Description
Product Introduction
The Hirschmann RS20-0800M4M4SDAE is a managed industrial Ethernet switch in the RS20 OpenRail family, intended for DIN-rail installations where copper Ethernet devices and fiber-optic uplinks must share a controlled network. It provides eight Fast Ethernet ports: six 10/100BASE-TX RJ45 connections for local equipment and two 100BASE-FX multimode fiber uplinks using ST connectors. Its Layer 2 Enhanced software supports industrial network functions such as VLANs, multicast filtering, traffic prioritization, diagnostics, and network redundancy. This combination makes the switch suitable for industrial control networks where link monitoring and predictable network behavior matter more than Gigabit throughput.
For maintenance and procurement teams, the key issue is matching the exact port layout and fiber interface—not just buying another eight-port switch. The RS20-0800M4M4SDAE uses multimode fiber with ST connectors, so a switch with SC, LC, or single-mode interfaces is not a direct physical replacement. The model is also listed as discontinued in manufacturer-related catalogs. If the original unit is being replaced, document the current VLAN and redundancy configuration, fiber type, optical link budget, and power wiring before migration. A newer switch may be a practical successor, but only after confirming the network’s technical and operational requirements.
Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product model | RS20-0800M4M4SDAE |
| Manufacturer | Hirschmann / Belden |
| Order number | 943 434-017 |
| Product category | Managed industrial Ethernet switch |
| Switching mode | Store-and-forward |
| Software | Layer 2 Enhanced |
| Total ports | 8 |
| Copper ports | 6 × 10/100BASE-TX RJ45 |
| Fiber uplinks | 2 × 100BASE-FX multimode, ST connectors |
| Maximum copper cable length | 100 m |
| Fiber reach | Up to 5 km on 50/125 µm multimode fiber; up to 4 km on 62.5/125 µm fiber under specified optical conditions |
| Power input | 9.6–60 VDC or 18–30 VAC |
| Power redundancy | Dual/redundant supply inputs |
| Maximum power consumption | 7.7 W |
| Operating temperature | 0°C to 60°C |
| Storage temperature | −40°C to 70°C |
| Relative humidity | 10–95%, non-condensing |
| Protection rating | IP20 |
| Dimensions (W × H × D) | 74 × 131 × 111 mm |
| Weight | Approximately 410 g |
| Mounting | DIN rail |
| Additional interfaces | RJ11 V.24 management interface; USB interface for ACA21-USB auto-configuration adapter |
| Lifecycle | Discontinued/passive in catalog listings |
Fiber distances are published maximums under stated cable and optical-budget conditions, not guaranteed distances for every installed link.
RS20-0800M4M4SDAE
Application Scenarios and Pain Points
- PLC and DCS network segments: Connects controllers, operator stations, remote I/O, and other Ethernet devices over copper and fiber.
- Industrial fiber uplinks: Uses two multimode ST fiber ports to connect remote cabinets or network segments where copper cabling is unsuitable.
- Redundant industrial networks: Supports industrial redundancy mechanisms, including HIPER-Ring and MRP, depending on the network configuration.
- Network segmentation: VLAN and traffic-prioritization functions help separate control traffic and manage network load.
- Legacy system maintenance: Can maintain an existing network design where the ST fiber connectors and RS20 configuration are already established.
The principal replacement risks are fiber-interface mismatch, missing configuration backups, and incorrect redundancy settings. A switch may pass ordinary Ethernet traffic while still failing to reproduce the original ring behavior, VLAN membership, or multicast handling.
Related Products
These are related RS20-series configurations or newer Hirschmann switch families to evaluate. They are not confirmed drop-in replacements.
| Model or family | Main difference |
|---|---|
| -0800M2M2SDAE | Similar eight-port configuration with SC multimode fiber connectors |
| -0800T1T1SDAE | Copper uplink configuration differs from the M4 fiber version |
| -0800S2S2SDAE | Fiber interface variant; verify connector and optical specifications |
| -0400M2M2SDAE | Lower port count and different fiber connectors |
| -1600M2M2SDAE | Higher port density and different fiber interface configuration |
| Hirschmann BOBCAT family | Potential newer-generation replacement candidate requiring network and migration review |
Engineer’s Guide: Field Pitfalls to Avoid
1. Match the fiber hardware exactly. Confirm ST connectors, multimode fiber type, wavelength, and optical link budget. A connector adapter alone does not resolve differences in optical mode or transceiver specifications.
2. Back up the switch configuration before removal. Record VLANs, ring-manager/client roles, port settings, SNMP parameters, and management access. A factory-default replacement may not restore the network’s intended behavior.
3. Plan for the discontinued lifecycle. Check actual stock condition, hardware revision, warranty terms, and return policy. If moving to a newer model, validate the redundancy protocol, management features, physical mounting, and network behavior before deploying it in a live control system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the Hirschmann -0800M4M4SDAE used for?
It is a managed industrial Fast Ethernet switch for connecting industrial Ethernet devices over copper and multimode fiber, particularly in DIN-rail control cabinets.
Q2: What is the order number for this switch?
The corresponding order number is 943 434-017. Some catalog entries append additional configuration suffixes; check the installed nameplate and purchase documentation.
Q3: How many ports does the -0800M4M4SDAE have?
It has eight ports: six 10/100BASE-TX RJ45 copper ports and two 100BASE-FX multimode fiber ports with ST connectors.
Q4: What power supply does it require?
It accepts 9.6–60 VDC or 18–30 VAC, with redundant supply inputs. Confirm the actual cabinet supply and terminal wiring before replacement.
Q5: Does it support network redundancy?
Yes. The platform supports industrial redundancy functions, including HIPER-Ring and MRP. The exact configuration and role of the switch in the network must be verified before installation.
Q6: Is the -0800M4M4SDAE discontinued?
Manufacturer-related catalog sources list the model as discontinued or passive, with a last-order date of December 31, 2023, and a last-delivery date of June 30, 2024, in one catalog record. Remaining inventory may still exist, but current availability and support should be confirmed.
Q7: Can a newer Hirschmann switch replace it?
Potentially, but not automatically. Confirm port count, ST multimode fiber compatibility, power range, VLAN configuration, redundancy protocols, management features, and the available mounting space before approving a successor.
