Description
The Allied Telesis AT-2712FX/MT is a robust, managed Fast Ethernet switch engineered specifically for industrial control and automation environments where electrical isolation, long-distance connectivity, and immunity to electromagnetic interference are critical. Featuring twelve 100BASE-FX full-duplex fiber ports with SC connectors, this switch eliminates ground loops and enables reliable data transmission over multimode fiber links up to 2 kilometers—making it ideal for distributed I/O networks, substation automation, and transportation signaling systems. Unlike commercial-grade switches, the Allied Telesis AT-2712FX/MT is built to withstand temperature extremes, vibration, and high EMI, ensuring continuous operation in mission-critical infrastructure.
As part of Allied Telesis’ industrial networking portfolio, the Allied Telesis AT-2712FX/MT supports advanced Layer 2 management features including VLANs, QoS, IGMP snooping, and port mirroring, enabling secure segmentation and prioritization of control traffic. Its fanless, metal enclosure and DIN-rail mounting design allow seamless integration into control cabinets alongside PLCs and RTUs. The absence of copper Ethernet ports enhances safety in high-voltage zones by providing complete galvanic isolation between network segments. Whether deployed in a hydroelectric dam, a railway wayside cabinet, or an oil & gas remote terminal unit, the Allied Telesis AT-2712FX/MT delivers deterministic performance and long-term reliability that industrial automation systems demand.
Technical Specifications
Product Model | AT-2712FX/MT
Manufacturer | Allied Telesis
Product Type | Managed Industrial Ethernet Switch
Port Configuration | 12 × 100BASE-FX (SC connectors, multimode fiber)
Data Rate | 100 Mbps full-duplex per port
Switching Capacity | 2.4 Gbps
MAC Address Table | 8,000 entries
Forwarding Mode | Store-and-forward
Power Input | 12–48 VDC (terminal block), redundant power optional
Operating Temperature | -10°C to +60°C (extended range models available)
Mounting | DIN-rail (35 mm) or wall mount
Dimensions | 156 mm (W) × 120 mm (D) × 44 mm (H)
Weight | ~1.1 kg
Compliance | IEEE 802.3u, 802.1Q, 802.1p, IEC 61850-3 (optional), EN 50121-4 (rail)
Main Features and Advantages
Pure fiber architecture for maximum isolation: The Allied Telesis AT-2712FX/MT features no copper Ethernet ports—only 12 SC-based 100BASE-FX fiber interfaces. This design provides complete galvanic isolation between devices, eliminating ground potential differences and protecting sensitive control equipment from lightning-induced surges or switching transients common in power and rail environments.
Ruggedized for industrial deployment: Housed in a fanless, die-cast aluminum enclosure, the Allied Telesis AT-2712FX/MT operates reliably in temperatures from -10°C to +60°C and meets stringent EMC standards for heavy industrial and transportation applications. Its compact footprint and DIN-rail mounting simplify installation in space-constrained control panels.
Advanced Layer 2 manageability: Despite its rugged form, the Allied Telesis AT-2712FX/MT offers enterprise-grade features including VLAN segmentation (IEEE 802.1Q), traffic prioritization via 802.1p/QoS, IGMP snooping for multicast optimization, and port-based bandwidth control. These capabilities allow engineers to isolate HMI, I/O, and safety traffic on the same physical infrastructure without performance degradation.
Deterministic low-latency forwarding: With a non-blocking 2.4 Gbps backplane and store-and-forward architecture, the Allied Telesis AT-2712FX/MT ensures zero packet loss under full load and consistent latency—critical for time-sensitive protocols like Modbus TCP or DNP3 used in utility automation.
Flexible power and redundancy: The Allied Telesis AT-2712FX/MT accepts 12–48 VDC via removable terminal blocks and supports optional dual-power inputs for failover. This flexibility allows integration into both legacy 24 VDC control systems and modern 48 VDC telecom-style power architectures.
Long-haul fiber connectivity: Each port supports multimode fiber links up to 2 km (with 62.5/125 µm fiber), enabling centralized monitoring of geographically dispersed assets—such as pump stations along a pipeline or trackside signals in a metro system—without repeaters or media converters.
Application Field
The Allied Telesis AT-2712FX/MT is extensively deployed in electrical power substations compliant with IEC 61850, where its all-fiber design prevents ground loops between protective relays, RTUs, and SCADA gateways. The switch’s immunity to high-voltage transients makes it a trusted component in both transmission and distribution automation networks, often installed directly in switchyard control cabinets.
In railway and mass transit systems, the Allied Telesis AT-2712FX/MT connects wayside signaling equipment, platform door controllers, and traction power monitors across tunnels and elevated tracks. Its compliance with EN 50121-4 ensures electromagnetic compatibility with rolling stock and third-rail systems, while fiber links span long station intervals without signal degradation.
Oil & gas and water/wastewater facilities also rely on the Allied Telesis AT-2712FX/MT for connecting remote wellheads, lift stations, or chlorination units back to a central control room. The fiber infrastructure resists corrosion from harsh chemicals and eliminates spark risks in classified areas. Because the Allied Telesis AT-2712FX/MT requires no cooling fans, it operates maintenance-free in dusty or humid enclosures where commercial switches would quickly fail.
Related Products
AT-2708FX/MT: 8-port version of the AT-2712FX/MT; suitable for smaller I/O clusters
AT-2712FP/MT: Variant with 8×100BASE-FX + 4×10/100BASE-T(X) copper ports for hybrid fiber/copper networks
AT-2800 Series: Gigabit-capable successors with SFP slots; backward-compatible in fiber topology
AT-PWRINJ-48: 48 VDC power injector kit for single-source powering of the AT-2712FX/MT
AT-SBx900: Allied Telesis industrial switch family with enhanced cybersecurity and MRP ring redundancy
SC-to-LC Fiber Patch Cables: Commonly used to interface the AT-2712FX/MT with modern SFP-based upstream switches
DIN-Rail Power Supply (24 VDC): Recommended external supply for stable operation in control panels
Installation and Maintenance
Pre-installation preparation: Before installing the Allied Telesis AT-2712FX/MT, verify that your fiber infrastructure uses multimode cable (62.5/125 µm or 50/125 µm) with SC connectors. Clean all fiber end-faces with lint-free wipes and inspection scope to prevent insertion loss or back-reflection. Mount the switch on a standard 35 mm DIN rail inside a NEMA-rated enclosure, ensuring adequate clearance for heat dissipation—even though it’s fanless, ambient airflow matters. Connect power using shielded, twisted-pair wiring to the terminal block, and confirm voltage is within 12–48 VDC before powering on.
Maintenance recommendations: The Allied Telesis AT-2712FX/MT requires minimal routine maintenance due to its solid-state, fanless design. Periodically inspect fiber connections for dust or moisture ingress, especially in outdoor cabinets. Use the built-in web interface or command-line console to monitor port statistics, error counters, and temperature logs. Firmware updates should be applied during scheduled outages to patch security vulnerabilities—though the unit has no moving parts, outdated software can expose management interfaces. Keep a configured spare Allied Telesis AT-2712FX/MT on-site for rapid replacement; configuration backup via TFTP ensures fast recovery.