox managed switches?
ANSWER
There are generally four types of software, in descending order of capability/complexity, these are OpenWRT, BloxOS, BloxOSLite and static firmware. OpenWRT runs on our hardware that contains a microprocessor, like Rugged SOM and RouterCore. BloxOS runs on hardware that contain high spec microcontrollers, like RouterCore Nano. BloxOSLite runs on tiny hardware that contains a low power microcontroller like UbiSwitch and SwitchBlox Industrial. Static firmware runs on all our other unmanaged boards.
How do I update firmware on BotBlox products?
ANSWER
Hardware running OpenWRT can be updated via the GUI. Hardware running BloxOS can be updated over the CLI. Hardware running BloxOSLite can be updated over the serial port.
Is BotBlox software open source?
ANSWER
The OpenWRT-based firmware on managed products uses open-source components. BotBlox-specific packages and configurations are not open source.
ORDERING & LEAD TIMES
How do I order BotBlox products?
ANSWER
Standard products are available through our online shop. For volume orders, custom configurations, or NDAA-compliant variants, contact our sales team via the Request a Quote form for a tailored proposal.
What are typical lead times?
ANSWER
Standard products in stock ship within 2–5 business days. Custom or high-volume orders typically require 4–8 weeks depending on configuration and quantity. Contact sales for a precise timeline on your specific requirements.
Do you offer samples or evaluation kits?
ANSWER
Generally no, but get in touch and we're happy to evaluate on a case-by-case basis. Often, getting hardware in an engineer's hands quickly, without engaging procurement, is worth a lot more than a single order to us.
Do you offer volume pricing?
ANSWER
Yes. Volume pricing is available for orders above minimum quantity thresholds. Pricing for most products is available online. Request a quote through our sales team for a detailed proposal. We do offer custom pricing for specific customers or applications.
Do you keep your products in stock?
ANSWER
In nearly all cases yes, we work hard to maintain high stock levels on all our products, meaning they ship fast. We do this with smart management of our manufacture and supply chain, all through ERP software. Occasionally boards do go out of stock, especially when we get unexpected large volume orders on specific products. In this case we are able to replenish our stock within 4-6 weeks. We maintain a strategic stock on all the key semiconductors we need to build, to mitigate chip shortages.
COMPLIANCE & CERTIFICATIONS
Are BotBlox products NDAA compliant?
ANSWER
Yes. Our NDAA series provides variants of SwitchBlox, GigaBlox, and UbiSwitch that meet the National Defense Authorization Act requirements — with non-Chinese componentry (where possible) and full supply chain documentation. Certificates of conformity are available in the documentation hub.
What certifications do BotBlox products carry?
ANSWER
Products carry CE and relevant industry certifications depending on variant. Certificates of conformity, declarations of compliance, and test reports are downloadable from the documentation hub per product family.
Can BotBlox products be used in space or defense programs?
ANSWER
BotBlox products are deployed in space systems and defense platforms. NDAA-compliant variants, extended temperature ratings, and engineering support for qualification programs are available. Contact our team early in your program for architecture guidance and compliance documentation.
SUPPORT & RESOURCES
How do I get technical support?
ANSWER
Three channels: the community forum for public discussions (fast), the ticketing portal for private one-on-one engineering support, and the support email. Our engineering team responds fast.
Browse by topic
All
General
Product & Compatibility
Technical Specifications
Integrations & Configurations
Software & Firmware
Ordering & Lead Times
Compliance & Certifications
Support & Resources
GENERAL
What is BotBlox Systems?
ANSWER
BotBlox Systems designs and manufactures rugged embedded networking and edge compute hardware for autonomous platforms. Our systems are deployed in UAVs, satellites, subsea vehicles, ground robots, industrial equipment, and motorsport.
What industries does BotBlox serve?
ANSWER
We serve six core domains: UAVs & Aerospace, Space Systems, Subsea, Ground Robotics, Industrial Systems, and Motorsport. Our products are designed for harsh environments where reliability, size, and performance are critical.
Where are BotBlox products designed and manufactured?
ANSWER
BotBlox was founded in the UK and is now headquartered in NYC, USA, where we assemble and qualify hardware in-house. For programs with sovereign-supply requirements — NDAA Section 889 or BlueUAS — we offer dedicated manufacturing flows with full component traceability.
What is the difference between Edge Networking and Edge Compute?
ANSWER
Edge Networking refers to our embedded Ethernet switch products (SwitchBlox, GigaBlox, UbiSwitch, Puck families) that move data between sensors, cameras, and compute modules onboard a platform. Edge Compute refers to our processing modules (SOMs, AeroStax50) that enable onboard AI inference and real-time decision-making. Together, they form the data backbone of autonomous systems.
PRODUCT & COMPATIBILITY
What is the difference between SwitchBlox, GigaBlox, and UbiSwitch?
ANSWER
SwitchBlox is our compact 5-port 100Mbps unmanaged switch family, ideal for size-constrained platforms. GigaBlox is the Gigabit equivalent. UbiSwitch is our managed switch platform with advanced features like VLANs, port mirroring, and 10G uplink options. Each product family is available in Standard, Rugged, and NDAA-compliant variants.
Is GigaBlox Nano compatible with Raspberry Pi CM5?
ANSWER
Yes. GigaBlox Nano integrates with Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 and other common SBCs via standard Ethernet. Pinout and wiring guides are available in our documentation hub and community forum.
Can I connect a GigaBlox SFP to a standard GigaBlox via copper?
ANSWER
Yes, you can connect them directly together via the copper ports. GigaBlox SFP communicates with any GigaBlox variant over standard Gigabit Ethernet copper links. The SFP port provides an additional fibre uplink option for longer-range or electrically isolated connections.
What SFP modules are compatible with UbiSwitch and GigaBlox SFP?
ANSWER
BotBlox products support standard MSA-compliant SFP and SFP+ modules. Specific module compatibility (including SFP-10G-T for UbiSwitch 10G) is listed in each product's documentation. Check the documentation hub for the latest tested module list.
What is the Puck family?
ANSWER
The Puck family comprises our most rugged, encapsulated switch form factors — including Puck Mini, Puck Edge, and Puck Maxi — designed for harsh environments where bare PCBs are not acceptable. They share the same networking capabilities as the board-level products in a sealed, connectorized package.
Do you offer Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) products?
ANSWER
Yes. Our Single Pair Ethernet product line enables long-reach, lightweight Ethernet over a single twisted pair. It is particularly suited for weight-sensitive aerospace and tethered drone applications where traditional cabling is too heavy.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
What is the operating temperature range of BotBlox products?
ANSWER
Standard series products operate from -20°C to +70°C. Rugged series products are rated for at least -40°C to +85°C extended range. Some boards exceed this rating, this information is on the product page.
What is the maximum MTU frame size on SwitchBlox?
ANSWER
The SwitchBlox (BB-SWB-E-1) supports a maximum MTU of 1,500 bytes. GigaBlox supports 1,500 bytes. UbiSwitch support 9,216 byte jumbo frames.
What is the latency of BotBlox switches?
ANSWER
Store-and-forward latency on SwitchBlox and GigaBlox is typically under 5µs for minimum-size frames. SPEBlox latency is comparable. Detailed benchmarks are available in our technical documentation and discussed on the community forum.
What is the pressure tolerance of Puck Maxi, GigaBlox and UbiSwitch?
ANSWER
Potted variants of Puck Maxi and GigaBlox are rated for subsea deployment. Exact depth ratings depend on connector and encapsulation configuration. Contact our engineering team for project-specific pressure specifications. UbiSwitch is, by design, rated for deep sea applications needing pressure tolerance up to 9400PSI.
What is the power consumption of SwitchBlox Nano?
ANSWER
SwitchBlox Nano typically draws under 1W at 5V with all ports active. The onboard 5V regulator efficiency is detailed in the product datasheet. Power consumption varies with traffic load and connected device negotiation.
What are the dimensions of BotBlox products?
ANSWER
Dimensional drawings for all products (PCB outline, mounting holes, connector positions) are available as downloadable PDFs and CAD files in the documentation hub. SwitchBlox Nano, for example, measures 25×25mm — among the smallest managed Ethernet switches available.
INTEGRATIONS & CONFIGURATIONS
How do I configure VLANs on UbiSwitch?
ANSWER
UbiSwitch supports 802.1Q VLANs configurable through the management interface. VLAN trunk configuration across daisy-chained switches (e.g., SOM + SwitchBlox Rugged) is supported. Step-by-step guides are available in the documentation hub and on the forum.
Does UbiSwitch support port mirroring?
ANSWER
No, but it is possible to add, please get in touch if you're interested in this functionality; we might add it to an upcoming BloxOSLite release.
Can I use BotBlox switches in a tethered drone setup?
ANSWER
Yes. SwitchBlox and GigaBlox are widely used in tethered UAV systems to carry Ethernet data (video, telemetry, command) over the tether cable. GigaBlox SFP is particularly useful as it as an SFP module which allows bidirectional fiber to be used. Our forum contains detailed integration guides for common tether configurations.
Can SwitchBlox Nano be potted or encapsulated?
ANSWER
Yes. SwitchBlox Nano has been successfully encapsulated in Scotchcast compound and similar potting materials for subsea and high-vibration environments. Thermal and signal integrity considerations are discussed on the community forum, but the board is very low power so thermal overloading is generally not an issue.
How do I integrate the UbiSwitch module with the UbiSwitch 10G Baseboard?
ANSWER
The UbiSwitch module connects to the 10G Baseboard via the board-to-board connector. The Baseboard provides 10G SFP+ uplinks and power delivery. A step-by-step integration guide is available in the UbiSwitch documentation.
Can I run Tailscale or other VPN software on the Rugged SOM?
ANSWER
Yes. The Rugged SOM runs OpenWRT and supports Tailscale and other VPN packages. This allows secure remote access to embedded networks in the field. Setup instructions and community experiences are available on the forum.
SOFTWARE & FIRMWARE
What software runs on BotBlox managed switches?
ANSWER
There are generally four types of software, in descending order of capability/complexity, these are OpenWRT, BloxOS, BloxOSLite and static firmware. OpenWRT runs on our hardware that contains a microprocessor, like Rugged SOM and RouterCore. BloxOS runs on hardware that contain high spec microcontrollers, like RouterCore Nano. BloxOSLite runs on tiny hardware that contains a low power microcontroller like UbiSwitch and SwitchBlox Industrial. Static firmware runs on all our other unmanaged boards.
How do I update firmware on BotBlox products?
ANSWER
Hardware running OpenWRT can be updated via the GUI. Hardware running BloxOS can be updated over the CLI. Hardware running BloxOSLite can be updated over the serial port.
Is BotBlox software open source?
ANSWER
The OpenWRT-based firmware on managed products uses open-source components. BotBlox-specific packages and configurations are not open source.
ORDERING & LEAD TIMES
How do I order BotBlox products?
ANSWER
Standard products are available through our online shop. For volume orders, custom configurations, or NDAA-compliant variants, contact our sales team via the Request a Quote form for a tailored proposal.
What are typical lead times?
ANSWER
Standard products in stock ship within 2–5 business days. Custom or high-volume orders typically require 4–8 weeks depending on configuration and quantity. Contact sales for a precise timeline on your specific requirements.
Do you offer samples or evaluation kits?
ANSWER
Generally no, but get in touch and we're happy to evaluate on a case-by-case basis. Often, getting hardware in an engineer's hands quickly, without engaging procurement, is worth a lot more than a single order to us.
Do you offer volume pricing?
ANSWER
Yes. Volume pricing is available for orders above minimum quantity thresholds. Pricing for most products is available online. Request a quote through our sales team for a detailed proposal. We do offer custom pricing for specific customers or applications.
Do you keep your products in stock?
ANSWER
In nearly all cases yes, we work hard to maintain high stock levels on all our products, meaning they ship fast. We do this with smart management of our manufacture and supply chain, all through ERP software. Occasionally boards do go out of stock, especially when we get unexpected large volume orders on specific products. In this case we are able to replenish our stock within 4-6 weeks. We maintain a strategic stock on all the key semiconductors we need to build, to mitigate chip shortages.
COMPLIANCE & CERTIFICATIONS
Are BotBlox products NDAA compliant?
ANSWER
Yes. Our NDAA series provides variants of SwitchBlox, GigaBlox, and UbiSwitch that meet the National Defense Authorization Act requirements — with non-Chinese componentry (where possible) and full supply chain documentation. Certificates of conformity are available in the documentation hub.
What certifications do BotBlox products carry?
ANSWER
Products carry CE and relevant industry certifications depending on variant. Certificates of conformity, declarations of compliance, and test reports are downloadable from the documentation hub per product family.
Can BotBlox products be used in space or defense programs?
ANSWER
BotBlox products are deployed in space systems and defense platforms. NDAA-compliant variants, extended temperature ratings, and engineering support for qualification programs are available. Contact our team early in your program for architecture guidance and compliance documentation.
SUPPORT & RESOURCES
How do I get technical support?
ANSWER
Three channels: the community forum for public discussions (fast), the ticketing portal for private one-on-one engineering support, and the support email. Our engineering team responds fast.
