Allied Telesis CentreCOM GS970M L3 Switch — 16 PoE 10/100/1000T Ports + 2x 100/1000X SFP Uplinks

The Allied Telesis CentreCOM GS970M Series delivers a compact, feature-rich Layer 3 switch designed for edge deployments where performance, reliability, and ease of management matter most. With 16 PoE-enabled Gigabit Ethernet ports and two high-speed SFP uplinks, this switch provides a scalable foundation for modern networks, supporting IP phones, cameras, access points, and other PoE-powered devices while offering robust routing, switching, and security capabilities in a single, easy-to-manage unit.

• 16 x 10/100/1000T PoE ports paired with 2 x 100/1000X SFP ports deliver dense edge connectivity and flexible uplinking to core networks or redundant paths.
• Layer 3 switching with routing capabilities enables efficient inter-VLAN routing and improved network performance at the edge, reducing load on core devices.
• Advanced security and QoS features safeguard critical data and ensure reliable, predictable performance for voice, video, and mission-critical applications.
• Comprehensive management options, including CLI, web-based GUI, and standard monitoring protocols, simplify deployment, firmware updates, and ongoing maintenance.
• Energy-aware design and scalable features make the GS970M a practical choice for growing networks, balancing power efficiency with feature depth.

Technical Details of Allied Telesis CentreCOM GS970M

• Ports: 16 x 10/100/1000T PoE ports for devices such as IP phones, cameras, and wireless APs
• Uplinks: 2 x 100/1000X SFP ports for fiber or copper uplinks and flexible topology
• Layer 3 capabilities: routing among VLANs, inter-VLAN communication, and basic routing support to optimize traffic flow at the network edge
• VLAN support: 802.1Q tagging with multiple VLANs to segment traffic and enhance security
• Quality of Service: prioritization and traffic shaping to ensure reliable performance for latency-sensitive applications
• Security: ACLs and access controls to regulate traffic and protect network resources
• Management: supports CLI and a web-based GUI, plus SNMP for centralized monitoring and integration with network management systems
• Power: PoE-enabled ports providing power to compatible devices, with centralized management of PoE usage and allocation
• Form factor and environment: designed for compact deployments at the network edge, suitable for enterprise environments requiring scalable, resilient access switching

How to Install Allied Telesis CentreCOM GS970M

Installing the GS970M is a straightforward process designed to minimize downtime and simplify day-to-day network management. Below are practical steps to get you up and running quickly while ensuring a solid, scalable foundation for your edge network.

1) Unpack and plan: Confirm you have the GS970M switch, power cords, and the appropriate fiber or copper cables for the 2 x SFP uplinks. Identify the port mapping for PoE devices (cameras, IP phones, APs) and plan the VLANs needed to segment traffic (for example, voice VLAN, data VLAN, and management VLAN).

2) Physical connections: Connect your uplink devices or core switches to the two SFP ports to establish connectivity with the rest of the network. Attach PoE devices to the 16 PoE ports. If you are deploying PoE devices, ensure that the total power consumption stays within your switch’s PoE budget and your power infrastructure supports the load.

3) Initial access: Connect a management workstation to a dedicated management VLAN or a data port configured for management access. Access the switch via its web GUI or via CLI over SSH/Telnet to begin configuration. If you prefer zero-touch deployment, leverage existing network management tools to discover and configure the device.

4) Basic configuration: Set up a management IP address, subnet mask, and gateway. Create and assign VLANs, configure inter-VLAN routing on the L3 surface, and establish basic QoS policies to ensure critical traffic receives priority. Enable necessary security features such as ACLs and port security to protect access to the switch.

5) PoE and monitoring: Configure PoE settings to optimize device power delivery and enable monitoring of PoE usage to avoid unexpected device outages. Verify the status of SFP uplinks and test connectivity to the core network and to end devices to confirm stable operation.

6) Fine-tuning and maintenance: Save the configuration, set up scheduled firmware checks, and enable automatic alerts or SNMP traps for proactive maintenance. Regularly review port utilization, PoE budgets, and QoS policies to maintain performance as your network evolves.

In practice, the GS970M blends reliable Layer 3 routing with flexible PoE-enabled access, empowering IT teams to deploy scalable edge networks without sacrificing control or security. Its design supports a wide range of applications—from small branch offices to distributed campuses—while providing a straightforward management experience that minimizes administration overhead.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: How many PoE ports does the GS970M have? A: The switch features 16 PoE-enabled Ethernet ports, designed to power compatible devices such as IP cameras, VoIP phones, and access points directly from the switch.
• Q: What uplink options are available? A: It includes 2 x 100/1000X SFP ports for flexible uplinks to the core network or to other switches, enabling fiber or copper connections as required by your topology.
• Q: Does it support Layer 3 routing? A: Yes. The GS970M provides Layer 3 switching capabilities, including inter-VLAN routing and basic routing features that help optimize traffic at the network edge and reduce load on core devices.
• Q: What management methods are available? A: You can manage the switch via a web-based GUI and through the command-line interface (CLI). It also supports standard network management protocols such as SNMP for integration with centralized monitoring systems.
• Q: Can I prioritize traffic on this switch? A: Yes. The GS970M includes QoS features that allow you to classify and prioritize traffic, ensuring performance for latency-sensitive applications like voice and video.
• Q: Is there a PoE budget limit? A: PoE power delivery is available on all 16 PoE ports, with the total budget dependent on the model and configuration. Plan power usage in advance to avoid exceeding the available PoE capacity.

With its combination of PoE-enabled access ports, fast SFP uplinks, Layer 3 routing, and enterprise-grade management features, the Allied Telesis GS970M is a strong choice for business networks seeking reliable edge switching with room to grow. This switch is engineered to support modern deployments—delivering the power, performance, and control you need to keep networks secure, responsive, and easy to manage as demands evolve.