Chapter 2: Overview

2. Overview

2.1 Introduction

Pro Switching System 4 Network Backup Switches are 1U 19" rackmountable layer 1 switches. They are designed to switch RJ-45 copper circuits or SC fiber optic connections using high reliability telecommunications relays or micro mirror fiber optic switch mechanisms. The various connections through the switch can be individually controlled, or all connections can be simultaneously controlled. The Network Backup Switches (NBS) models connect the COMMON ports (C ports) to either their associated A ports or to their B ports.

Figure 2-1. Pro Switching System 4-gang switch.

All the RJ-45 models use high reliability telecommunications-grade latching relays to electrically connect the selected ports. The fiber optic models use proprietary latching optical switch mechanisms to optically connect the selected ports. Both types of switches are transparent to data rates, protocols, formats and signal levels, and since they use latching mechanisms, they will maintain the selected connection state and will continue to pass data between the selected ports even if power to the switch fails or is removed.

NOTE: There are two types of RJ-45 models available. The first type includes 8- and 16-port versions that switch four leads on the RJ-45 connector (pins 1, 2, 3 and 6). These models are suitable for use in 10/100BASE-T Ethernet environments, as T1 circuit switches, and in other similar applications where no more than four connections (two pairs of leads) are used. The second type of RJ-45 models switch all eight leads. These models can be used in 10/100/1000BASE-T environments, for switching RS-232 circuits that use both data and hardware handshake leads, and in other similar applications that require more than four leads.

The fiber optic models are available in 4- and 6-port versions and have SC duplex connectors.

The switch also supports connecting multiple switches together using the gang-in and gang-out connectors to allow

up to 255 NBS004A, NBS004MA, NBS006A, or NBS006MA “racks” to be daisychain-connected together so that they can be controlled as a single system. If all of the daisychain-connected “racks” are 6 port models, the complete system can have as many as 1530 “ports.” You can control the complete system manually using the front panel control switches, or remotely via the serial or Ethernet remote interfaces.

You can manually control all ports through a momentary toggle switch on the front of the unit, enabled by a removable keylock style switch. With the keylock switch in the enabled position, all ports in that switch can be simultaneously switched by pressing the momentary toggle switch. An entire system of daisychained racks can also be switched manually from any of the racks in the daisychain (if the keylock switch on that rack is in the enabled position) by holding in the system pushbutton switch while operating the front panel momentary toggle switch.

All the switch models have a serial RS-232 interface that allows the user to control the “system,” a “rack,” or individually switch “ports,” as well as monitor switch status. An Ethernet interface (10BASE-T) that is included on network manageable models also allows remote control and monitoring using telnet, SNMP, a web browser, or with the provided SwitchCenter java based GUI application program.

NBS008A

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Black Box Pro Switching System 4 Network Backup Switches, NBS008A manual Overview Introduction
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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.
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