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Black Box NBS008A, Pro Switching System 4 Network Backup Switches Operation, Manual Switching

Models: NBS008A Pro Switching System 4 Network Backup Switches

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Chapter 5: Operation

5. Operation

The switch contains 4, 6, 8 or 16 switch circuits (ports) depending on model. When power is applied to the unit, the appropriate power supply status indicators (PS1 and/or PS2) will light. The switch position indicators (A and B) on the front of the unit may or may not light depending on the position of the switch ports. Indicator A lights when all ports are in position A (each A port from “1” to “N” is connected to its respective COMMON port “1” through “N”), and likewise for indicator B. If some switch ports are in position A and some in position B then neither LED will be on. The switches connect the COMMON ports to either A ports or B ports. Selecting port A (OFF) disconnects COMMON ports from B ports, selecting port B (ON) connects COMMON ports to B ports.

For fiber optic models, the switch uses duplex connections for each channel (port). One duplex SC connector per port form a bidirectional data path, with COMMON port 1 switched to A port 1 or B port 1). Likewise, COMMON port 2 is switched to A port 2 or B port 2.

NOTE: All switch fiber optic connections are straight-through for each port. Be sure to connect the fiber optic RX/TX connections to each port appropriately for your application so that the TX of each device connects through the switch to the RX of the selected device and vice versa.

5.1 Manual Switching

Manual switching action is enabled by the front panel keylock switch, which must be in the position labeled ENABLE for manual switching to occur. When “gang” switching all ports in a “rack” or “system,” the switch position indicator LEDs will light to the appropriate state (A or B).

The momentary toggle switch on the unit is used to switch all ports in the rack or in a system of daisychained racks. To switch all the ports within a rack, hold the front-panel toggle switch in the “A” position or in the “B” position. Selecting “A” connects each Port A in the rack to its respective COMMON port. The “A” LED will illuminate when the switch operation has been completed.

Release the switch when switching has finished. Hold the toggle switch in the “B” position to connect each Port B to its respective COMMON port. The “B” LED will illuminate when the switch operation has been completed. Release the switch when switching has finished.

To switch an entire system of daisychained racks (multiple racks ganged together), hold the “system” push-button while operating the front panel momentary toggle switch.

NOTE: Any rack within the daisychain that has its keylock switch in the enabled position can be used to manually gang switch all of the racks within the system.

5.2 RS-232 Terminal Commands (NBS004A, NBS006A, NBS008A, NBSALL8, or NBS016 Models Only)

This section describes the RS-232 commands that are available on a switch without the Ethernet Module installed. The switch with the Ethernet Module installed responds to an enhanced set of RS-232 commands—see Section 5.3 and Section 7 for more details on command syntax and responses for terminal commands supported by NBS004MA, NBS006MA, NBS008MA, NBSALL8MGR, or NBS016MA models.

IMPORTANT: To start the “terminal” interface so that it is ready to accept and respond to commands, set your terminal to 1200 baud, no parity, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, then connect your terminal to the DB9 on the switch (use a straight-through M/F cable to connect to an IBM PC standard DB9 serial port), and press the SPACE KEY.

When the DB9/GANG-IN port on an switch detects a 1200 baud SPACE character, it starts the “terminal” interface and responds with the “>” prompt character. If you then type “help” and then press the ENTER KEY, the switch will respond with the rack address, software version, and a list of the available commands—see Table 5-1.

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NBS008A

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Black Box NBS008A, Pro Switching System 4 Network Backup Switches manual Operation, Manual Switching
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NBS008A, Pro Switching System 4 Network Backup Switches specifications

The Black Box Pro Switching System 4 Network Backup Switches, specifically the NBS008A model, represents a cutting-edge solution for network resilience and management. This advanced device is designed to enhance network reliability by providing a seamless way to switch between primary and backup network links, ensuring continuous connectivity for critical applications.

One of the standout features of the NBS008A is its automatic failover capability. In the event of a link failure, the system swiftly transitions to a secondary connection without requiring manual intervention. This is crucial for businesses that rely on uptime, as it minimizes downtime and ensures that operations remain uninterrupted.

The device also supports a variety of network protocols, making it versatile for different network environments. It is compatible with Ethernet and other common standards, providing flexibility for integration into existing infrastructure. The NBS008A is equipped with multiple ports, allowing for connection to various devices and networks, and enabling redundancy across critical pathways.

In terms of management, the Black Box Pro Switching System features an intuitive user interface. Administrators can easily monitor the status of all connected links, configure settings, and access diagnostic tools to troubleshoot issues. This ease of use is essential for maintaining optimal network performance and quickly identifying any potential problems.

Moreover, the NBS008A incorporates advanced security features. It supports encryption and authentication protocols that protect against unauthorized access, ensuring that sensitive data is safeguarded during transmission. This security aspect is particularly important in today’s environment, where cyber threats are prevalent and organizations must prioritize data integrity.

The build quality of the NBS008A is robust, designed to withstand harsh operational conditions while maintaining high performance. Its compact form factor and rack-mountable design make it an efficient choice for various settings, whether in a data center or a smaller office environment.

Additionally, the NBS008A supports various network speeds, accommodating both legacy systems and modern high-speed networks. With its rich feature set, robust security measures, and reliable performance, the Black Box Pro Switching System 4 Network Backup Switches, NBS008A, is an invaluable asset for organizations seeking to enhance their network's reliability and efficiency.