Black Box SW1040A CAT6 A/B Switch with Remote Control
The Black Box SW1040A is a professional-grade CAT6 A/B switch designed for IT infrastructure requiring reliable Layer 1 switching with remote control capabilities. This remotely controlled switch features latching relay mechanisms that maintain connection state without continuous power, making it ideal for data centers, server rooms, and network management applications where transparent, high-speed switching is essential. Supporting speeds up to 10 Gbps, the SW1040A delivers enterprise-class performance with flexible control options—both remote dry contact closure and manual front-panel pushbutton operation.
Key Features
- CAT6 connectivity with support for speeds up to 10 Gbps
- Layer 1 transparent A/B switching—no signal degradation
- Latching relay switch mechanism for reliable connection management
- Remote control via dry contact closures for automated switching
- Manual front-panel pushbutton control for local operation
- Connects port A or port B to common (C) port
- Compact design suitable for rack and panel mounting
Technical Specifications
| Specification |
Details |
| Manufacturer |
Black Box |
| Part Number |
SW1040A |
| Switch Type |
Layer 1 A/B Switch |
| Cable Standard |
CAT6 |
| Maximum Speed |
10 Gbps |
| Relay Type |
Latching Relay |
| Control Methods |
Remote (dry contact) and manual pushbutton |
| Port Configuration |
Port A, Port B, Common (C) |
| Signal Transparency |
Yes—Layer 1 transparent operation |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Layer 1 A/B switch used for?
A Layer 1 A/B switch like the SW1040A operates at the physical layer, allowing you to switch between two network connections (port A or port B) to a single common port. This is commonly used for failover scenarios, redundancy testing, or selecting between multiple network sources without introducing latency or signal loss.
Can the Black Box SW1040A be controlled remotely?
Yes. The SW1040A supports remote control via dry contact closures, enabling automated switching from external systems or control panels. It also includes a manual front-panel pushbutton for local, hands-on operation when needed.
What does latching relay mean in a network switch?
A latching relay maintains its switched state without requiring continuous power. Once activated, the relay holds the connection until a new command is received. This design reduces power consumption and ensures reliable, stable connections in mission-critical network environments.
Is the SW1040A compatible with CAT6 cabling?
Yes. The SW1040A is fully compatible with CAT6 cabling and supports data transmission speeds up to 10 Gbps, making it suitable for modern high-speed network infrastructure and future-ready deployments.