8271-712 - IBM 8271-712 12-Port 10/100Base-TX Managed Ethernet Switch

Name: IBM 8271-712 12-Port 10/100Base-TX Managed Ethernet Switch
Brand: IBM
SKU: 8271-712

8271-712 - IBM 8271-712 12-Port 10/100Base-TX Managed Ethernet Switch | US IT Hardware

Product overview

The IBM 8271-712 is a managed 12-port Ethernet switch designed for enterprise network environments requiring reliable connectivity and advanced management capabilities. This switch supports both 10Base-T and 100Base-TX speeds across all 12 ports, delivering flexible bandwidth options for mixed-speed network deployments. The device features VLAN support with up to 12 LEC instances, enabling network segmentation and traffic isolation. An optional ATM 155MB/s uplink module and 100MB/s fibre Ethernet module provide scalability for backbone connectivity. Management access is available via serial console (9600 8N1) or Telnet once IP addressing is configured. The switch supports LAN Emulation mode for ATM integration, making it suitable for organizations transitioning between legacy and modern network infrastructure. Latest firmware version 3.22 ensures stability and compatibility. Ideal for departmental networks, branch offices, and environments requiring cost-effective managed switching with ATM uplink capabilities.

12 managed Ethernet ports with 10/100Base-TX speed support
VLAN segmentation with 12 LEC instances for network isolation
Optional ATM 155MB/s uplink for backbone integration
Serial and Telnet management interfaces for remote administration
LAN Emulation support for Ethernet-to-ATM bridging
Latest firmware 3.22 with documented recovery procedures

Expedited and overnight shipping options are available at checkout, priced by destination and service.
Purchase orders accepted from qualified institutions.
Refunds within 14 days and replacements within 30 days of delivery with an RMA (25% restocking fee on customer-initiated returns), and every part carries our Standard 30-Day Warranty - see our return policy or contact US IT Hardware.

Featuring

Manufacturer part #	8271-712
Brand	IBM
Condition	New
Model	8271-712
ATM Mode	LAN Emulation (UNI port)
Product Line	8271
Product Type	Ethernet Switch
VLAN Support	Per ethernet port assignable
LEC Instances	12
Management Access	Serial port or Telnet
Supported Versions	3.0 and 3.1

Compatible systems

Compatible with IBM AS/400 servers in clustering environments

IBM AS/400
Model: 740
Used in TPC benchmark configuration

Best for

Enterprise LAN Switching
Deploy across departmental networks requiring managed switching with VLAN segmentation. The 12 ports support mixed 10/100Base-TX speeds, accommodating diverse endpoint requirements while maintaining centralized management through serial or Telnet access.
Branch Office Connectivity
Provide reliable local switching at remote sites with optional ATM 155MB/s uplink for WAN backbone integration. Supports up to 12 VLAN instances for traffic isolation and network organization across distributed locations.
ATM Network Integration
Bridge Ethernet LANs to ATM networks using LAN Emulation mode with dedicated UNI port. Enables organizations to leverage existing ATM infrastructure while maintaining Ethernet-based local connectivity across 12 managed ports.
Legacy Network Modernization
Support gradual network upgrades by combining 10Base-T and 100Base-TX ports on a single managed platform. Facilitates coexistence of older and newer network equipment during infrastructure transitions.
Workgroup Connectivity

Details

Shipping, warranty & returns

Customer reviews

No reviews yet — be the first to review this part.

Uplink	ATM 155MB/s
Serial Port	1 (9600 8N1 without flow control)
Network Ports	8 x 10Mbps Ethernet ports
Ethernet Speed	10 Mbps
Fibre Ethernet Module	100MB/s

Frequently asked questions

How many ports does the IBM 8271-712 provide and what speeds are supported?

The 8271-712 features 12 Ethernet ports supporting both 10Base-T and 100Base-TX speeds. Each port can operate independently at either speed, allowing mixed-speed deployments. Ports can be individually assigned to VLANs for network segmentation and traffic management across the entire 12-port configuration.

What uplink options are available for backbone connectivity?

The switch includes a rear-mounted slot supporting optional modules: ATM 155MB/s uplink and 100MB/s fibre Ethernet module. The ATM interface operates as a UNI port for direct ATM network connection. These modular options enable organizations to choose backbone connectivity matching existing infrastructure without replacing the entire switch.

How is the switch managed and configured?

Management access is available via serial console (9600 8N1 without flow control) or Telnet once IP addressing is configured. Configuration includes per-port VLAN assignment, LEC instance setup, and ELAN participation settings. Serial access enables password recovery and firmware updates without administrative credentials if needed.

What is LAN Emulation and how does it work on this switch?

LAN Emulation bridges Ethernet VLANs to ATM ELANs, enabling hybrid network deployments. The 8271-712 supports up to 12 LEC instances, each with its own ELAN name. Ports can participate in both Ethernet VLANs and ATM ELANs simultaneously, allowing seamless integration between legacy ATM and modern Ethernet infrastructure.

What is the current firmware version and how is it updated?

The latest firmware version is 3.22. Firmware updates can be performed via serial console connection. The switch includes documented recovery procedures allowing firmware updates and configuration changes without requiring the administrative password, minimizing deployment and maintenance complexity.

Is this switch suitable for enterprise network deployments?

Yes, the 8271-712 is designed for enterprise environments requiring managed switching with VLAN support, optional ATM integration, and remote management capabilities. It supports departmental networks, branch offices, and hybrid infrastructure scenarios. The managed feature set and modular uplink options make it suitable for organizations with complex networking requirements.

Can ports be assigned to different VLANs independently?

Yes, each of the 12 Ethernet ports can be independently assigned to a VLAN. The switch supports up to 12 LEC instances, enabling sophisticated network segmentation. This per-port VLAN assignment capability allows granular traffic isolation and network organization without requiring additional hardware.

IBM 8271-712 12-Port 10/100Base-TX Managed Ethernet Switch