Description
Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Enterasys Networks |
| Model | A2H124-24FX |
| Part Number | P0973BJ |
| Product Family | SecureStack A2 |
| Fiber Ports | 24× 100BASE-FX via MT-RJ connectors |
| Copper Uplinks | 2× 10/100/1000BASE-T RJ45 |
| Optional Uplinks | 2× Mini-GBIC/SFP slots |
| Switching Capacity | Approximately 8.8 Gbps |
| Forwarding Rate | Approximately 6.5 Mpps |
| MAC Address Table | 8K entries |
| Processor | MPC8241, 266 MHz |
| Memory | 128 MB DRAM, 16 MB Flash |
| Power Input | 100–240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 1 A max |
| Heat Dissipation | 174 BTU/hr |
| MTBF | Approximately 53,501 hours |
| Dimensions | 44.1 × 4.4 × 21.0 cm (1U rack) |
| Weight | Approximately 2.7 kg net |
| Management | CLI, Web UI, SNMP, Telnet |
| Layer 2 Features | IEEE 802.1Q VLAN, STP/RSTP, QoS 802.1p, port security, ACL, 802.1X |
Product Introduction
The Enterasys A2H124-24FX P0973BJ is a SecureStack A2 Layer 2 managed switch built around 24× 100BASE-FX MT-RJ fiber ports. Its main engineering value is electrical isolation: in environments with motors, VFDs, long cable runs, or ground-potential differences, fiber links eliminate copper-borne noise and reduce the risk of ground loops across cabinets.
The switch provides two 10/100/1000BASE-T RJ45 ports that can serve as uplinks or host connections, plus two Mini-GBIC/SFP slots for optional Gigabit fiber or copper uplinks. It runs a full Layer 2 feature set including VLANs, STP/RSTP, QoS, port security, ACLs, and 802.1X authentication. The fanless 1U design makes it suitable for control rooms and cabinet installations where acoustic noise and dust ingress are concerns.
QA/QC Transparency SOP
- Identity Verification — Confirm A2H124-24FX and P0973BJ on the rear label. Record serial number, hardware revision, and firmware version.
- Physical Inspection — Check all 24 MT-RJ ports for contamination, broken latches, or bent ferrules. Inspect RJ45 ports, SFP slots, power inlet, and ventilation openings.
- Power-On Test — Apply 100–240 VAC and verify POST completion, fanless thermal behavior, and system LED status. Confirm no persistent fault indicators.
- Port Verification — Test a representative sample of fiber ports with known-good SFP/MT-RJ patch cords. Verify link establishment, duplex negotiation, and packet forwarding.
- Management Access Check — Confirm console, Web UI, and SNMP accessibility. Record firmware version and reset to factory defaults only if authorized.
- Final Documentation — Ship with label photos, firmware version, port test summary, and ESD-safe packaging. Units tested without full port validation should be marked “partial test.”
Field Engineer Gotchas
- MT-RJ is not LC or SC. The 24 fiber ports use MT-RJ connectors. You will need MT-RJ patch cords or appropriate hybrid jumpers.
- P0973BJ is the part number, not a separate module. It identifies the A2H124-24FX switch itself.
- This is a legacy Enterasys product. Enterasys was acquired by Extreme Networks; support and firmware availability should be confirmed before deployment.
- RJ45 ports 25/26 are Gigabit-capable. They can be used for uplinks or stacking, but stacking behavior depends on firmware and configuration.
- SFP slots are optional uplinks. The switch does not ship with SFPs installed by default. Confirm whether SFPs are included.
- Not an industrial-hardened switch. It lacks DIN-rail mounting, wide-temperature ratings, and ruggedized enclosures typical of dedicated industrial switches.
- Fiber type must match. 100BASE-FX typically uses multimode fiber. Mixing fiber types or wavelengths can prevent link establishment.
Enterasys A2H124-24FX P0973BJ
Application Scenarios
- Fiber-based control network backbone — Connects PLC/DCS Ethernet segments across electrically noisy plant areas using fiber isolation.
- Substation or utility communications — Provides noise-immune Ethernet links for protection relays, RTUs, and HMI stations.
- Legacy SecureStack A2 maintenance — Replaces a failed A2H124-24FX in an existing fiber ring or star topology without redesigning the cabling plant.
- Control-room aggregation switch — Aggregates multiple fiber-fed device networks into Gigabit uplinks toward the plant core.
FAQ
What is Enterasys A2H124-24FX P0973BJ?
It is an Enterasys SecureStack A2 managed switch with 24× 100BASE-FX MT-RJ fiber ports, two Gigabit RJ45 uplinks, and two optional SFP slots.
Is P0973BJ a separate card or module?
No. P0973BJ is the part number for the switch itself.
Does it support Gigabit uplinks?
Yes, through the two 10/100/1000BASE-T RJ45 ports and two optional Mini-GBIC/SFP slots.
Is this an industrial switch?
It is an enterprise-class managed switch often used in industrial networks, but it is not a DIN-rail industrial-hardened switch.
Is it still supported?
Enterasys is now part of Extreme Networks. The is considered legacy/obsolete. Confirm firmware, support, and spare availability before deployment.
What should I verify before buying?
Full model and part number, firmware version, MT-RJ port condition, power-on test results, SFP inclusion, and management access status.
