Description

The ENTERASYS A4H254-8F8T is a hybrid-port industrial Ethernet switch engineered for resilient network backbones in extreme environments, combining fiber-optic reliability with copper flexibility. Part of Enterasys’ (now Extreme Networks) A-Series, this 16-port managed switch delivers deterministic performance with 8× 100/1000BASE-X SFP slots and 8× 10/100/1000BASE-T RJ45 ports, enabling seamless integration of fiber backbone links and copper field devices. Designed to exceed IEEE 1613 Class 2 and IEC 61850-3 standards, the ENTERASYS A4H254-8F8T operates at -40°C to +75°C with dual 48–57 VDC inputs, making it ideal for electrical substations, rail signaling, and industrial automation. Its non-blocking 32 Gbps switching fabric ensures real-time handling of time-sensitive protocols like IEC 61850 GOOSE and PROFINET IRT, while MPLS support enables secure network segmentation.

Featuring IP40-rated front-panel protection, 50g shock resistance, and conformal-coated PCBs, the switch withstands vibration, humidity, and corrosive atmospheres. Advanced Layer 2/3 capabilities include hardware-based Precision Time Protocol (PTPv2) for µs-level synchronization critical to smart grid synchrophasors and hardware-enforced QoS for traffic prioritization. The ENTERASYS A4H254-8F8T runs ExtremeXOS® for automated topology management via Fabric Connect, simplifying deployments in distributed OT infrastructure.

ENTERASYS A4H254-8F8T

Technical Specifications

Main Features and Advantages

Hybrid Connectivity:

Fiber Backbone: SFP slots support single/multi-mode optics up to 80 km for EMI-immune backbone links

Copper Access: 8× Gigabit copper ports connect field devices with 6 kV surge protection

Hot-swappable SFPs enable field upgrades without downtime

Mission-Critical Resilience:

50g shock/10g vibration tolerance (IEC 61373) for rail/mobile installations

Dual power inputs with <10ms>

Conformal coating resists salt fog (ISO 9227) and H₂S gas corrosion

Deterministic Performance:

Hardware PTPv2 (±1µs accuracy) for grid/process synchronization

Cut-through switching (<3>

802.1Qbv time-aware shaping prioritizes OT traffic

Advanced Security:

MACsec (AES-256) encryption for fiber uplinks

Runtime Integrity Verification against firmware tampering

RADIUS/TACACS+ authentication for CLI access

Application Field

The ENTERASYS A4H254-8F8T excels in:

Power Transmission: IEC 61850-3 substation LANs with fiber links between relay panels and copper IED connections

Transportation: Onboard train networks (EN 50155) using fiber for CCTV backhaul and copper for passenger infotainment

Industrial Process Control: Cell/area zoning with fiber backbone and copper machine connectivity

Water Management: Flood monitoring systems with long-distance fiber to remote sensors

Mining: Fiber-optic trunking in explosion-risk zones (ATEX option) with copper for ventilation controls

ENTERASYS A4H254-8F8T

Related Products

ENTERASYS A4H124-24FX: 24-port PoE+ switch with fixed fiber

ENTERASYS SSA-SFP-1G-LX80: 80 km single-mode SFP module

EXTREME ISW-1602G: Successor Gigabit switch with Layer 3 features

ENTERASYS PS48-2A: 48V DC redundant power supply

ENTERASYS I-Series ISW-802F: Compact 8-port fiber switch

Installation and Maintenance

Pre-installation preparation: Verify DC source current (>1.2A per input). Ground chassis via M4 screw (≤0.1 Ω resistance). Use bend-insensitive fiber (G.657.A2) for tight conduits. Segregate copper/fiber paths >20 cm from >480VAC cables.

Maintenance recommendations: Monitor SFP health via DOM diagnostics quarterly. Update firmware via TFTP during maintenance windows. Clean fiber connectors biannually with lint-free swabs. Replace power supplies after 100,000 operational hours. Validate PTP grandmaster synchronization annually.