Description

Technical Specifications

• Product Model: A2H254-16-RH
• Brand: Enterasys (Extreme Networks; commonly used in Foxboro industrial networks)
• Warranty: One Year
• Input Voltage: AC 100–240 V, 50/60 Hz (supports external redundant power system)
• Operating Temperature: 0°C to +50°C
• Storage Temperature: -40°C to +85°C
• Response Time: Wire-speed Layer 2 switching with low-latency packet forwarding
• Protection Class: Industrial metal chassis (typically IP30)
• Accuracy Class: Deterministic Ethernet switching for industrial network traffic
• Output Frequency: Fast Ethernet (10/100 Mbps) with Gigabit uplinks
• Rated Current Range: Typical power consumption approx. 29 W
• Communication Interface: Copper RJ-45 ports, fiber-optic ports, and SFP uplinks
• Supported Protocols: IEEE 802.3 Ethernet, VLAN (802.1Q), STP/RSTP/MSTP, LACP, SNMP
• Overload Capacity: Redundant power supply support and stacked switch redundancy
• Switching Capacity: Up to approx. 17.6 Gbps
• MAC Address Table: Up to 8,000 entries
• Memory: 128 MB SDRAM, 16 MB Flash
• CPU: PowerPC MPC8241 (266 MHz)
• Port Configuration:
  • 8 × 10/100Base-TX RJ-45 copper ports
  • 8 × 100Base-FX MT-RJ fiber ports
  • 2 × 10/100/1000Base-T uplink/stack ports
  • 2 × SFP (mini-GBIC) uplink slots
• Stacking Capacity: Up to 8 switches in a stack
• Dimensions: Standard 19-inch rack-mount switch form factor

Product Description

Product Overview

The ENTERASYS A2H254-16-RH is a managed Layer-2 industrial Ethernet switch designed for high-reliability networking in automation, process control, and enterprise infrastructure environments. The switch belongs to the SecureStack A2 series originally developed by Enterasys Networks, now part of Extreme Networks, and is frequently deployed in industrial control systems including Foxboro DCS network architectures.

This switch combines copper and fiber connectivity in a single device, allowing flexible integration of field equipment, controllers, and network backbones. With eight copper ports and eight fiber-optic ports, the unit supports both short-distance device connections and long-distance network links resistant to electromagnetic interference.

The device also supports Gigabit uplinks and SFP modules for high-bandwidth connectivity to aggregation switches or core networks. Through its stackable architecture, up to eight switches can be combined into a single logical switching system, simplifying network management while increasing capacity and redundancy.

Comprehensive Layer-2 networking features—including VLAN segmentation, link aggregation, and spanning tree protocols—enable reliable traffic management and fault-tolerant network design. These capabilities make the switch suitable for critical industrial communication networks where continuous operation and deterministic performance are essential.

Key Functions

Hybrid Copper and Fiber Connectivity

The switch integrates eight 10/100Base-TX copper ports and eight 100Base-FX fiber ports. This hybrid configuration allows direct connection of industrial controllers, PLCs, and monitoring devices while supporting long-distance fiber communication across plant facilities.

Stackable Network Architecture

Up to eight units can be stacked and managed as a single logical switch. This feature simplifies configuration and expands port capacity while maintaining high network throughput and redundancy.

Advanced Layer-2 Network Management

Support for VLAN, Quality of Service (QoS), spanning tree protocols (STP/RSTP/MSTP), and link aggregation ensures efficient traffic control and reliable network operation in complex automation environments.

Redundant Power and High Availability

The switch includes support for redundant power supply systems, allowing continued operation in case of internal power failure or power source disruption.

Flexible Network Uplink Options

Gigabit Ethernet ports and SFP slots provide high-speed uplink connections to network backbones or data center switches, ensuring sufficient bandwidth for large industrial networks.

Application Scenarios

Distributed Control System (DCS) Networks

Industrial plants using Foxboro or similar control systems require reliable Ethernet infrastructure for controller communication, operator workstations, and process data exchange.

Factory Automation Systems

The switch connects PLCs, HMIs, industrial computers, and remote I/O modules in automated production lines, providing stable real-time communication.

Power Generation and Substation Automation

Fiber-optic connectivity enables long-distance communication between protection relays, monitoring equipment, and control rooms in power facilities.

Transportation and Infrastructure Networks

Railway systems, airports, and large facilities use industrial Ethernet switches to support surveillance systems, passenger information networks, and operational control systems.