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The GE IS420ESWBH2A is a rugged, unmanaged 16‑Port IONet Ethernet Switch Module built by General Electric (GE) specifically for demanding industrial automation networks within Mark VIe and Mark VIeS control systems. Designed to deliver deterministic Ethernet communication and resilient connectivity, this switch supports both copper and fiber links for flexible network topologies. Its robust construction and redundant features ensure dependable performance in power plants, turbine systems, and process automation environments where uptime and data integrity are mission‑critical.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Brand	GE (General Electric)
Model	IS420ESWBH2A
Module Type	Industrial IONet Ethernet Switch
Ethernet Ports	16 × 10/100 Base‑TX RJ45 copper ports
Fiber Uplink	2 × 100 Base‑FX multimode fiber ports (LC)
Communication Standards	IEEE 802.3 / 802.3u / 802.3x
Duplex Mode	Auto‑negotiation Full/Half Duplex
Auto‑Sensing	HP‑MDIX supported
MAC Table Size	4,096 entries
Packet Buffer Memory	≥ 256 KB
Switching Capacity	~16 Gbps
LED Indicators	Link, activity, speed, duplex, power status
Power Supply	24–28 VDC with dual redundant inputs
Operating Temp.	‑40 °C to +70 °C
Protection Rating	IP20 (rack‑mount enclosure)
Dimensions (approx.)	188 mm × 86 mm × 56 mm
Weight (approx.)	1.05 kg
Mounting	DIN‑rail or panel mount
Designed to meet industrial Ethernet requirements for real‑time control networks.

Recommended Related Models

To complement or scale your control network infrastructure, consider these related GE options:

GE IS420ESWBH1A – 16‑port IONet switch with single fiber uplink
GE IS420ESWBH3A – High‑density 16‑port copper only switch
GE IS420ESWAH1A – 8‑port switch with fiber support
GE IS420UCSBH1A – Mark VIe controller module

These modules work together to build robust, high‑performance industrial networks within GE automation architectures.

Popular Allen Bradley Models (For Reference)

For engineers familiar with Allen‑Bradley networking and control, similar functional modules include:

Allen‑Bradley 1783‑ETAPND8 – Ethernet unmanaged network adapter
Allen‑Bradley 1783‑AW6T – Managed industrial Ethernet switch
Allen‑Bradley 1756‑EN2T – ControlLogix network communication interface
Allen‑Bradley 1756‑RLY – Remote I/O communication module

These represent analogous communication components commonly used in Rockwell Automation systems.

Applications

The GE IS420ESWBH2A excels in a variety of industrial network scenarios:

Mark VIe/VIeS turbine and DCS control networks
High‑density switch backbone for controllers and I/O modules
Redundant network links in critical automation systems
Distributed Ethernet connectivity in power generation
Process automation and energy industry communication layers
Harsh industrial environments requiring rugged reliability & diagnostics

Its ability to aggregate multiple network segments with both copper and fiber uplinks ensures resilient performance where control data must flow without interruption.

Advantages

High Port Density: Sixteen copper ports plus two fiber uplinks support complex industrial network segmentation.
Dual Fiber Redundancy: Two 100Base‑FX multimode fiber ports enable resilient uplinks and extended reach.
Robust Industrial Design: Wide temperature range and rugged construction make it ideal for extended operation in harsh environments.
Redundant Power Support: Dual power inputs with diode protection help maintain uptime under power source variation.
Easy Status Diagnostics: LED indicators for per‑port link, activity, speed, duplex, and overall power status simplify troubleshooting.
Purpose‑Built Protocol Support: Complies with IEEE Ethernet standards for reliable, deterministic control network performance.

Technical FAQs

What is the GE IS420ESWBH2A used for?
It’s an industrial Ethernet IONet switch module for GE Mark VIe/VIeS control networks.
How many Ethernet ports does it have?
It supports 16 × 10/100 Base‑TX copper ports.
Does it support fiber connections?
Yes — two 100Base‑FX multimode fiber uplink ports with LC connectors.
What redundancy features are included?
Dual redundant power inputs with diode‑OR provide added reliability.
What environment can it operate in?
Industrial‑grade temperature range from ‑40 °C to +70 °C.
How much does the module weigh?
Approximately 1.05 kg.
What power supply does the switch require?
Nominal 24–28 VDC industrial power input.
Is the switch managed?
No — it is an unmanaged industrial Ethernet switch optimized for real‑time control traffic.
Can it be mounted on DIN rail?
Yes — supports DIN‑rail or panel mounting based on installation needs.
What networking standards does it support?
IEEE 802.3, 802.3u, and 802.3x for Ethernet communications.