Description
The Black Box Rackmount Gang Switch is engineered for reliability in demanding data centers, server rooms, and telecom closets. Housed in a standard 19" chassis and occupying just 1U of rack space, this eight-channel switch provides robust, flexible routing between A and B paths with all eight pins utilized. It’s designed to keep signals moving and systems online, even when power is interrupted. With multi-layer management options, it supports manual operation, local RS-232 console control, and remote administration over TCP/IP, making it easy to integrate into existing network management workflows. The ability to operate channels individually or in synchronized gang mode gives administrators the precision they need for routine reconfigurations or bulk changes during maintenance windows. The lockable switch with a removable key adds an essential layer of security for environments with strict change-control procedures. Whether you’re building redundant paths for critical equipment or consolidating switching control across multiple devices, this rackmount gang switch blends uptime, security, and ease of use in a compact, rack-ready form factor.
- 8-channel rackmount gang switch with A/B (All Pins) switching for robust, redundant routing in a compact 1U, 19" chassis
- Network manageable via TCP/IP with local RS-232 console access for flexible administration and rapid troubleshooting
- Supports both individual channel control and synchronized gang switching to suit precise or bulk reconfiguration needs
- A/B position latching preserves the selected routing, maintaining signal continuity during power loss or outages
- Lockable switch with removable key provides secure access control to gang-switch configurations
Technical Details of Black Box Rackmount Gang Switch
- Chassis: 19-inch rackmount, 1U height
- Ports: (8) RJ-45 A/B switching circuits (All Pins) for complete 8-pin connectivity per channel
- Management: Network manageable via TCP/IP; local management via RS-232 console
- Switching: Individual channel control and optional gang (ganged) switching
- Signal retention: A/B position latching to hold the selected path during power events
- Security: Lockable switch with removable key to prevent unauthorized changes
How to Install Black Box Rackmount Gang Switch
Installing the Black Box Rackmount Gang Switch is straightforward and designed to integrate with standard data-center infrastructure. Begin by preparing a clean, stable equipment rack. Use the included mounting hardware to secure the 19" chassis, ensuring the unit sits evenly in 1U of rack space. Once mounted, plan your cabling so that each channel’s A and B connectors are clearly labeled. Connect the eight A-side cables from your primary devices to the corresponding A ports on the switch, and similarly connect the eight B-side cables from the secondary devices to the B ports. Labeling cables at both ends helps with future maintenance and troubleshooting. Install the RS-232 management cable to the designated console port for local administration, which you will use during initial setup or in case network connectivity is temporarily unavailable.
Next, connect the switch to your network via the TCP/IP management interface. This typically involves linking the device to your management network through an Ethernet connection and configuring IP addressing, access control, and management permissions according to your organization’s policies. Power up the unit and verify status indicators to confirm power and port activity. Access the local RS-232 console or the TCP/IP management interface to configure channel assignments, define whether channels operate in manual, autonomous, or gang mode, and set security options such as the lock key. As you configure, establish roles and permissions for operators, enabling granular control over who can perform gang switching and who can only monitor status. After completing the initial configuration, execute a controlled test of each A/B path, first individually and then in gang mode, to ensure that switching operates correctly and that the desired paths are preserved under various scenarios. Document the final configuration and store backups of the settings so you can rapidly restore in the event of hardware changes or failures. Routine checks—especially after firmware updates or rack reconfigurations—help maintain optimal performance and reliability.
For best results, consider deploying network-managed gang switching alongside redundant power and monitoring systems. Use SNMP or your existing network monitoring tools to track switch health, port status, and access attempts. Regularly review security settings, update credentials, and audit change logs to maintain a strong security posture. The 19" 1U form factor ensures compatibility with most standard racks, while the eight-channel capability provides ample coverage for complex environments requiring swift reconfiguration across multiple circuits. With its combination of precise local control and scalable remote management, the Black Box Rackmount Gang Switch offers a resilient foundation for efficient network routing and operational continuity.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the purpose of the A/B (All Pins) configuration? The A/B arrangement provides two separate signal paths for each channel, enabling redundancy and flexible routing. Using all eight pins ensures full, reliable connectivity for each path.
- Can I manage this switch over a network? Yes. The unit is designed to be network manageable via TCP/IP, allowing remote configuration, monitoring, and control from your data center or facility management systems.
- Can I switch channels individually or as a group? Both. You can control each channel independently or perform gang (ganged) switching to re-route multiple channels simultaneously for coordinated changes.
- What happens to the A/B position during a power outage? The A/B position is latched to preserve the selected path, maintaining signal continuity even if power is interrupted, reducing potential downtime.
- Is the switch physically secure? Yes. The switch includes a lockable mechanism with a removable key to prevent unauthorized changes to gang switching configurations.
- What are the key physical specifications? It is a 19" rackmount device occupying 1U of space with eight RJ-45 ports for A/B switching, using all pins for full connectivity.
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