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.
Engineering Tip: If only a single power supply is connected, the device will continuously report power failure alarms. This alarm can be blocked through the management interface, or the two inputs can be logically associated through software configuration.
3.3 External power supply for PoE media module
The M1-8TP-RJ45 PoE module requires independent 48~57V DC (SELV/ES1) power supply, which is connected through the 3-pin terminals on the module (+, -, protective ground). The external power supply must meet the following requirements:
Output power<250W, current limit or slow melting of fuse 5A
Insulation withstand voltage 2250V DC (48V output to ground)
Power supply line length<3m, wire diameter suitable for 5A current
Warning: The PoE voltage must be disconnected before plugging or unplugging the PoE module, otherwise there is a risk of fire or electric shock. The total PoE power limit of the module is 124W, and it can connect up to 8 Class 0 PD devices (with a maximum of 15.4W per port).

Chapter 4: Configuration and Use of Signal Contact Points (FAULT)
The front panel of the device provides a 2-pin signal contact terminal (screw type) for remote fault alarm. The contact is a normally closed relay, which closes normally and opens in case of a fault. The triggering conditions include:
Either power supply is lost or under voltage
Internal equipment malfunction
Any port link interruption (can be detected by blocking each port through the management interface)
The internal temperature of the equipment exceeds the limit
ACA configuration adapter removed
Loss of ring network redundancy (if RM mode is enabled)
Electrical parameters: maximum switching current of 1A, maximum voltage of 60V DC or 30V AC (SELV/ES1), maximum wire diameter of AWG16. When wiring, first unplug the terminal block, connect the signal wire, then plug it back in and tighten the screw (torque 0.34Nm).
Chapter 5 Installation of Media Module and SFP
5.1 Media module installation (ESD protection)
The media module is an electrostatic sensitive device, and anti-static measures should be taken before installation (wearing a wristband and connecting the device to ground). Steps:
Loosen the two screws of the media module slot protection cover and remove the cover plate.
Align the module with the guide rail and push it into the slot, ensuring that the pins are fully engaged.
Tighten the fixing screws on both sides of the module (torque 0.5Nm).
Hot swappable restriction: It is allowed to replace modules of the same type during operation (such as replacing a damaged TX module with a new TX module), but if different media types are replaced (TX for FX), the device will perform a soft restart, causing a brief network interruption.
5.2 SFP transceiver installation
The gigabit Combo port (SFP slot) and M1-8SFP media module of the device both support SFP. Steps:
Remove the SFP dust cap.
Push the SFP (lock buckle closure) into the slot until you hear a click to lock it.
Hirschmann certified SFP modules must be used (see attached list), otherwise they may be incompatible or lose certification.
Note: After inserting the SFP, the corresponding RJ45 gigabit port is automatically disabled (both share the same channel). Fiber optic ports must comply with the matching rules of "SM to SM, MM to MM, LH to LH".
Chapter 6 Data Cable Connection and Transmission Distance
6.1 Twisted pair port (RJ45)
100Mbps port: supports 10/100BASE-TX, Auto negotiation, Auto polarity, Auto crossover (MDI/MDI-X adaptive), up to 100m (Cat5e).
Gigabit Combo port (RJ45 mode): Supports 10/100/1000BASE-T and also has adaptive function, with a maximum length of 100m (Cat5e or above).
PoE port: Adopting Alternative A (phantom power supply), which means that data lines transmit power simultaneously, complying with IEEE 802.3af, with a maximum of 15.4W per port.
6.2 Fiber Optic Ports (SFP or Fixed Optical Modules)
The transmission distance depends on the SFP type (see manual tables 14 and 15):
Multimode (850nm): Typical 550m (1000BASE-SX)
Multimode (1310nm): up to 2km (1000BASE-MX)
Single mode (1310nm): 0-20km (LX) or 14-42km (LX+)
Long distance (1550nm): 23~80km (LH) or even 71~128km (LH+, low loss fiber)
100Mbps FX: Multi mode 0-5km, Single mode 0-30km, Long range up to 140km
System margin: The data in the table already includes a 3dB system margin (some are 2.5dB) to ensure connector loss and aging margin in actual engineering.

Chapter 7 LED Status Diagnosis and Ring Network Management
7.1 System Status LED
P (Power): Green=Power supply normal (non redundant) or dual normal (redundant); Yellow=Redundant model with only one power supply; Extinguish=no power or undervoltage.
RM (Ring Network Manager): Green=RM activated and redundant ports closed (ring network intact); Yellow=RM activated and redundant ports open (ring network broken but still working); Flashing=ring network configuration error (such as ring port not connected).
Sb (Stand by): Green=Stand by coupling function enabled.
FAULT (red): illuminated=signal contact disconnected (alarm state), extinguished=normal.
7.2 Port Status LED
Each port typically has one dual color LED (or two independent green/yellow LEDs):
Green constant light=link valid
Green slow flashing (1 time/cycle)=Port is in Stand by state
Green flash (3 times/cycle)=port managed to be closed
Yellow flashing=data transmission and reception
For PoE modules, there is also a yellow LED on the right side of each port, which is constantly on to indicate that the port is powered on.
Chapter 8 Initial Configuration and Security Enhancement
8.1 IP Address Allocation
By default, DHCP is enabled to obtain IP addresses at the factory. If there is no DHCP server on the network, it can be configured through the following methods:
V. 24 serial port (RJ119600bps, 8N1) using VT100 terminal to enter CLI
HiDiscovery/Industrial HiVision (Windows tool for discovering devices within the same broadcast domain)
BOOTP/DHCP Option 82
ACA22 USB adapter automatic loading configuration
Default management voucher (must be changed immediately):
Read only user: user/public
Read and write administrator: admin/private
Mandatory password change: After the software version update, the first login to the system will be forced to change the admin password to a new password (at least 8 characters, including uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters). If you forget your password, you can reset it through System Monitor.
8.2 Common default parameters
V. 24 baud rate: 9600
HIPER Ring Redundancy: Disabled
Port link status monitoring (for signal contacts): disabled
100Mbps fiber optic port: forced 100M full duplex
Other ports: Auto negotiation enabled
RSTP (Fast Spanning Tree): Enable
Out of band management port (if present): IP 192.168.1.1/24
Chapter 9 Environmental Monitoring and Maintenance
The internal temperature of the device can be viewed through CLI/GUI, which is about 20 ° C higher than the ambient temperature (5cm away from the device). The technical data provides the maximum internal temperature threshold (+95 ° C), exceeding which may trigger a signal contact alarm. If the equipment frequently overheats, it is necessary to check the ventilation or reduce the temperature of the cabinet.
Maintenance suggestion:
Regularly check if the ventilation holes are blocked (depending on the level of dust on site)
Regularly check the contact resistance of the relay (which increases with the number of switches)
Regularly visit the official website to check firmware updates
The built-in fuse of the device is non replaceable and will be returned to the factory in case of damage
Chapter 10 Disassembly and Disposal
Disassemble SFP: Open the latch and pull it out, then cover it with a dust cap.
Dismantling the media module: First disconnect the PoE power supply (if applicable), unscrew the fixing screws, pull out the module, and reinstall the protective cover.
Disassemble the whole machine: Disconnect all cables (first disconnect the signal line, then disconnect the power supply, and finally disconnect the ground wire), and remove the bracket fixing screws from the rack or wall.
