Allied Telesis ATSBx31GC40 Gigabit Ethernet network switch module

Overview

The ATSBx31GC40 is a high‑density, 40‑port Gigabit Ethernet switch module designed for enterprise and data center environments that demand reliable connectivity, robust security, and extensive management capabilities. Integrated into a blade chassis, this module delivers full IEEE 802.3 compliance while supporting advanced VLAN segmentation, Quality of Service (QoS), and flow control to maintain optimal network performance.

Key Technical Specifications

• Port Configuration: 40 x Gigabit Ethernet ports (10/100/1000 Mbps)
• MAC Address Table: 32,000 entries for efficient forwarding and reduced lookup latency
• VLAN Capacity: Supports up to 4,096 VLANs, enabling granular segmentation across large networks
• Jumbo Frame Support: Up to 9,216 bytes, reducing overhead on high‑throughput links
• Flow Control: IEEE 802.3x flow control for congestion management and packet loss prevention
• Power Consumption: 64 W under typical load conditions
• Weight: 2.45 lbs (1.11 kg) – lightweight for rack or blade integration
• Operating Altitude: 0–118,110.2 ft (0–3,000 m)
• Relative Humidity: 5–90% during operation; storage up to 95%

Networking Standards and Protocols

The module fully implements a comprehensive suite of IEEE standards, ensuring interoperability with existing infrastructure:

• IEEE 802.1D (Spanning Tree), 802.1Q (VLAN tagging), 802.1s (Multiple Spanning Tree)
• IEEE 802.1w (Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol), 802.1x (Port‑Based Authentication)
• IEEE 802.3 (Ethernet), 802.3ab (10/100 Mbps), 802.3ac (Gigabit Ethernet), 802.3u (Fast Ethernet), 802.3x (Flow Control), 802.3z (Fiber)

Security Features

The ATSBx31GC40 incorporates multiple layers of security to safeguard data and network integrity:

• Access Control Lists (ACLs): Fine‑grained filtering of traffic based on MAC, IP, or protocol attributes.
• 802.1x Port‑Based Authentication: Integrates with RADIUS servers to enforce device and user authentication before granting network access.
• SSH‑2 Encryption: Secure remote management sessions, protecting configuration changes from interception.

Quality of Service (QoS) and Traffic Management

With built‑in QoS support, the switch can prioritize critical traffic streams such as VoIP, video conferencing, or real‑time data analytics. Features include:

• Priority Queuing: Assigns higher priority to latency‑sensitive packets.
• Bandwidth Allocation: Limits per‑port throughput to prevent congestion.
• Traffic Policing and Shaping: Enforces compliance with service level agreements (SLAs).

Compliance and Safety Certifications

The module meets stringent safety and electromagnetic compatibility standards, ensuring safe operation in diverse environments:

• FCC Class A, EN55022 Class A, CISPR Class A, ICES 003 Class AEN55024EN60950‑1 (TUV), UL60950‑1 (CULUS), EN60825
• CULUS, TUV, C‑TICK, CE safety certifications for electrical and environmental compliance.

Environmental Performance

The ATSBx31GC40 is engineered to operate reliably across a wide range of conditions:

• Operating Altitude: 0–118,110.2 ft (0–3,000 m) – suitable for high‑altitude installations.
• Relative Humidity: 5–90% during operation; storage tolerance up to 95% ensures durability in humid climates.

Power Efficiency and Thermal Management

Consuming only 64 W, the switch module is optimized for energy efficiency without compromising performance. Its compact blade design facilitates effective airflow within chassis enclosures, reducing cooling requirements and operational costs.

Physical Characteristics and Integration

• Form Factor: Blade‑module compatible with Allied Telesis chassis systems.
• Weight: 2.45 lbs (1.11 kg) – minimal impact on rack weight distribution.
• Port Density: 40 Gigabit Ethernet ports provide high connectivity density for dense network topologies.

Use Cases and Deployment Scenarios

The ATSBx31GC40 excels in environments where scalability, security, and performance converge:

• Enterprise Core Switches: Aggregates traffic from multiple access layers while maintaining strict VLAN segmentation.
• Data Center Fabric: Supports high‑throughput workloads with QoS guarantees for virtualized services.
• Campus Networks: Offers robust security via 802.1x and ACLs, ensuring secure guest and staff access.

Conclusion

The Allied Telesis ATSBx31GC40 Gigabit Ethernet Switch Module delivers a powerful combination of high port density, comprehensive protocol support, advanced security mechanisms, and stringent compliance certifications. Its energy‑efficient design, coupled with robust environmental tolerance, makes it an ideal choice for modern enterprise networks that demand reliability, scalability, and secure connectivity.