Description

The A2H254-16 is a high-port-density, managed layer 2/3 industrial Ethernet switch from the Enterasys (now Extreme Networks) C2/C3 series, engineered for mission-critical networking in the most demanding industrial environments. This 16-port switch is designed to serve as a powerful aggregation or core switch within a cell/area zone, providing a large number of connected devices with reliable, secure, and deterministic communication. The Enterasys A2H254-16 is built to operate flawlessly under extreme conditions, including wide temperature fluctuations, severe shock and vibration, and high levels of electromagnetic interference (EMI), which are endemic to factory floors, process plants, and outdoor installations. It combines the robust, hardened design of an industrial appliance with the advanced features of an enterprise-grade managed switch. This model typically features a combination of copper and fiber optic ports, offering flexibility in connecting both local devices and creating high-noise-immunity fiber backbones for long-distance links. The A2H254-16 is a cornerstone for building scalable, resilient, and future-proof Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and control network infrastructures.

A2H254-16 ENTERASYS

Technical Specifications

Parameter Name	Parameter Value
Product Model	A2H254-16
Manufacturer	Enterasys (Extreme Networks)
Product Type	Managed Industrial Ethernet Switch
Copper Ports	16 x 10/100BASE-TX (RJ45) with Auto-MDI/MDIX
Fiber Ports	Typically includes optional or fixed fiber expansion slots (e.g., for 100FX or 1000X SFP modules)
Switching Capacity	12.8 Gbps (representative for this class)
Forwarding Rate	9.6 Mpps
Management	Full Layer 2/3 Lite (Static Routing, RIP v1/v2)
Memory	64 MB DRAM, 16 MB Flash
Power Supply	24 V DC (Redundant input option)
Operating Temperature	-40°C to 75°C (-40°F to 167°F)
Ingress Protection	IP30 (metal housing)
Mounting	DIN-rail or panel mountable
Safety/EMC Certifications	UL 60950-1, IEC 61000-6-2, IEC 61000-6-4, FCC Part 15 Class A

Main Features and Advantages

The Enterasys A2H254-16 is defined by its high port count and advanced feature set in a rugged package. Its key advantage is providing a high density of managed ports in a single, industrially-hardened unit, reducing the need for multiple switches and simplifying network architecture. The combination of copper and optional fiber ports offers ultimate flexibility; the copper ports connect local devices like PLCs, HMIs, and drives, while the fiber slots allow for the creation of reliable, noise-immune backbone links to other switches or to the control room over long distances. The switch offers comprehensive Layer 2 features including IEEE 802.1Q VLANs for segmenting control traffic, IEEE 802.1p QoS for prioritizing critical data like motion control or safety signals, and Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) for millisecond-level network redundancy and loop prevention.

For advanced network management, the A2H254-16 supports Layer 3 “Lite” routing functions, including static routing and RIP, enabling efficient inter-VLAN routing directly within the industrial zone, which reduces latency and offloads higher-level network cores. Security is robust, featuring Access Control Lists (ACLs), port security, and support for SNMPv3, SSH, and SSL for encrypted management. The rugged design, with its wide operating temperature range and immunity to vibration and EMI, ensures maximum uptime and network availability. The support for redundant DC power inputs further enhances reliability by eliminating the power supply as a single point of failure, making this switch an exceptionally resilient and intelligent networking node.

Application Field

The Enterasys A2H254-16 is deployed as a core networking asset in heavy industrial applications requiring a high density of managed connections in a harsh environment. In automotive manufacturing, it aggregates traffic from numerous robots, weld controllers, and PLCs within a large production cell or assembly line. In large-scale material handling and logistics centers, it serves as the main switch for a control zone, connecting dozens of motor drives, scanners, and sortation controllers. For the energy sector, including oil and gas and power generation, it provides reliable networking in substations and on drilling platforms, where environmental extremes are a constant challenge.

It is also ideal for water and wastewater treatment plants, where it can manage network traffic from distributed process control systems across a large site, leveraging its fiber capabilities for long-distance, lightning-resistant links. The A2H254-16 is the ideal solution for any application that requires the port density and advanced features of an enterprise switch but must be housed directly on the factory floor or in other unforgiving locations without the protection of an air-conditioned cabinet.

A2H254-16 ENTERASYS

Related Products

A2H124-24TX P0973BJ: A 24-port copper industrial switch from the same series.

A2H124-24FX P0973BJ: A 24-port all-fiber industrial switch.

A2H112-12FX/TX: A smaller 12-port industrial switch for less dense applications.

100FX or 1000X SFP Modules: Transceiver modules used to populate the fiber expansion slots on the A2H254-16.

I-SMG2000 Series: Other models in the Enterasys Industrial SmartSwitch family.

ExtremeXOS® Operating System: The network operating system that powers the management features.

VH-240DC: A typical 24V DC industrial power supply for redundant power input.