Overview

PathWay® Model 7234 Four Channel Cat5e Simultaneous Pushbutton RJ45 A/B Switch with DB9 Contact Closure Remote Control

The Model 7234 is a rackmountable quad-channel A/B switch for Cat5e RJ45 Ethernet connections that lets you switch four separate network lines simultaneously between two different network paths or devices without unplugging cables. It supports both local switching via front-panel pushbutton and remote control via a DB9 contact-closure interface, making it suitable for automated and manually controlled network environments.

• Simultaneous Multi-Channel Switching: Quickly and easily switch all four RJ45 channels simultaneously with one pushbutton!

• Remotely Controllable: Utilizes DB9 Dry Contact Logic for Remote Control Operation!

• Reliable Electromechanical Contact Switching: High-reliability network switching for multi-device environments.

FEATURES OF THE QUAD CHANNEL CAT5E A/B SWITCHER WITH REMOTE CONTROL:

• Each channel allows access to two RJ45 Cat5e networks from one COMMON network or device.
• The switch ports are transparent to all data.
• Eliminates the need to plug and unplug cables.
• Switches all 8 pins of the RJ45 interface via break-before-make electromechanical relays.
• The unit maintains last set position on power loss and continues to pass data.
• Upon power up, the unit switches based on the state of the Contact Closure.
• Front-panel pushbutton control.
• Simultaneous control of all channels.
• Remote Contact Closure control and status provides dry contact logic to allow the control of the switch position as well as obtain the present position.
• Front panel LED's display present switch position and power status.
• Certified for Cat5e compliance.
• Attractive all metal, black box packaging provides EMI/RFI shielding.
• Custom length RJ45 Cat5e cables available for your switch installation. Get better performance.

Key Features

Simultaneous 4-Channel A/B Switching
Allows one common network/device per channel to access two alternate RJ45 Cat5e networks without manual re-plugging. Ideal for redundancy or dual-network setups.

Remote & Local Control
Switch unit locally with a pushbutton or remotely via DB9 dry contact closure for automation systems.

Full Transparency & Data Integrity
All 8 RJ45 pins are switched using electromechanical relays, preserving signal quality.  

Rackmount & Rugged Design
1 U rackmount chassis with EMI/RFI shielding — built for data centers, broadcast racks, and factory floors.

Cat5e Certified & Reliable
Complies with Cat5e standards for Ethernet and related communications.

SPECIFICATIONS:

• PORT CONNECTORS: (12) RJ45 female connectors; three labeled A, B, and Common for each channel.
• FRONT PANEL CONTROL: (1) Manual Pushbutton allows local switching.
• DISPLAY: (2) Front panel LED's display switch position and power status.
• REMOTE CONTROL: (1) DB9 female connector on rear panel accepts dry contact closure switch commands for Remote Control operation.
• POWER: UL approved 100VAC-240VAC, 50Hz-60Hz wall mount power module supplies 12VDC, 500mA to the unit. Has 2-prong, US, non-polarized plug.
• DIMENSIONS: 19.0"W x 1.75"H x 8.0"D (48.3 x 4.4 x 20.3 cm)
• WEIGHT: Approx. 4.9 lbs. (2.2 kg)PathWay® Model 7234 Quad Channel Cat5e RJ45 A/B Application with Contact Closure Remote Control:

Model 7234 allows the user to simultaneously switch all four Cat5e RJ45 channels. The drawing illustrates for each channel a COMMON device connected to the COMMON port accessing two separate devices. The DB9 Remote port allows Remote Control using dry contact closure signals.

Why Use Model 7234 Cat5e Switcher in Your Application?

Industrial Automation & Smart Manufacturing
Integrate the 7234 into PLC networks or redundant network paths used in real-time control systems.

Broadcast, AV & Control Rooms
Switch multiple video/data streams without downtime from unplugging — crucial for live production control.

Network Redundancy & Fail-over Testing
Quickly switch between primary and backup networks for reliability testing or segmented access.

Remote Monitoring & Control Integration
Use contact closure interfaces with SCADA (Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition), BMS (Building Management System) or custom automation platforms.

Real Deployment Scenarios

Smart Factory Redundancy
Switch Ethernet traffic between redundant PLC networks during maintenance windows without manual intervention.

Control Center Backbone
Integrate into AV distribution racks to alternate between redundant video/data servers.

Remote Control Rooms
Automate network switching from central HMI (Human-Machine Interface) or remote contact closure systems.

The PathWay® Model 7234 Quad Channel RJ45 Cat5e A/B Switch with Contact Closure Remote allows the user the capability of accessing two separate devices, ports A and B, via connection through a device connected to the Common port, for each channel.  The Model 7234 is enclosed in a 1U, full rack size, all metal black chassis designed to provide EMI/RFI shielding and fit in a standard 19" rack.

The switch may be controlled manually via the front panel pushbutton or remotely from a DB9 port located on the rear of the unit.  Switch position state may be attained via the front panel LED's or from the DB9 Remote port. 

Option: Wide Range Power Module: (Cat No. 517277) CE, RoHS and UL listed table mount power module, 100VAC/240VAC, 50/60Hz for use in place of the standard power module that is included with the unit.  Has IEC 60320 C14 inlet.  Ideal for international applications.

Order Custom Length Cat5e Cables for Optimum Performance!

For custom network switches call our friendly customer support staff at 401-943-1164, email eslab@electrostandards.com, or complete a custom product request form.  

PathWay® is a registered trademark of Electro Standards Laboratories

Electro Standards can supply all of your Network Cable requirements. Click here to reach our CABLES, COPPER NETWORK Webpage.

 All data switches, data communication products, and data acquisition products are subject to a one year warranty against manufacturing defects.  The limit of ESL liability is limited to the cost of the ESL product provided.

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