Netgear M4300-8X8F (XSM4316S) - 10G Stackable Managed Switch with 8 Copper Ports and 8 SFP+ Ports in Half-Width Form Factor
The Netgear M4300-8X8F (XSM4316S) redefines flexibility at the network core and enterprise edge, delivering a high-performance hybrid connectivity solution. This managed switch from the M4300 series features an innovative half-width design, allowing two units to be installed in a single 1U rack space, maximizing port density and providing physical redundancy without sacrificing valuable rack space.
Designed to adapt to modern environments requiring a seamless transition to 10 Gigabits, this device integrates 16 independent 10G ports : 8 copper 10GBASE-T ports (backward compatible with 1G/100M) and 8 SFP+ slots for fiber optics. This hybrid configuration makes it the perfect bridge between legacy servers, new high-speed infrastructure, and long-distance uplinks, all managed under a unified Layer 3 platform with advanced static and dynamic routing features included as standard.
In addition to its capabilities for enterprise data networks, the M4300-8X8F is a benchmark in the professional audiovisual industry. It comes pre-configured for AV over IP (SDVoE) , meaning that critical features like IGMP Snooping and IGMP Plus are ready to use right out of the box ("Zero Touch"), eliminating the complexity of setting up multicast video networks and ensuring latency-free, artifact-free 4K video transmission.
Main features
-
10G Hybrid Connectivity: It has 8 RJ45 10GBASE-T ports and 8 SFP+ 10GBASE-X ports, all operating at full line speed without blocking (non-blocking fabric).
-
Half-Width Format: Its compact chassis allows mounting a single switch or two switches side-by-side in 1U, facilitating redundant "Top-of-Rack" (ToR) architectures.
-
Virtual Stacking: Allows you to stack up to 8 M4300 series switches (including mixed 1G and 10G models) to manage them as a single logical entity with a single IP address.
-
High Availability (NSF): Features Non-Stop Forwarding and Hitless Failover technology in the stack, ensuring that the network does not stop if the master switch fails.
-
Complete Layer 3 Services: Includes static routing, RIP, VRRP, OSPF, and PIM without the need for additional licenses.
-
Optimized for AV-over-IP: Native support and pre-configuration for professional audio and video deployments, certified for SDVoE ecosystems.
Benefits for IT and AV infrastructure
The M4300-8X8F deployment provides immediate enterprise resilience thanks to its modular power supply and the ability to achieve physical redundancy by pairing two units. For IT administrators, the ability to mix speeds and media (copper and fiber) in a single device greatly simplifies network architecture, eliminating bottlenecks in server aggregation.
In the audiovisual sector, integrators benefit from a dramatic reduction in installation times. By eliminating the need for complex manual multicast configurations, the deployment of video matrices over IP becomes plug-and-play, guaranteeing perfect synchronization and critical reliability for live events or digital signage.
Use cases
-
Network core for SMEs: Acts as a powerful and compact central switch, connecting 10G servers and providing fiber links to edge switches in different locations.
-
Server Rooms and Virtualization: Ideal for connecting NAS storage and high-performance servers using 10G copper, while using fiber for uplinks to the core network.
-
AV Pro and Broadcast Installations: Perfect for TV studios, conference rooms and auditoriums using AV over IP technology, where zero latency and multicast traffic management are mandatory.
-
Top-of-Rack Redundancy: By installing two units in the same 1U space, an active-active high availability solution is created for critical server racks.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Is the switch compatible with 1 Gigabit devices?
Yes, the copper 10GBASE-T ports automatically negotiate to 1G or 100M if needed, and the SFP+ ports can accept 1G SFP modules, protecting your current investment.
-
Do I need to purchase a license for Layer 3 (L3) features?
No, the full set of Layer 3 features, including dynamic routing (RIP, OSPF, PIM), is included as standard with no additional license costs.
-
How do you mount two units in a single rack space?
The product includes the necessary rack mounting accessories, allowing you to fix a single unit in the center or join two half-width M4300 units to occupy the standard 19-inch width.
-
Is the switch noisy?
The M4300-8X8F features intelligent fan management that adjusts speed according to temperature and load, maintaining a suitable noise level for server rooms and wiring closets.
Project description
A Layer 3 (L3) managed switch in a half-width form factor with mixed virtual stacking capability. The device must provide a total of 16 independent 10 Gigabit ports, distributed as 8 RJ45 10GBASE-T ports (1G compatible) and 8 SFP+ 10GBASE-X ports. It must support Non-Stop Forwarding (NSF) and Hitless Failover in stack configuration. The hardware must include a modular power supply and full support for IPv4/IPv6 routing protocols (Static, RIP, OSPF, VRRP, PIM) and advanced multicast features (IGMP Plus) pre-configured for AV-over-IP applications without requiring additional software licenses. It must have a non-blocking switching capacity of 320 Gbps.
