Black Box RJ45 Cat6 A/B Switch Latching Card

The Black Box RJ45 Cat6 A/B Switch Latching Card is a compact, robust module designed to grant you precise control over two Ethernet paths within a single, reliable hardware switch. Built for demanding data-center and enterprise environments, this card delivers deterministic path selection with a hardware-based latch while supporting high-speed performance up to 10 Gbps. Its unique ability to retain the current connection state when power is lost ensures continuity and stability for critical networks, minimizing downtime during outages or maintenance windows. With easy integration into Black Box chassis and straightforward cabling, this latching card offers a practical, scalable solution for organizations pursuing resilient, well-managed network topologies. Whether you’re implementing redundant links, performing live failover tests, or simplifying traffic management across mission-critical services, this card provides predictable behavior and dependable performance in a compact form factor.

• Deterministic A/B path switching with a secure latching mechanism — This card provides a reliable, hardware-driven toggle between two Ethernet paths, ensuring a consistent connection choice even during power fluctuations, switch-overs, or system reboots. The mechanical latch locks the selected path in place, delivering unambiguous operation for high-availability deployments. In environments that demand predictable failover behavior, administrators can conduct controlled transitions, validate path performance, and reproduce test scenarios with confidence, all without software-induced delays or unpredictable state changes.
• High-performance Cat6 connectivity up to 10 Gbps — Engineered to support modern Ethernet standards, the A/B switch card accommodates data-intensive workloads with robust, sustained throughput. It is well-suited for data-heavy applications, storage networks, and high-speed server connections, helping you maximize network efficiency while maintaining tidy cabling and simplified routing. By providing a dedicated switching path for each link, it enables optimized traffic management without requiring complex routing configurations or additional hardware in many setups.
• Power-retention for uninterrupted operation — In the event of a power interruption, the latching mechanism preserves the currently selected Ethernet path, keeping the active route stable until power is restored and a deliberate switch is performed. This feature reduces unplanned downtime, supports maintenance windows, and enables seamless testing of failover plans without sudden traffic shifts. The retention capability is particularly valuable for environments where deterministic behavior is required during outages or brownouts, ensuring service continuity and predictable network behavior.
• Seamless integration into Black Box ecosystems — Designed for plug-and-play compatibility with Black Box chassis and modular ecosystems, this switch card integrates with minimal configuration. Its compact form factor, standard RJ45 interface, and straightforward cabling simplify deployment, cable management, and future expansions. Whether you’re upgrading an existing installation or building a new multi-path network, the card’s compatibility reduces installation friction and allows for scalable growth as your bandwidth needs evolve.
• Ideal for redundancy, maintenance windows, and controlled traffic routing — Use this card to create deterministic redundancy between two network paths, perform planned maintenance without impacting other routes, or route traffic between A and B for load-balancing scenarios. The predictable, hardware-based switching behavior helps administrators meet service-level objectives and deliver consistent user experiences across critical applications, storage systems, and edge devices.

Technical Details of Black Box RJ45 Cat6 A/B Switch Latching Card

• Type: RJ45 Cat6 A/B switch latching card
• Maximum speed: Up to 10 Gbps (compatible with Cat6A and Cat6 cabling standards)
• Switching mechanism: Mechanical latching selector that locks the chosen path (A or B) until manually changed
• Power retention: Maintains the currently selected path during power loss until a deliberate switch is performed
• Compatibility: Designed for use within Black Box chassis and compatible networking modules, with standard RJ45 interfaces for easy cabling

How to install Black Box RJ45 Cat6 A/B Switch Latching Card

• Power down the system completely and unplug all connected cables before beginning installation to prevent electrical shocks or equipment damage.
• Locate the correct slot in your Black Box chassis designated for the latching card, ensuring you are using a compatible module bay that matches the card’s form factor and connector layout.
• Carefully align the card with the slot and insert it evenly, applying steady pressure until the connectors are fully engaged and the card sits securely in the chassis.
• Secure the card using the chassis’s retention mechanism or latch as specified by the equipment’s installation guide, ensuring the module remains firmly seated during operation and transport.
• Connect two Ethernet cables to the A and B ports as labeled, reattach any cables you unplugged, power on the system, and verify that link LEDs indicate healthy connections. Test switching between A and B to confirm the latching mechanism operates as intended and that traffic follows the selected path.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What does the Black Box RJ45 Cat6 A/B Switch Latching Card do? A: It enables switching between two Ethernet paths (A and B) using a hardware latching mechanism, delivering speeds up to 10 Gbps and preserving the selected path during power loss for improved network resilience.
• Q: What cabling standards does it support? A: It is designed for Cat6 and Cat6A copper cabling, supporting up to 10 Gbps depending on the rest of the network infrastructure and cabling quality.
• Q: Is the card hot-swappable? A: The card is intended for installation in a compatible Black Box chassis. Please consult your chassis documentation for hot-swap capabilities; in many setups, power-down procedures are recommended before removal or replacement.
• Q: Can I use this for load balancing? A: Yes. The A/B switch enables you to route traffic between two paths for redundancy, maintenance, or load-balancing purposes, depending on your network design and monitoring capabilities.
• Q: Does the card retain the selected path during outages? A: Yes. The latching mechanism preserves the current path, helping maintain stable connectivity during power events and enabling more predictable maintenance operations.