



The Enterasys A2H254-16 P0973BK is a high-performance, Layer 3 managed gigabit Ethernet switch manufactured by Enterasys Networks (now part of Extreme Networks). This compact yet powerful switch is designed to serve as a core or distribution layer device in enterprise networks, delivering wire-speed routing and switching with advanced security and management features.
In a modern university campus network, the library building requires a high-density, high-bandwidth solution to connect hundreds of student access points, research workstations, and IP surveillance cameras. The Enterasys A2H254-16 P0973BK is deployed as the building's core switch. Its Layer 3 capabilities efficiently route traffic between different departmental VLANs (like the research lab network and the public student network) within the building, offloading the central campus core and providing low-latency, gigabit-speed connectivity to every endpoint, dramatically improving the user experience.
Main Parameters | Value/Description |
Product Model | Enterasys A2H254-16 P0973BK |
Manufacturer | Enterasys Networks (Extreme Networks) |
Product Category | Layer 3 Managed Gigabit Ethernet Switch |
Total Copper Ports | 16 |
Port Details | 16 x 10/100/1000Base-T (RJ-45) Auto-MDIX ports |
Uplink Slots | Optional module slots for fiber SFP uplinks (Provides flexibility for backbone connectivity) |
Switching Capacity | High backplane capacity for non-blocking wire-speed performance |
Management Level | Layer 3 (Static Routing, RIP, OSPF) |
Key Features | VLAN, QoS, ACLs, IGMP Snooping, Link Aggregation |
Power Supply | Internal, redundant power supply option (Designed for high availability) |
Enclosure | 1U rack-mountable, compact metal chassis |


· •Innovation Point 1: Layer 3 Routing Performance in an Access Switch Form Factor. The A2H254-16 P0973BK integrates full Layer 3 static and dynamic routing (e.g., OSPF) capabilities. This allows for network segmentation at the routing level, which is more efficient and secure than Layer 2 alone, and reduces the need to haul traffic back to a central core switch.
· •Innovation Point 2: Advanced Policy-Based Management. The switch goes beyond basic VLANs and QoS. It supports detailed Access Control Lists (ACLs) and policy definitions, enabling administrators to control traffic flow based on IP address, protocol, or application, ensuring optimal performance for critical services like VoIP and video streaming.
· •Innovation Point 3: Resilient and Scalable Design. Features like link aggregation (LACP) and optional redundant power supplies ensure network resilience. Its stackable capability allows multiple A2H254-16 switches to be managed as a single entity, simplifying network expansion and administration.
A regional hospital was experiencing network bottlenecks due to the convergence of medical imaging systems (PACS), electronic health records (EHR), and an expanding IP telephony system on a flat, Layer 2 network. By deploying the Enterasys A2H254-16 P0973BK as the distribution switch in each wing, the IT team created isolated VLANs for different traffic types. The switch's Layer 3 routing enabled efficient inter-VLAN communication for authorized devices, while its QoS policies prioritized voice and medical data. This resulted in a 50% reduction in network latency for critical applications and significantly improved network security and manageability.
· •Enterasys A2H254-24P: A similar 24-port Layer 3 switch with Power over Ethernet (PoE) support, ideal for connecting IP phones and wireless access points directly.
· •Enterasys SSAv2 Security Applications: Software applications that work with the A2H254-16 to provide advanced network access control and threat mitigation.
· •Enterasys C3K124-48P: A high-density stackable access switch that can aggregate end-user devices and connect via gigabit uplinks to the A2H254-16 distribution layer.
· •Enterasys B5K125-48x: A high-performance data center core switch that the A2H254-16 can connect to via 10 Gigabit fiber uplinks for large-scale network architectures.
· •ExtremeXOS® Operating System: The unified operating system that powers the A2H254-16, providing a consistent and robust feature set across the network.
Installation of the Enterasys A2H254-16 P0973BK is a standard 1U rack-mount process. The RJ-45 ports allow for easy connection using standard Ethernet cables, while optional SFP modules provide flexible fiber uplinks. Configuration is intuitive via a web GUI or CLI, catering to both novice and expert network engineers.Routine maintenance involves monitoring performance statistics through the management interface and keeping the firmware updated to the latest stable release. The switch's robust design ensures long-term reliability. We provide comprehensive support, from initial network design consultation to assistance with configuring complex routing protocols and security policies for the A2H254-16. Our technical support team is available for troubleshooting, and we guarantee a reliable supply of genuine switches and compatible modules.
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