Description

ENTERASYS A2H254-16 Network Switch

Product Description

The ENTERASYS A2H254-16 is a high-performance, fully managed industrial Ethernet switch designed for robust network connectivity within demanding automation and control system environments. As a critical piece of network infrastructure, this switch functions as the data backbone, interconnecting PLCs, HMIs, drives, servers, and other networked devices to ensure reliable and deterministic data exchange. Engineered to meet industrial standards for temperature, shock, vibration, and electromagnetic interference, the ENTERASYS A2H254-16 provides the network resilience required for 24/7 operations where network downtime is not an option. For detailed technical specifications, configuration guides, and firmware information, please visit the official product resource: ENTERASYS A2H254-16. Deploying the A2H254-16 switch within a plant or substation network enables the creation of a secure, segmented, and high-availability communication fabric essential for modern Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and Industry 4.0 applications. The advanced management features of this switch provide the necessary tools to optimize network performance and security in a converged IT/OT landscape.

Product Parameters

• Product Model: ENTERASYS A2H254-16
• Device Type: Managed Industrial Ethernet Switch.
• Port Configuration: 16 10/100Base-TX RJ-45 copper ports (as indicated by “-16”), typically with auto-negotiation and auto-MDI/MDIX.
• Uplink Ports: Likely includes 2 or 4 additional Gigabit Ethernet ports (either combo RJ-45/SFP) for high-speed backbone or uplink connections.
• Switching Capacity: High backplane bandwidth to support wire-speed switching on all ports simultaneously.
• Management Features: Fully managed via:
  • CLI (Command Line Interface): For granular configuration.
  • Web Interface: For user-friendly graphical management.
  • SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol): For integration into network monitoring systems.
• Industrial Protocols: Supports critical industrial protocols for network management and redundancy, including:
  • RSTP/MSTP (Rapid/Multiple Spanning Tree Protocol): For network loop prevention and path redundancy.
  • IGMP Snooping: For efficient multicast traffic management (important for some industrial protocols).
• Industrial Hardening:
  • Operating Temperature: Wide range, e.g., -40°C to 75°C.
  • Power Supply: Dual, redundant 24V DC or 110/240V AC power inputs for high availability.
  • Mounting: DIN-rail or panel mountable.
  • Certifications: UL, CE, Class I Div 2 / ATEX Zone 2 (or similar for hazardous locations).

Advantages and Features

• Industrial Ruggedness: Built to withstand extreme temperatures, vibration, and electrical noise commonly found in factory floors, substations, and outdoor enclosures, ensuring superior reliability over commercial-grade switches.
• Deterministic Network Performance: Features like Quality of Service (QoS), traffic prioritization, and fast network convergence with RSTP ensure time-critical control data (e.g., from a PLC to a drive) is delivered without delay or packet loss.
• Enhanced Security: Offers robust security features such as port security, MAC address filtering, 802.1X network access control, and VLAN support to segment control traffic from other network traffic, protecting critical automation assets from cyber threats.
• High Availability Design: Redundant power inputs and support for ring network topologies with fast recovery protocols (like <50ms) guarantee maximum network uptime, which is critical for continuous processes.
• Comprehensive Manageability: Provides full visibility and control over the network, allowing for proactive monitoring, diagnostics, and remote configuration, which reduces troubleshooting time and operational costs.

Application Cases in Various Fields

• Manufacturing Cell Networks: Forms the core of a machine or cell network, connecting multiple robots, vision systems, and I/O blocks to a central PLC, ensuring synchronized operation.
• Water/Wastewater SCADA: Deployed in remote pump stations and treatment plants to create a robust network linking RTUs, flow meters, and control panels back to a central SCADA server over fiber or copper.
• Power Utility Substations: Used in IEC 61850-based digital substations to create a highly reliable Ethernet network for protection relays, meters, and bay controllers, requiring strict timing and redundancy.
• Transportation Systems: Provides network connectivity for station control and passenger information systems in rail or metro applications, where equipment is subject to constant vibration.

Comparison with Competing Products

The ENTERASYS A2H254-16 competes with managed industrial switches from leading brands like Cisco (Industrial Ethernet), Siemens (SCALANCE), and Moxa. Its primary historical strength was its advanced feature set, strong security posture, and tight integration within the Enterasys/Extreme Networks ecosystem for unified network management. Compared to unmanaged industrial switches, it offers critical control, security, and diagnostic capabilities. Against other managed switches, it often held an edge in its comprehensive security features and granular traffic management tools, making it a strong choice for security-conscious and complex industrial networks.

Selection Suggestions and Precautions

1. Network Topology and Protocol Planning: Before selecting the ENTERASYS A2H254-16, design your network topology (star, ring, redundant star). Ensure the switch supports the necessary redundancy protocol (e.g., RSTP, proprietary ring protocol) for your required recovery time.
2. Port Density and Speed Requirements: Confirm that the 16+ port count meets your current needs with room for expansion. Ensure the uplink port speed (Gigabit) is sufficient for the traffic volume heading to the network backbone.
3. Environmental Certification: Verify that the switch’s temperature rating, ingress protection (IP rating), and hazardous location certifications (e.g., Class I Div 2) match the physical environment where it will be installed.
4. Power Supply Strategy: Utilize both redundant power inputs, connecting them to independent power sources if possible, to achieve the highest level of availability. Ensure your DC power supply matches the switch’s voltage input range.
5. Procurement and Support Considerations: Note that Enterasys was acquired by Extreme Networks. Source the ENTERASYS A2H254-16 from authorized Extreme Networks partners or trusted industrial suppliers. Verify the availability of firmware updates and technical support for this specific model. For accurate product data, refer to: ENTERASYS A2H254-16. Critical: Properly configure security settings (passwords, VLANs, disabled unused ports) before deployment. Industrial networks are prime targets for cyber attacks. Always follow best practices for network segmentation.

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