Description
Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product Model | A4H124-24FX |
| Part Number | P0973JN |
| Manufacturer | ENTERASYS (Extreme Networks) |
| Product Type | Managed Layer 2/Layer 3 edge switch |
| Fiber Ports | 24 × 100Base-FX (MT-RJ) |
| Uplink Ports | 2 × Gigabit SFP |
| Switching Capacity | 12.8 Gbps (third-party reference; verify) |
| Forwarding Rate | 9.5 Mpps (third-party reference; verify) |
| MAC Address Table | 16K entries (third-party reference; verify) |
| VLAN Support | Up to 4094 VLANs (third-party reference; verify) |
| Protocols | STP, RSTP, LACP, QoS, IGMP Snooping |
| Management | SNMP, Telnet, HTTP, SSH, RADIUS, Port Mirroring |
| Power Supply | AC 100–240 V, 50/60 Hz (verify on nameplate) |
| Power Consumption | ~66 W (third-party reference; verify) |
| Mounting | Desktop/rack-mountable |
| Availability Status | Legacy/discontinued; surplus or refurbished |
Product Introduction
The ENTERASYS A4H124-24FX P0973JN is a legacy managed edge switch from the ENTERASYS A-Series product line. It provides 24 × 100Base-FX fiber ports plus 2 × Gigabit SFP uplinks, making it suitable for environments where fiber connectivity, EMI immunity, and longer-distance cabling are required.
In industrial automation and process control networks, this switch can serve as a fiber aggregation layer for remote I/O cabinets, control room networks, or legacy field device networks. Its fiber ports help isolate copper-based control systems from electrical noise, while the Gigabit SFP uplinks provide backbone connectivity to core switches or control servers.
Because official datasheets are scarce, this unit should be treated as a legacy network component. Replacement or expansion decisions should be based on confirmed port configuration, firmware version, SFP compatibility, and existing network design rather than generic third-party descriptions.
QA/QC Transparency SOP
- Intake Verification: Confirm model A4H124-24FX and part number P0973JN on the rear/side label. Photograph the full nameplate, serial number, and firmware version.
- Physical Inspection: Check all MT-RJ fiber ports, SFP cages, console/management ports, power inlet, rack ears, and ventilation openings for damage or corrosion.
- Power-Up Test: Apply rated AC power and verify normal fan operation, LED status, and boot completion. Record any error indicators.
- Port Verification: Confirm that all 24 fiber ports and 2 SFP ports are recognized. Test link negotiation using known-good SFPs and fiber patch cables.
- Management Access: Verify console, web, and/or SNMP access. Record firmware revision and configuration state. Reset to factory defaults only if authorized.
- Final Packaging: Include inspection record, firmware version, port count confirmation, and ESD-safe packaging for shipment.
Field Engineer Gotchas
- Not a PLC or DCS I/O module. Despite some third-party listings, P0973JN is a network switch, not a digital/analog I/O card.
- Legacy platform. ENTERASYS was acquired by Extreme Networks; software updates and official support may be limited.
- SFP compatibility matters. Not all SFP transceivers will be accepted. Verify vendor lock-in and supported SFP types.
- Fiber connector type. The 100Base-FX ports use MT-RJ connectors, not LC or SC. Adapters or correct patch cables are required.
- Configuration dependency. VLANs, STP, LACP, and QoS settings must match the existing network design. A factory-reset unit will not restore the original configuration.
- Power and mounting. Confirm AC input rating and rack-mount hardware before installation.
ENTERASYS A4H124-24FX P0973JN
Application Scenarios
- Fiber-based industrial Ethernet aggregation. Connects fiber-linked PLC cabinets, remote I/O stations, or control panels over 100Base-FX.
- EMI-sensitive environments. Fiber ports help isolate control networks from high-voltage equipment, motors, and VFDs.
- Legacy campus or plant network edge. Supports older fiber-connected devices that still require managed switching.
- Brownfield network migration. Can bridge legacy fiber infrastructure into a modern Gigabit core via SFP uplinks.
FAQ
What is ENTERASYS A4H124-24FX P0973JN?
It is a legacy 24-port 100Base-FX managed Ethernet switch with 2 Gigabit SFP uplinks from ENTERASYS/A-Series.
Is it a PLC or DCS module?
No. It is a managed network switch. Listings describing it as a DCS I/O module or PLC are incorrect.
What fiber connector does it use?
The 100Base-FX ports use MT-RJ connectors. Confirm this before ordering patch cables.
Can it still be used today?
Yes, but only as a legacy device. Verify firmware, SFP compatibility, port health, and network requirements before deployment.
Does it support Layer 3?
Third-party references describe L2/L3 capabilities, but exact routing features depend on firmware and licensing. Confirm against the installed unit.
Is official support available?
ENTERASYS is now part of Extreme Networks. Official support for this legacy model may be limited or unavailable.
