Description
Key Technical Specifications
- Product Model: A2H124-24FX
- Manufacturer: Enterasys Networks
- Product Category: 100BASE-FX Ethernet Switch
- Port Configuration: 24x 100BASE-FX MT-RJ Fiber Ports
- Uplink Options: 4x Mini-GBIC (SFP) Slots (10/100/1000)
- Switching Capacity: 12.8 Gbps / 9.5 Mpps
- Stacking: No dedicated stacking ports; uses 10/100/1000 uplinks for stacking
- Management: CLI, Web GUI, SNMP, Enterasys OneCommand
- Power: Internal PSU, Optional Redundant Power Supply (RPS) Port
- Dimensions: 1U Rackmount (4.4 cm H x 44.1 cm W)
- Operating Temp: 0°C to 50°C (32°F to 122°F)
- MTBF: ~121,000 Hours (Typical for A2 Series)
Product Introduction
Fiber optics in industrial environments aren’t about speed; they’re about survival. The Enterasys A2H124-24FX is a dedicated 100BASE-FX switch built to isolate control networks from the electrical noise of VFDs, motor starters, and ground loops that destroy copper links. It provides 24 ports of multimode fiber connectivity, acting as a centralized aggregation point for remote I/O, HMI panels, and wireless APs in electrically hostile zones.
Engineers keep the Enterasys A2H124-24FX in spare parts inventory because replacing a 20-year-old fiber infrastructure is rarely an option. It supports 4 Mini-GBIC uplinks for backbone connectivity and integrates into the SecureStack A2 management domain. Bottom line: it’s a simple, unflashy L2 switch that just keeps the light blinking when copper fails, but verify your MT-RJ fiber polarity before plugging in.
QA/QC Transparency SOP
We don’t just wipe dust off old fiber switches and ship them. Every Enterasys A2H124-24FX goes through a strict 5-step validation process:
- Intake & Origin Verification: We verify the exact A2H124-24FX label and inspect the MT-RJ ports for bent latches or contaminated ferrules.
- Live Functional Testing: The switch is powered up and connected to a fiber test bench to verify link lights, auto-negotiation, and packet forwarding on all 24 ports.
- Optical Power Verification: We use a fiber power meter to check TX output levels and RX sensitivity thresholds against the 100BASE-FX spec.
- Management Plane Test: We verify CLI/Web access, confirm the firmware version, and check for corrupted NVRAM or failed fans.
- Final QC & Anti-Static Packaging: All MT-RJ ports are capped with dust covers, and the unit is sealed in an ESD-safe bag to prevent connector damage.
Field Engineer Gotchas
- MT-RJ Polarity: The Enterasys A2H124-24FX uses MT-RJ connectors, which are notoriously picky about TX/RX polarity. If your link light is off but the fiber is good, flip the cable. You likely have a crossover issue.
- Mini-GBIC Compatibility: The 4 uplink slots accept SFPs, but this is a legacy switch. It may not support modern DDM (Digital Diagnostic Monitoring) or 1000BASE-T copper SFPs. Stick to known-compatible 1000BASE-SX/LX modules.
- Fiber Type Mismatch: The “FX” in denotes 100BASE-FX (Multimode). If you plug in Singlemode fiber, you will get zero light. Verify your cable plant is 62.5/125 or 50/125 Multimode.
- ESD on Fiber Ports: While fiber is immune to EMI, the optical transceivers inside the Enterasys are not. One static shock from an ungrounded tech can fry the laser driver. Always use a wrist strap.
Enterasys A2H124-24FX
Application Scenarios
- Mining & Metals Processing: High-voltage equipment creates massive EMI. The Enterasys provides noise-immune connectivity for autonomous haulage systems and remote drill monitoring where copper is useless.
- Power Substation Automation: Switchyards require fiber for isolation. This switch aggregates protection relay traffic and SCADA RTUs, keeping high-voltage transients away from the control room.
- Legacy Manufacturing Backbone: Factories with 20-year-old fiber plants use the Enterasys as a drop-in replacement for failed switches, avoiding the $50k+ cost of re-cabling to modern standards.
Real-World Case Study: A steel mill experienced intermittent communication losses on their rolling mill control network. Diagnostics showed the existing copper switches were failing due to ground potential differences between the mill stand and the control room. We deployed an Enterasys to convert the link to 100BASE-FX. The electrical noise vanished immediately, and the mill achieved 99.99% uptime for the next 18 months, saving an estimated $1M in lost production.
FAQ
Does this switch support PoE?
No. The is a pure fiber switch. If you need PoE, look for the A2H124-24P variant. This model is strictly for optical uplinks and fiber-to-the-desk/field.
Can I stack this with newer Extreme Networks switches?
No. The SecureStack A2 protocol is proprietary and legacy. You cannot stack the Enterasys with modern Extreme EXOS or VOSS switches. Use it as a standalone access switch or upgrade the entire stack.
What fiber connector does it use?
MT-RJ. This is a small-form-factor connector that looks like an RJ45 but holds two fiber strands. Do not confuse it with LC or SC. You need specific MT-RJ patch cables.
Is this switch managed or unmanaged?
Fully managed. It supports VLANs, STP/RSTP, 802.1X, QoS, and SNMP. You can configure it via CLI, Web GUI, or Telnet/SSH.
What is the max distance for 100BASE-FX?
Typically 2km over Multimode fiber with the Enterasys . Verify with your fiber plant specs; older cabling may have higher attenuation.
Do you have the firmware?
We provide the hardware. Firmware must be sourced from your existing Enterasys/Extreme support contract or legacy repository. We can verify the current version on the unit before shipping.
