Description

The A4H124-24FX P0973JN is a fully managed, Layer 2/3 industrial Ethernet switch from the Enterasys (now Extreme Networks) C4 generation, representing a high-performance, future-proof solution for building the core network infrastructure in the most demanding industrial automation environments. This 24-port switch is specifically engineered with a full complement of 100BASE-FX fiber optic ports, providing inherent immunity to electromagnetic interference (EMI), ground loops, and voltage transients, which are pervasive challenges on factory floors and in process plants. The Enterasys A4H124-24FX P0973JN is built to operate with unwavering reliability across an extreme temperature range from -40°C to 75°C, making it suitable for deployment in unregulated environments like outdoor substations, mining operations, and harsh manufacturing cells. It serves as a high-speed, deterministic backbone for connecting critical assets such as PLCs, DCS controllers, drives, and remote I/O racks across long distances. With its advanced management capabilities and support for modern industrial protocols, this switch is a foundational component for implementing robust Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and Industry 4.0 architectures, ensuring seamless and secure data flow from the sensor to the cloud.

A4H124-24FX P0973JN ENTERASYS

Technical Specifications

Parameter Name	Parameter Value
Product Model	A4H124-24FX P0973JN
Manufacturer	Enterasys (Extreme Networks)
Product Type	Managed Layer 2/3 Industrial Ethernet Switch
Port Configuration	24 x 100BASE-FX ports (Multimode, SC connectors)
Switching Capacity	12.8 Gbps
Forwarding Rate	9.6 Mpps
Management	ExtremeXOS® operating system (CLI, Web UI, SNMP, RMON)
Layer 3 Features	Static Routing, RIPv1/v2, OSPF
Memory	256 MB DRAM, 64 MB Flash
Power Supply	24 V DC (Redundant input option)
Operating Temperature	-40°C to 75°C (-40°F to 167°F)
Ingress Protection	IP40
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, CE

Main Features and Advantages

The Enterasys A4H124-24FX P0973JN is defined by its pure fiber design and advanced feature set, offering unparalleled advantages for noise-intensive and geographically dispersed applications. Its primary strength is the complete elimination of data corruption caused by EMI/RFI, ensuring flawless data transmission in electrically noisy environments surrounding heavy machinery, motor drives, and welders. The all-fiber design also enables network segments to span kilometers, far exceeding the limitations of copper cabling. This switch operates on the carrier-class ExtremeXOS operating system, which provides comprehensive Layer 2 features including IEEE 802.1Q VLANs for network segmentation, IEEE 802.1p QoS for prioritizing critical control traffic, and Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) and Multiple Spanning Tree Protocol (MSTP) for creating redundant network topologies with sub-50ms failover times.

A significant advantage of the A4H124-24FX P0973JN is its support for advanced Layer 3 routing protocols including static routing, RIPv1/v2, and OSPF. This allows the switch to perform intelligent routing between subnets and VLANs directly within the industrial zone, drastically reducing latency and optimizing traffic flow by keeping control data local. Enhanced security features such as Access Control Lists (ACLs), 802.1X port-based authentication, and support for secure management protocols (SSH, SSL, SNMPv3) lock down the network against unauthorized access. The ruggedized design, wide operating temperature range, and support for redundant DC power inputs make this switch an exceptionally resilient and intelligent networking node, designed for maximum uptime and long-term reliability.

Application Field

The Enterasys A4H124-24FX P0973JN is deployed in mission-critical industrial applications where electrical noise immunity, long-distance coverage, and network determinism are non-negotiable. In automotive and aerospace manufacturing, it forms the high-speed fiber backbone for entire production lines, connecting robotic cells, vision systems, and PLCs immune to the intense EMI generated by welding robots and large motors. In the power generation and utility sector, it is used in substations for SCADA communications and for networking intelligent electronic devices (IEDs), where its wide temperature tolerance is essential. For oil and gas applications, it provides reliable connectivity along pipelines, on offshore platforms, and in refineries, where harsh conditions and explosive atmospheres are common.

It is also the ideal solution for transportation systems (railways, traffic control), water/wastewater treatment plants with large, distributed processes, and mining operations. The A4H124-24FX P0973JN is specifically chosen for applications where the integrity of control data is paramount and where copper-based networks are prone to failure, ensuring continuous operation of critical industrial processes.

A4H124-24FX P0973JN ENTERASYS

Related Products

A4H124-24TX P0973JN: The 24-port 10/100BASE-TX copper counterpart to this fiber model.

A4H254-24T : A 24-port managed switch with a mix of copper and fiber uplink ports.

A2H124-24FX P0973BJ: The previous generation C2 series 24-port fiber switch.

100FX SFP Modules: Though this model has fixed ports, related switches use SFPs for flexibility.

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

ExtremeCloud IQ / Network Management: Software for centralized management of the network infrastructure.

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