Netgear M4300-12X12F (XSM4324S) - Managed Switch L3 Stackable 12x10GBASE-T and 12xSFP+
The Netgear M4300-12X12F (XSM4324S) represents a milestone in network engineering for businesses and professional audiovisual environments. Designed to offer unprecedented flexibility, this managed switch from the Intelligent Edge M4300 series is the ultimate solution for infrastructures requiring massive bandwidth and media versatility in a compact footprint. With a hybrid architecture combining 12 10GBASE-T copper ports and 12 10G SFP+ fiber ports , this device enables a seamless transition to high-speed networks, eliminating bottlenecks in the core of small business networks or at the edge of larger enterprise networks.
What truly sets this model apart is its innovative half-width form factor. This smart design allows two units to be installed side-by-side in a single 1U rack space, providing complete top-of-rack physical and logical redundancy without wasting valuable space. Furthermore, its stacking capability within a virtual chassis architecture ensures non-stop forwarding and hitless failover, guaranteeing that mission-critical applications, such as server virtualization or 4K/8K video streaming, never stop.
Designed for the future, the M4300-12X12F integrates advanced Layer 3 features out of the box, such as static routing, RIP, OSPF, and VRRP, without requiring additional licenses. Its optimization for AV over IP (Audio and Video over IP) makes it the preferred choice for system integrators, thanks to IGMP Plus technology that automates multicast configuration, enabling complex zero-touch deployments in minutes.
Main features
-
10G Hybrid Connectivity: It has 24 independent 10 Gigabit active ports: 12 RJ45 ports (compatible with 100M/1G/10G) and 12 SFP+ slots for fiber (compatible with 1G/10G), ideal for mixed server and storage environments.
-
World-Class Stacking: Enables the creation of mixed stacks with other models in the M4300 series (including 1G and 10G models), facilitating high-performance "Spine and Leaf" network topologies.
-
Half-Wide Form Factor: Its 1U half-width chassis allows two switches to be mounted in the same rack space for active-active redundancy, optimizing port density and security.
-
Complete Layer 3 Management: Includes a robust set of L3 services (IPv4/IPv6), policy-based routing (PBR), and advanced traffic management with no hidden licensing costs.
-
AV Pro Optimization: Preconfigured for professional audio and video networks (SDVoE ready), eliminating the complexity of the PIM protocol in IP video installations.
-
Modular Power Supply: Equipped with a removable power supply (APS250W) for easy maintenance and continuity of service.
Benefits for IT infrastructure
The deployment of the Netgear M4300-12X12F transforms the network into a strategic asset. For IT administrators, the ability to combine copper and fiber in a single device greatly simplifies connecting legacy servers and new, high-performance NAS/SAN storage systems. The redundancy provided by its virtual stacking system ensures that, in the event of a master drive failure, the standby drive instantly takes over without interrupting data traffic, guaranteeing business continuity.
Furthermore, its optimized acoustic design and efficient thermal management make it suitable not only for noisy data centers, but also for wiring closets close to workspaces, while maintaining a low noise profile.
Use cases
-
Network core for SMEs: Acts as a powerful and reliable core switch, connecting servers, storage and access switches with ultra-low latency 10G links.
-
Server Virtualization: Ideal for VMware or Hyper-V environments where massive bandwidth and physical redundancy are required for multiple virtual machines.
-
AV over IP installations: Perfect for video matrices in stadiums, conference rooms or control centers, where uncompressed 4K video needs to be transmitted with zero latency.
-
Top of Rack (ToR) Redundancy: Thanks to its dual 1U mounting, it is the perfect solution for high-density server cabinets that require high availability in minimal space.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Does the switch support PoE (Power over Ethernet)?
No, the XSM4324S-100NES model is designed purely for high-performance data transmission and does not supply PoE power.
-
Can I install a single switch in a 19-inch rack?
Yes, the package includes the necessary brackets for both mounting a single unit centered and mounting two units together in a 1U space.
-
Are RJ45 ports compatible with speeds lower than 10G?
Yes, the 10GBASE-T ports are backward compatible and can automatically negotiate speeds of 100 Mbps, 1 Gbps, and 10 Gbps depending on the connected device.
-
Do I need to purchase licenses to use Layer 3 features?
No, all Layer 3 (L3) functionalities, including dynamic routing, are available from day one at no additional cost.
Project description
Stackable Layer 3 (L3) managed switch in a half-width 1U form factor. The device must provide 12 auto-negotiating 10GBASE-T RJ45 ports (100M/1G/10G) and 12 independent 10GBASE-X SFP+ fiber ports (1G/10G). It must support a switching capacity of 480 Gbps and a virtual chassis architecture for stacking with non-stop forwarding. It includes an internal modular power supply and management interfaces via a console port (RJ45/Mini-USB) and an out-of-band (OOB) RJ45 management port. Approximate physical dimensions of 212 mm wide, allowing for the installation of two units in a single 1U rack space.
