Allied Telesis CentreCom GS980MX/28 Layer 3 Switch

The Allied Telesis CentreCom GS980MX/28 Layer 3 Switch is a compact, high-performance stackable Gigabit edge and distribution switch designed for mid-sized enterprises, campuses, and branch networks. Built around the trusted AlliedWare Plus operating system, this unit delivers enterprise-class Layer 3 Lite routing, robust security, and resilient connectivity without the complexity of larger chassis-based solutions. With 24 x 100M/1G copper ports and 4 x 10G uplinks, the GS980MX/28 provides a scalable, cost-effective foundation for distributed networks that require fast access, efficient traffic management, and reliable intersite communications. Its VCStack capability lets you grow from a single switch to a 4-unit stack (locally or remotely), enabling seamless expansion and highly available networking that keeps users productive even during maintenance or failures elsewhere in the network. If you’re building a dependable campus distribution or a compact data-center edge, this switch blends performance, simplicity, and control into a single, manageable solution.

• 24 x 100M/1G copper ports + 4 x 10G uplinks: Ready to handle a wide range of access devices with flexible uplink options, the GS980MX/28 delivers fast access for end devices and high-capacity aggregation for core connections. Auto-negotiation and 802.1Q VLAN tagging ensure seamless integration with existing networks, while high-quality switching performance minimizes latency and packet loss in busy networks.
• 4 x 10G uplinks for scalable aggregation: The 10G uplinks provide abundant headroom for uplink/downlink traffic, enabling low-latency interswitch communication and efficient link aggregation. This is ideal for connecting to core switches, data-center racks, or high-demand application servers, while preserving backward compatibility with legacy Gigabit ports.
• VCStack technology for resilient, scalable networks: VCStack allows you to stack up to four GS980MX/28 units locally or over distance, creating a single logical switch with a unified control plane. This design simplifies management, enhances redundancy, and supports rapid failover, ensuring continuous network services for critical applications.
• AlliedWare Plus OS with Layer 3 Lite routing: Enjoy enterprise-grade features without the complexity of full Layer 3 deployments. The OS provides essential routing, VLANs, ACLs, QoS, and security features, enabling efficient inter-VLAN routing and improved traffic control across the network while keeping configuration straightforward.
• Enterprise-grade features for secure, reliable networks: The GS980MX/28 includes robust security controls, QoS, traffic management, and monitoring capabilities. With ACLs, rate limiting, and protection mechanisms, you can safeguard critical resources, prioritize mission-critical applications, and maintain predictable performance under load.

Technical Details of Allied Telesis CentreCom GS980MX/28

• Model: CentreCom GS980MX/28
• Port configuration: 24 x 100M/1G copper RJ-45 ports
• Uplink capability: 4 x 10-Gigabit uplink ports
• Stacking: VCStack technology supports up to 4 units locally or over distance
• Operating system: AlliedWare Plus (enterprise-class)
• Routing features: Layer 3 Lite routing with static routing and basic dynamic routing capabilities
• Switching features: L2/L3 switching, VLANs (802.1Q), trunking, and QoS
• Quality of Service: Traffic prioritization and policy-based QoS to safeguard latency-sensitive applications
• Security: Access control lists, port security and storm control to protect network resources
• Management: CLI, web-based management, and SNMP for monitoring and configuration
• Power and cooling: Standard enterprise-grade AC power with cooling designed for rack environments (specifications vary by deployment)

How to install Allied Telesis CentreCom GS980MX/28

• Plan your network topology, identifying where the GS980MX/28 will sit in the distribution layer and which devices will connect to its 24 copper ports.
• Choose a suitable mounting location in a rack or cabinet with adequate ventilation. Ensure the unit has access to stable, clean power and adequate clearance for airflow.
• Install the switch in the rack, secure mounting screws, and connect the power cord to a properly grounded outlet. Power on the unit and verify diagnostic indicators illuminate normally.
• Connect the 4 x 10G uplinks to your upstream devices or aggregation switches using appropriate 10G cables or SFP+/SFP+ transceivers if required by your deployment.
• Launch the management interface (CLI or web) and perform initial basic configuration, including management IP address, default gateway, and basic security settings.
• Configure VLANs and assign ports to the appropriate VLANs. Set up trunk ports on uplinks if you plan to carry multiple VLANs across the 10G connections.
• Enable VCStack if you are stacking multiple GS980MX/28 units. Verify the stack membership, synchronization, and master election across the stack members.
• Implement Layer 2 features such as Spanning Tree, port security, and QoS rules to control traffic flow and prevent switching loops or storms.
• Configure Layer 3 Lite routing as needed, including static routes and any supported dynamic routing for inter-VLAN routing or remote networks.
• Set up monitoring, SNMP traps, and logging so you can track performance, errors, and security events in real time.
• Test connectivity thoroughly by sending traffic across access ports, uplinks, and stacked members to confirm latency, throughput, and failover behavior under simulated load.
• Document your configuration and keep a current backup of the switch configuration for rapid recovery in case of hardware replacement or outage.

Frequently asked questions

• What is the CentreCom GS980MX/28 best suited for? It is designed for mid-sized enterprise networks, campus edge deployments, and small data-center connections where 24 copper access ports and 4 high-speed 10G uplinks provide a balanced mix of affordability, performance, and manageability. Its stackable design with VCStack makes it ideal for scalable networks that require simple expansion and resilient operations.
• What does Layer 3 Lite mean in this switch? Layer 3 Lite indicates that the device offers essential routing capabilities, enabling inter-VLAN routing and basic dynamic routing features without the full complexity of a complete Layer 3 core switch. This makes it a practical choice for edge and distribution layers that need routing with minimal management overhead.
• Can I stack multiple GS980MX/28 units over distance? Yes. VCStack lets you connect up to four units either locally or remotely, presenting a single logical switch with a shared control plane. This supports scalable growth, centralized management, and unified policy enforcement across the stack.
• What management options are available? The switch supports both CLI and a web-based management interface, along with standard network management protocols such as SNMP. This combination allows network administrators to configure, monitor, and troubleshoot the device efficiently from familiar tooling.
• Which applications benefit most from the 4 x 10G uplinks? High-demand applications, virtualization hosts, storage networks, and uplink-intensive workloads benefit from the 10G uplinks. They provide ample bandwidth for aggregation, reduce bottlenecks, and improve overall network performance in mixed 1G/10G environments.
• Is IPv6 supported on this switch? Yes, AlliedWare Plus generally provides IPv4 and IPv6 capability for routing and management, enabling modern network architectures and future-proofing your infrastructure.