Description
Product Overview
The ENTERASYS A2H124-24FX-RH is a high-performance, enterprise-grade Managed Ethernet Switch from the Enterasys Networks (now part of Extreme Networks) product portfolio, specifically designed as a compact, ruggedized access or aggregation layer switch. This model is a 24-port 100Base-FX Fast Ethernet switch with fiber optic interfaces, featuring a robust metal housing and designed for deployment in industrial or demanding IT closet environments where reliability and deterministic performance are critical. The «RH» suffix typically denotes a «Ruggedized/Hardened» variant, indicating enhanced construction for operation in wider temperature ranges and possibly with higher resistance to vibration and electrical noise. Its primary function is to provide a reliable, high-speed Layer 2 (and potentially basic Layer 3) switching backbone, connecting end devices (PLCs, HMIs, drives, servers, cameras) and other network segments via its fiber optic ports, which offer immunity to electromagnetic interference (EMI) and allow for much longer cable runs compared to copper Ethernet.
The core value of the ENTERASYS A2H124-24FX-RH lies in its combination of enterprise-grade networking features, robustness, and fiber-centric design. It delivers advanced capabilities such as Virtual LANs (VLANs) for network segmentation, Quality of Service (QoS) for prioritizing critical control traffic, Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP/MSTP) for network redundancy, and comprehensive security features like 802.1X port-based authentication. The use of 100Base-FX fiber ports makes it ideal for creating a noise-immune backbone in industrial plants or for connecting buildings across a campus. For network engineers and system integrators in manufacturing, transportation, and utility sectors, this switch provides a reliable and manageable network infrastructure component that ensures deterministic communication for industrial protocols, supports converged IT/OT networks, and withstands the environmental challenges of non-office settings.
Technical Specifications
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Product Model
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ENTERASYS A2H124-24FX-RH
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Manufacturer
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Enterasys Networks (Extreme Networks)
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Product Type
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Managed Layer 2+ Ethernet Switch (Ruggedized)
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Form Factor
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1U rack-mountable, compact metal enclosure
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Copper Ports
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Typically includes 2 or 4 10/100/1000BASE-T RJ-45 ports for uplink or management.
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Fiber Ports
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24 x 100BASE-FX ports (multimode fiber, SC or ST connectors depending on variant). Fixed with duplex LC/SC connectors.
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Switching Capacity
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Backplane capacity sufficient for non-blocking switching of all ports at wire speed.
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Forwarding Rate
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High packet forwarding rate (millions of packets per second).
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Management
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Full SNMP (v1, v2c, v3), CLI (Command Line Interface via console/SSH/Telnet), Web interface (HTTP/HTTPS), and integration with Enterasys/Extreme management software (e.g., ExtremeXOS).
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Layer 2 Features
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IEEE 802.1Q VLAN, 802.1p QoS, 802.3ad Link Aggregation (LACP), 802.1w Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP), 802.1s Multiple Spanning Tree (MSTP), IGMP Snooping.
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Security Features
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802.1X Port-Based Network Access Control, RADIUS/TACACS+ support, MAC-based authentication, Access Control Lists (ACLs), SSH/SSL encryption.
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Power Supply
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Internal, redundant, or hot-swappable power supply options may be available. AC input (100-240V).
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Operating Temperature
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Extended range, typically 0°C to 50°C (commercial) or -40°C to 75°C for ruggedized («-RH») variants.
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Certifications
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Safety: UL/CSA/CE; EMC: FCC Part 15 Class A, CE; may have industrial certifications (e.g., NEBS Level 3 compliant).
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Key Features and Advantages
ENTERASYS A2H124-24FX-RH excels as a fiber-optic backbone switch for harsh environments. Its primary advantage is the high port density of 24 100Base-FX fiber ports, providing ample connectivity for devices that require the noise immunity, long distance (up to 2 km on multimode), and electrical isolation that only fiber can offer. This makes it perfect for connecting distributed I/O panels, motor control centers (MCCs), and field instruments in an industrial plant, or for building a resilient campus network backbone. The ruggedized design («-RH») ensures reliable operation in locations with temperature fluctuations, vibration, and higher levels of dust, which are common in manufacturing floors or transportation hubs.
Advanced networking intelligence and convergence readiness are central to its value. Beyond basic switching, it supports VLANs to segrate control traffic from IT traffic, enhancing security and performance. Quality of Service (QoS) allows prioritization of time-sensitive industrial protocol traffic (like PROFINET or EtherNet/IP) over routine data, ensuring deterministic network behavior. Support for Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) and Link Aggregation (LACP) provides network redundancy and resiliency, critical for maintaining uptime in operational technology (OT) networks. These features make it a cornerstone for converged IT/OT networks.
Enterprise-grade security and manageability in a tough package are key benefits. The switch incorporates robust security features like 802.1X authentication, preventing unauthorized devices from accessing the network. It can be managed seamlessly as part of an Enterasys/Extreme Networks ecosystem using centralized management tools. For network architects, the A2H124-24FX-RH provides a future-proof, reliable, and secure building block for constructing high-performance network infrastructures that must support both traditional data and critical real-time industrial communications in challenging physical environments.
Application Areas
The ENTERASYS A2H124-24FX-RH is designed for deployment in environments requiring a reliable, fiber-based network backbone with managed capabilities.
In industrial automation and manufacturing, it is used as a cell/area switch in a converged plant network, connecting PLCs, HMIs, drives, and cameras across a production line or section of a factory via fiber, immune to motor drive EMI. Within power utility and oil & gas substations or offshore platforms, its ruggedness and fiber optic reliability make it suitable for SCADA and telemetry networks.
For intelligent transportation systems (ITS) and traffic management, it can connect traffic signal controllers and cameras over long distances via fiber. In campus and building networks, it serves as a distribution layer switch in wiring closets, aggregating traffic from multiple access switches and providing uplinks to the core via fiber. It is also ideal for any application requiring extended distance connections between network segments where copper Ethernet is impractical or unreliable. Essentially, this switch is deployed where the combination of fiber optic media, high port density, managed features, and physical robustness is required.
Related Products
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Enterasys/Extreme Networks Core & Distribution Switches: Higher-layer switches (e.g., BlackDiamond, Summit series) to which the A2H124-24FX-RH would aggregate traffic.
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Industrial Ethernet Switches (e.g., from Moxa, Siemens): Competitor products specifically marketed for harsh industrial environments, often with similar fiber port counts.
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Fiber Optic Transceivers & Cables: SFP/SFP+ modules (if applicable) and the multimode fiber patch cables to connect the switch ports.
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Network Management Software (e.g., ExtremeXOS, ExtremeManagement): Software suites for configuring, monitoring, and troubleshooting the switch and the entire network.
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Rack Mount Kits & Power Cords: Hardware accessories for installation.
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Unmanaged Fiber Switches: Simpler, lower-cost alternatives for basic connectivity without management features.
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Media Converters: Devices that convert between fiber and copper, which this switch could potentially replace by providing native fiber ports.
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