The Hirschmann BOBCAT BRS20-20TX/4SFP is a 24-port managed industrial Fast Ethernet switch from Hirschmann, a Belden brand, engineered for industrial automation and process control networks that demand both high copper port density and fiber uplink flexibility within a space-efficient DIN rail form factor. The switch delivers 20x 10/100BASE-TX RJ45 copper ports alongside four 100 Mbit/s SFP slots arranged as two dual-SFP uplink groups, with support for single-mode, long-haul single-mode, and multimode fiber types, enabling long-distance inter-cabinet and ring backbone connections across large manufacturing facilities and process plants. Powered by dual redundant 12 to 24 VDC inputs and built into a fanless PC-ABS DIN rail housing rated to IP30 and 0 to +60°C, the BRS20-20TX/4SFP is a practical choice for OEM machine builders, panel system integrators, and plant network architects who need to connect many field devices while maintaining a compact cabinet footprint. TSN 802.1Qbv support on interfaces 1/1 to 1/3 enables deterministic real-time Ethernet scheduling, which is increasingly critical in coordinated motion control, industrial robotics, and IIoT-integrated automation systems. Redundancy is comprehensively covered by HIPER-Ring, MRP (IEC62439-2) as both client and manager, RSTP, Link Aggregation with LACP, Link Backup, and Redundant Network Coupling, supporting high-availability ring and star network designs. Full industrial protocol support — PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP, IEC61850 — ensures the switch integrates directly with the dominant PLC, SCADA, and protection relay platforms across manufacturing, energy, and infrastructure sectors. Security features encompass Secure Boot, signed firmware, 802.1X port access, RADIUS authentication, VLAN-based ACLs, and DoS prevention. PTPv2 boundary and transparent clock, combined with SNTP, enables accurate time synchronisation across the automation network. With an MTBF of approximately 2.31 million hours and a 60-month guarantee, the BRS20-20TX/4SFP is suited to long-lifecycle industrial deployments. Available from Recab, your Nordic partner for Hirschmann industrial switch solutions.
