Hirschmann MACH104-20TX-FR – Managed Industrial Ethernet Switch for Reliable 19-inch Rack Networks

The Hirschmann MACH104-20TX-FR is a managed Layer 2 workgroup switch designed for control rooms and machine-level networks where uptime, quiet operation, and straightforward management matter. From my experience, the “FR” variant is fanless, which keeps noise down and reduces dust intake in cabinets — a small detail that typically pays off in maintenance. You get Fast Ethernet access ports for field devices and Gigabit uplinks to your backbone, making it a solid fit for manufacturing cells, discrete assembly lines, water plants, or traffic cabinets that run 24/7.

Company’s Order Placement Process and Guarantees

• Warranty: 365 days
• Delivery: 1 week if in stock; no more than one month at the latest
• Payment: 50% advance payment; full payment before delivery
• Express options: FedEx, UPS, DHL

Key Features

• 20 x Fast Ethernet access ports – Typically 10/100BASE‑TX RJ45 ports for PLCs, HMIs, drives, and I/O islands.
• Gigabit uplinks for the backbone – In many cases, MACH104 models provide up to 4 Gigabit uplinks (SFP or copper, model‑dependent) to tie into your core.
• Fanless “FR” design – Quiet operation and fewer moving parts; you might notice less dust buildup in cabinets over time.
• Managed Layer 2 feature set – VLANs, QoS, port mirroring, link aggregation, and IGMP snooping for stable control and video traffic.
• Redundancy mechanisms – Typically supports RSTP/MSTP and Hirschmann ring concepts for fast recovery on ring topologies.
• Industrial‑grade build – 19-inch rackmount, robust housing, and a power supply suitable for control-room use.
• Flexible management – Web interface, CLI/SSH, and SNMP for integration with common NMS tools and maintenance workflows.

Technical Specifications

Related or Supporting Products

• Hirschmann MACH104-24TX – Similar platform with more Fast Ethernet access ports; good if you need higher port density.
• Hirschmann MACH104-16TX – Fewer access ports; a fit when cabinet space or device count is lower.
• Hirschmann MACH102-24TX – Workgroup variant with comparable Layer 2 features; often chosen for budget-sensitive cells.
• Hirschmann GREYHOUND 1040 – Modular uplink options and broader temperature ranges; chosen when conditions are tougher.
• SFP Transceivers (Hirschmann) – If you plan to use fiber uplinks, pair with compatible 1 Gbps SFP modules (SX, LX, or BX depending on distance).

Installation & Maintenance

• Cabinet and mounting – Install in a 19-inch rack, 1U space. Keep front clearance for patching and LED visibility; allow rear space for power and grounding.
• Ventilation – Even with a fanless unit, maintain adequate airflow. Avoid hot spots created by adjacent high‑heat drives or servers.
• Power & grounding – Use a clean, stable AC feed; bond chassis ground to the cabinet earth. A UPS is recommended for PLC networks and historian links.
• Wiring practice – Use industrial‑rated patch cords; segregate power and data routes; label VLANs and uplinks to simplify service calls.
• Redundancy setup – Enable RSTP/MSTP or ring redundancy where applicable; test link failover during commissioning.
• Routine maintenance – Back up configuration after changes, review logs quarterly, and keep firmware current (after change control). Lightly dust front panels during scheduled downtime.

Quality & Certifications

Hirschmann industrial switches are commonly certified to CE and RoHS, with UL/cUL listings applicable to control equipment. Firmware and security features are maintained actively by the manufacturer, and the product line typically follows ISO 9001 quality systems. Manufacturer’s standard warranty applies; we provide a 365‑day warranty on supplied units.