Introduction: The Flexible Deployment Path of High Density Workgroup Switches
At the core or aggregation layer of industrial networks, a switch that combines port density, media flexibility, and high reliability is often required to connect dozens of field devices or aggregate multiple access switches. The Hirschmann MACH102 series industrial Ethernet workgroup switches are designed for this purpose, featuring a 19 inch rack or desktop design that supports up to 24 100Mbps ports and 2 Gigabit Combo upstream ports, and expands fiber or PoE interfaces through hot swappable media modules. This series offers redundant power options (- R model) to meet the stringent requirements of critical infrastructure for power continuity. This article is based on the official installation manual, systematically reviewing the hardware assembly, AC/redundant power wiring, signal contact configuration, media module hot plugging, SFP installation, and initial safety settings of MACH102, providing engineers with a complete deployment guide from unboxing to deployment.
Chapter 1 Product Family and Modular Architecture
1.1 Basic device types and port configurations
The MACH102 series includes two basic devices: fixed configuration and modular:
Modular equipment (MACH102-8TP, -8TP-R): Provides 2 Gigabit Combo ports (either SFP or RJ45) and 8 100Mbps RJ45 ports, with 2 media module slots reserved for additional installation of 2 8-port media modules (M1-8TP-RJ45, M1-8MM-SC, M1-8SM-SC, or M1-8SFP), achieving up to 24 100Mbps ports.
Fixed configuration devices (-8TP-F, -8TP-FR, -24TP-F, -24TP-FR): directly provide 8 or 24 100Mbps ports (RJ45) and 2 Gigabit Combo ports, without expansion slots.
The suffix - R represents redundant power supply (dual AC input), and the suffix - FR represents fixed configuration and redundant power supply. All devices support 110/230V AC wide voltage input (90~264V AC, 47~63Hz), adapting to the global power grid.
1.2 Diversity of Media Modules
The M1 series media module provides 8 unified media ports, including:
M1-8TP-RJ45: 8 100Mbps RJ45 (copper cable)
M1-8TP-RJ45 PoE: 8 100Mbps PoE (IEEE 802.3af) RJ45, requiring an external 48-54V DC PoE power supply
M1-8MM-SC: 8 multimode fibers (DSC interface, 100BASE-FX)
M1-8SM-SC: 8 single-mode fibers (DSC interface, 100BASE-FX)
M1-8SFP: 8 SFP slots for flexible insertion of Fast Ethernet SFP modules
Key feature: The media module supports hot swapping (same type replacement), but replacing different types of modules (such as TX to FX) will trigger a device soft restart (warm start). PoE modules are only allowed to be plugged in and unplugged by trained personnel, and must be done after the PoE power supply is turned off.
Chapter 2 Mechanical Installation and Grounding
2.1 Installation Options and Heat Dissipation Requirements
The MACH102 device supports three installation methods:
19 inch rack installation: Pre installed brackets on both sides of the equipment are directly fixed to the rack columns. It is recommended to use sliding/mounting rails to support the weight of the equipment, especially in environments with vibration.
Desktop or flat placement: The bottom of the device can be attached with rubber foot pads, which can be placed horizontally on a stable tabletop.
Wall mounted vertical installation: Rotate the pre installed bracket to the vertical direction, purchase an additional rear bracket (accessory), and fix the device to the wall.
Mandatory heat dissipation requirement: The device must have no fan for natural heat dissipation, and a gap of at least 10cm (3.94 inches) must be left in front and behind the ventilation holes of the housing. If installed in a cabinet, ensure air circulation and install a fan if necessary. The installation direction is not limited (horizontal or vertical), but when not installed horizontally, it must be placed in a control cabinet with fire resistance (V-1 level).
2.2 Functional grounding
The device is grounded through the grounding pin inside the power socket (IEC C14 socket), without the need for additional grounding screws. But it is necessary to ensure that the power socket has a reliable protective earth (PE). If a redundant power supply is used, the ground wires of both power lines must be well connected.
Chapter 3 Power Wiring and Redundancy Configuration
3.1 AC power connection (non redundant model)
For MACH102-8TP, -8TP-F, and -24TP-F, there is an IEC C14 power socket at the rear of the device that can be directly connected to a standard AC power cord (with European or national standard cables). The input voltage range is 90~264V AC, the frequency is 47~63Hz, and the rated current is 0.2~0.4A. The built-in non replaceable fuse needs to be returned to the factory for repair if it melts.
3.2 Redundant power connection (- R model)
The redundant models (-8TP-R, -8TP-FR, -24TP-FR) have two power sockets at the rear, labeled as "Standard Power" and "Redundant Power" respectively. Two input internal decoupling, no load balancing; During normal operation, only the standard power supply is used for power supply, and the redundant power supply is in standby mode; If the standard power supply fails, the redundant power supply will automatically take over and the switching time will be extremely short. The two power sources must come from the same grid or independent UPS, but it should be noted that the N or L wires of the two power sources must not be short circuited, and the power sources must be SELV or ES1 level.