ZYXEL XGS2220-54: 54-Port GbE L3 Access Switch with 6x 10G Uplink

The ZYXEL XGS2220-54 is a high-performance Layer 2/Layer 3 access switch designed to empower modern networks with scalable connectivity, robust security, and intelligent traffic management. Built to serve as a reliable edge switch in enterprises, campuses, and data centers, this device combines 48 Gigabit Ethernet ports with versatile 10G uplinks to deliver fast, predictable performance for critical applications. Whether you are consolidating distribution floors, expanding a data center rack, or enabling resilient campus networks, the XGS2220-54 provides a flexible foundation with streamlined management and enterprise-grade features. Its 54 total ports (48 x 1G and 6 x 10G uplinks) enable you to grow without replacing your core infrastructure, while Layer 3 capabilities help optimize routing, reduce bottlenecks, and improve user experiences across VLANs and subnets.

• High-density, versatile port mix for scalable networks: With 48 x 1G RJ-45 ports plus six 10G uplink options (4 SFP+ and 2 10GBASE-T copper), this switch delivers abundant access layer connectivity and flexible uplink configurations. You can consolidate user devices on the 48 Gigabit ports while provisioning fast, reliable uplinks to aggregation, core, or data center devices. This setup supports edge deployments, campus networks, and small-to-mid-sized data centers where space and cabling efficiency matter. The mix simplifies cabling strategies and minimizes the need to tier devices across multiple chassis while maintaining high performance for latency-sensitive workloads.
• Strong Layer 2 and Layer 3 capabilities for smarter networks: Beyond basic switching, the XGS2220-54 provides essential Layer 3 features that help you segment traffic, route between VLANs, and optimize network paths. Expect static routing along with a suite of routing options suitable for enterprise environments, enabling efficient inter-VLAN communication and reduced hops between distribution devices. IPv4/IPv6 support and a robust set of ACLs, QoS policies, and multicast handling empower you to enforce security and performance policies at the network edge and beyond. This makes it well-suited for office networks, multi-building campuses, and edge data centers that require intelligent routing without a separate router.
• Advanced QoS, security, and monitoring for reliable service: The switch includes comprehensive management features designed to ensure consistent service levels. Quality of Service (QoS) mechanisms help prioritize business-critical applications, while ACLs and port-based security controls guard against unauthorized access. Built-in monitoring and diagnostic tools—such as SNMP, syslog, and traffic statistics—provide visibility into port utilization, performance trends, and potential bottlenecks, enabling proactive capacity planning and rapid issue resolution.
• Flexible management and deployment options for IT teams: Management is streamlined through a user-friendly web GUI and a robust command-line interface, enabling quick configuration, policy enforcement, and firmware updates. The switch supports standard management protocols and features that fit into diverse IT environments, from small IT shops to large enterprise networks. Rack-mountable form factor, quiet cooling, and straightforward cabling further ease deployment in equipment racks, closets, or data center bays. This combination of accessibility and power makes the XGS2220-54 a practical choice for network admins who seek enterprise-grade capabilities without sacrificing ease of use.
• Reliable performance with scalable uplinks for growing networks: The six 10G uplinks give you ample headroom for spine or aggregation connections, ensuring that workload growth or new services won’t overwhelm the access layer. Whether you’re streaming, transferring large files, deploying virtual desktop infrastructure, or hosting IP-based services, the XGS2220-54 helps maintain predictable throughput and low latency on mixed traffic. The device’s design emphasizes stability and consistency, so you can scale your network with confidence as your users and devices proliferate across buildings and campuses.

Technical Details of ZYXEL XGS2220-54

• Port configuration: 54 total ports — 48 x 1G RJ-45 Ethernet ports plus 4 x 10G SFP+ uplinks and 2 x 10GBASE-T RJ-45 uplinks. This layout supports robust access-layer connectivity with flexible high-speed uplinks to core or distribution layers.
• Layer 2 features: VLAN support, tagging, port-based access control, multicast IGMP Snooping, storm control, and spanning tree variations to prevent loops and provide resilient topology.
• Layer 3 features: Static routing and multiple routing options to interconnect VLANs and optimize network paths. IPv4/IPv6 support enables modern addressing schemes and future-proofing for next-generation networks.
• Quality of Service and security: QoS policies and ACLs to prioritize critical applications and protect sensitive data, along with standard security features to manage access to management interfaces and switch resources.
• Management interfaces: Web-based GUI and CLI for flexible administration, alongside monitoring capabilities such as SNMP, syslog, and port statistics to aid in troubleshooting and performance tuning.
• Performance and reliability: Designed for steady, low-latency operation with line-rate forwarding on supported ports and a compact, rack-mountable form factor suitable for data centers and campus deployments.
• Power and efficiency: Energy-conscious design with efficient cooling and fan management tailored for 1U rack deployments in network closets and data center racks.

How to Install ZYXEL XGS2220-54

• Prepare your rack and workspace: Identify a suitable rack location with adequate ventilation and clearance for cables. Ensure you have a stable power source and matching rack screws for secure mounting.
• Mount the switch: Install the XGS2220-54 in a 19-inch rack using the included mounting ears. Align holes, secure with screws, and verify that the chassis is stable and level.
• Connect power and grounding: Attach the power cord to the switch and a reliable power outlet. If your environment requires grounding per local electrical code, ensure proper grounding connections to safeguard equipment.
• Connect network and management interfaces: Use CAT6/6a or fiber cabling to connect the 48 Gigabit RJ-45 ports to user devices or access switches. Connect the 10G uplinks to your distribution or core switches using the 4 SFP+ ports and the 2 10GBASE-T ports as required by your topology.
• Initial access and configuration: Access the switch via the web GUI or CLI. Configure basic settings such as management IP, default gateway, and administrator credentials. Update the switch firmware to the latest version from the vendor portal if available.
• Define network policies: Create VLANs, assign access ports, configure trunk links on uplinks, and apply QoS rules to prioritize critical traffic. Set up routing (static or dynamic, depending on your plan) and enable any required security features such as ACLs and port security.
• Save and verify: Save your configuration and perform a connectivity check across access ports, uplinks, and inter-VLAN routing paths. Validate that traffic is flowing as intended and that QoS policies are correctly prioritizing traffic.
• Ongoing maintenance: Schedule firmware updates and monitor switch performance using SNMP or the built-in monitoring tools. Regularly review logs and port statistics to anticipate issues before they affect users.

Frequently asked questions

• What is the ZYXEL XGS2220-54 best used for? It is designed for enterprise edge, campus, and data-center access environments where a high-port-count switch with 10G uplinks provides scalable connectivity, efficient routing options, and centralized management for reliable network performance.
• How many uplinks does the switch have? The unit features six 10G uplinks: four SFP+ slots and two 10GBASE-T copper ports, giving you flexible options for fiber or copper connections to aggregation or core devices.
• Does it support Layer 3 routing? Yes, it includes Layer 3 capabilities such as static routing and general routing functionality to interconnect VLANs and optimize traffic paths across the network.
• What management options are available? The switch supports a web-based GUI and a command-line interface (CLI) for configuration, along with standard network management protocols such as SNMP and syslog for monitoring and maintenance.
• Is this switch suitable for a growing data center? It is well-suited for scale-out deployments where access-layer ports are needed in bulk and uplinks to the core can be expanded with additional 10G connections, making it a practical choice for growing networks that require flexible uplink strategies.
• Are there PoE capabilities? PoE support is not indicated in the basic specifications provided here. If PoE is required, verify the exact model capabilities in the official specifications or consult the vendor for a PoE-enabled alternative.