Allied Telesis CentreCOM GS980MX/10HSM Layer 3 Switch

The CentreCOM GS980MX/10HSM is a compact, stackable Multi-Gigabit Layer 3 switch built for performance, reliability, and flexible deployment in modern networks. Featuring 8 PoE++ ports that auto-negotiate across 100M, 1G, 2.5G, and 5G speeds, plus 2 dedicated 10G uplinks, this switch is designed to power and connect a wide range of devices—from IP cameras and high-density wireless access points to VoIP phones and smart building sensors. Its slim rack-width form factor makes it suitable for space-constrained environments such as branch offices, edge data centers, enterprise closets, and lab environments, while still delivering enterprise-grade features that keep networks secure, efficient, and scalable. Running the AlliedWare Plus operating system, the GS980MX/10HSM combines stable performance, robust security, and advanced traffic management to support both current and evolving network requirements. Whether you’re upgrading from a legacy switch, building out a campus edge, or engineering a resilient edge pathway, this switch provides the performance, power delivery, and control you need in a compact, easy-to-manage package.

• Powerful 8 x PoE++ Multi-Gigabit ports and 2 x 10G uplinks: Allocate power where it’s needed while delivering flexible access to modern devices. The 8 PoE++ ports support high-power devices like high-end IP cameras, multi-radio wireless APs, and VoIP handsets, while the two 10G uplinks ensure fast, scalable connectivity to a core or distribution layer. This combination enables streamlined deployments, simplifies cabling, and reduces the need for additional power infrastructure or intermediate devices.
• Enterprise-grade AlliedWare Plus OS: The GS980MX/10HSM runs AlliedWare Plus, a feature-rich enterprise-class operating system renowned for stability and security. Expect advanced routing, robust QoS, comprehensive security controls, precise traffic management, and a familiar CLI/GUI for administrators. AlliedWare Plus supports a wide range of networking protocols and services, providing a mature foundation for mission-critical applications while maintaining straightforward operational workflows.
• Layer 3 routing with IPv4/IPv6 support: Move beyond simple switching to intelligent routing with static and dynamic routing capabilities. The GS980MX/10HSM enables efficient inter-VLAN routing, route redistribution, and dual-stack IPv4/IPv6 environments. This makes it ideal for networks that are migrating to IPv6, as well as those that require precise traffic separation and control between subnets and services.
• Advanced security, QoS, and policy control: Protect critical applications and users with features such as access control lists (ACLs), quality of service (QoS) policies, traffic shaping, VLAN segmentation, and security hardening settings. The device supports secure remote management (SSH, TLS), SNMP for monitoring, and role-based access controls to ensure that network access is restricted to authorized personnel only.
• Compact, rack-width design with stackable capability: The GS980MX/10HSM is purpose-built for tight spaces. Its compact footprint fits neatly in standard rack environments, while its stackable design enables scalable expansion by adding compatible CentreCOM switches. This flexibility is ideal for growing networks, retrofit projects, or campuses where floor space matters but performance cannot be compromised.

Technical Details of Allied Telesis CentreCOM GS980MX/10HSM Layer 3 Switch

• 8 x PoE++ Multi-Gigabit ports supporting auto-negotiation for 100M, 1G, 2.5G, and 5G connectivity
• 2 x 10G uplink ports (SFP/SFP+ capable) for high-speed connections to core or distribution layers
• AlliedWare Plus Enterprise-class operating system for routing, switching, and services
• Layer 3 routing with support for static routes and dynamic routing options
• VLAN support with ACLs, QoS, and traffic management to prioritize applications
• Network resilience features including LACP, STP/RSTP/MSTP, and VRRP for high availability
• IPv4/IPv6 addressing and dual-stack management capabilities
• Compact, rack-width design with stackability to grow with your network
• Secure administration via CLI, GUI, SSH, HTTPS, and SNMP; policy-based access control

How to install Allied Telesis CentreCOM GS980MX/10HSM

• Unbox and prepare: Verify that the switch and all accessories are present. Confirm the operating environment is within the recommended temperature and ventilation specs to prevent thermal throttling and ensure longevity.
• Rack installation: Install the GS980MX/10HSM into a standard 19-inch rack using the provided mounting ears. Tighten screws securely, ensuring the unit sits level and has adequate airflow on all sides.
• Power connection: Connect the unit to a reliable power source with appropriate cabling. If your environment supports redundant power, attach an additional power supply or a redundant power module as per your rack configuration and safety guidelines.
• Physical network setup: Connect your PoE devices to the 8 PoE++ ports using shielded Ethernet cabling (Cat5e or higher, with proper shielding for PoE applications). Run the 2 x 10G uplinks to your core or distribution devices using SFP+/fiber or appropriate copper transceivers as supported by the switch and your network.
• Initial port configuration: Access the management interface (CLI or web GUI) to assign IP addressing for the management VLAN, configure basic VLANs, and set up initial routing or bridging as required. Create a management plan that outlines access controls, credentials, and monitoring endpoints.
• Layer 3 services and policies: Enable static routes or dynamic routing protocols as needed. Define ACLs to enforce security, configure QoS policies to prioritize latency-sensitive traffic (voice, video, critical applications), and implement VLANs to segment traffic by department, device type, or function.
• High-availability and redundancy: If deploying in a stacked or HA-enabled environment, configure LACP on uplinks, enable STP/RSTP/MSTP as appropriate, and provision VRRP for gateway redundancy. Validate failover behavior to ensure seamless continuity during link or device failures.
• Monitoring and management: Set up SNMP traps, syslog, and archival logging. Deploy secure remote management practices, including SSH and TLS. Establish routine backup of configurations and firmware, and schedule health checks to ensure ongoing performance and stability.
• Validation and optimization: Test connectivity across PoE devices and uplinks, verify IPv4/IPv6 routing, confirm VLAN segmentation is functioning correctly, and adjust QoS settings for your most critical applications. Document changes for future maintenance and upgrades.

Frequently asked questions

• What does the 8 x PoE++ ports mean for my network? The eight PoE++ ports deliver power to compatible devices while providing versatile multi-gigabit connectivity. This simplifies deployment of IP cameras, wireless access points, VoIP phones, and other PoE-powered equipment without needing extra power injectors or outlets.
• What kind of uplinks does this switch have? It features two 10G uplink ports, enabling high-bandwidth connections to your core or distribution layer. This setup supports fast backhaul for data, voice, and video traffic and helps prevent bottlenecks at the network edge.
• Does this switch support IPv6? Yes. The GS980MX/10HSM supports IPv4/IPv6 addressing and dual-stack operation, making it suitable for networks in transition to IPv6 and for future-proofing your infrastructure.
• Can I manage this switch remotely? Absolutely. AlliedWare Plus provides multiple management avenues, including a web GUI and a robust CLI. Secure remote administration is supported via SSH, HTTPS, and SNMP for monitoring and control from centralized management stations.
• Is the switch suitable for small to mid-sized deployments? Yes. Its compact, rack-width design and stackable capability make it ideal for branch offices, edge data centers, campus closets, or lab environments where space is at a premium but performance and control remain essential.
• What kind of security and traffic control features should I expect? The device includes ACLs, QoS, VLANs, LACP for link aggregation, STP/RSTP/MSTP for loop avoidance, VRRP for gateway redundancy, and comprehensive management security to protect critical network services.
• Can the device grow with my network? Yes. The GS980MX/10HSM is designed to be stackable with compatible CentreCOM switches, enabling scalable expansion as your network grows without replacing existing infrastructure.