Allied Telesis CentreCOM AT-FS980M/18PS Layer 3 Switch

The Allied Telesis CentreCOM AT-FS980M/18PS Layer 3 Switch is a high-performance Fast Ethernet edge switch designed to power modern business networks with reliability, security, and smart management. Built for edge deployments, it delivers robust inter-VLAN routing, centralized control, and PoE-enabled ports to simplify the setup of IP cameras, POS terminals, IP phones, and wireless access points. With enterprise-grade features at a compact footprint, this switch is ideal for small to mid-size businesses, retail environments, and branch offices that demand secure, scalable, and easy-to-manage network connectivity at the edge.

• High-performance Fast Ethernet edge connectivity with 18 ports and integrated Layer 3 routing capabilities, enabling fast inter-VLAN communication and efficient distribution of traffic at the network edge.
• Power over Ethernet (PoE) support on select ports to power IP cameras, POS devices, IP phones, and wireless access points directly from the switch, reducing cabling and simplifying installations.
• Comprehensive security and management features, including access control, ACLs, 802.1X authentication, SNMP (v3), RADIUS support, and a user-friendly Web GUI plus CLI for secure, centralized control.
• Quality of Service (QoS) and traffic prioritization to ensure smooth delivery of voice, video, and critical business applications, even in crowded network environments.
• Reliable, enterprise-grade design tailored for 24/7 operation at the network edge, with compact form factor, easy deployment, and scalable management to grow with your business needs.

Technical Details of Allied Telesis CentreCOM AT-FS980M/18PS Layer 3 Switch

• Port configuration: 18 x 10/100BASE-T Ethernet ports with PoE capability on selected ports to support IP cameras, POS terminals, and other powered devices.
• Layer 3 features: Includes static routing and inter-VLAN routing to optimize traffic flows between VLANs and improve overall network efficiency.
• Security and management: ACLs, 802.1X authentication, SSH, SNMPv3, RADIUS, and a web-based GUI along with CLI for secure remote and on-site management.
• Quality of Service: Advanced QoS capabilities for prioritizing voice, video, and data traffic to ensure reliable performance for real-time applications.
• Deployment flexibility: Compact form factor designed for desktop or small rack environments, with power options suitable for office and retail setups.
• Performance and reliability: Built to handle demanding edge workloads with efficient power usage, ensuring stable operation in always-on networks.

How to install Allied Telesis CentreCOM AT-FS980M/18PS Layer 3 Switch

• Plan placement in a secure, well-ventilated area near critical network devices. Consider a desktop or small-rack environment to minimize cable length and simplify maintenance.
• Power up the switch by connecting the IEC power cord to a suitable power source. Verify status indicators for power and health on the front panel.
• Connect network uplinks and endpoints: plug Ethernet cables from your core router or upstream switch into the appropriate uplink ports, and connect endpoints such as IP cameras, POS terminals, and workstations to the 10/100 ports.
• Access the management interface: open a web browser and enter the switch’s default IP address (as documented in the manual) to launch the Web GUI. Alternatively, connect via SSH or use the CLI for configuration.
• Configure VLANs, PoE settings, QoS rules, and security policies: create VLANs for separate traffic domains (e.g., data, voice, surveillance), enable PoE on required ports, set QoS priorities for real-time apps, and implement ACLs or 802.1X authentication as needed.
• Save and verify configuration: apply changes, save the running configuration to the startup configuration, and test connectivity across VLANs and critical applications to ensure proper traffic flow and device power.
• Monitor and maintain: use the Web GUI or CLI for ongoing monitoring, firmware updates, and routine health checks to keep the edge network performing at peak efficiency.

Frequently asked questions

• What is the Allied Telesis AT-FS980M/18PS?
  It is a CentreCOM Layer 3 Fast Ethernet switch designed for edge networks, offering PoE-enabled ports, robust security, and centralized management for small to mid-size enterprises and distributed environments.
• Does the AT-FS980M/18PS support PoE?
  Yes. The model includes PoE-enabled ports to power compatible devices such as IP cameras, POS terminals, and IP phones, reducing cabling and simplifying installations.
• Which management options are available?
  Configuration and monitoring can be performed via a web-based GUI, command-line interface (CLI), and remote management protocols such as SNMPv3 and RADIUS, offering flexible control for IT staff.
• What deployment scenarios is it best suited for?
  Ideal for edge networks, retail stores, small campuses, and branch offices that require reliable edge switching, VoIP/video support, and simplified device power through PoE.
• What features support service quality and security?
  The switch provides VLAN segmentation, QoS for traffic prioritization, ACLs, 802.1X for port-level access control, and secure remote management to protect against unauthorized access.