Overview

PathWay® Remotely Controllable Model 7251 Tri-Channel RJ45 A/B Switch with RS232 Serial Remote Control 

The PathWay® Model 7251 is a professional-grade, rack-mountable 3-channel RJ45 A/B switch designed for flexible network routing and control in commercial and industrial environments. This unit lets a device connected to each COMMON port access one of two RJ45 network paths (A or B) across three simultaneous channels, all controllable locally or remotely. The Model 7251 Switcher allows the user the capability of accessing two separate devices, ports A & B, via connection through a device connected to the Common port for each of the switch’s three channels with remote functionality. The Model 7251 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 front panel pushbuttons or remotely from an RS-232 serial port located on the rear of the unit. Switch position states may be attained via the front panel LED displays or the Remote-Control RS-232 serial port (DB9) located on the rear of the unit.

FEATURES OF THE MODEL 7251 3-CHANNEL RJ45 AB SWITCHER WITH RS232 REMOTE:

• Each channel allows access to two RJ45 networks from one COMMON network or device.
• The switch ports are transparent to all data.
• All 8 pins of the RJ45 interface are switched via break-before-make electromechanical relays.
• The unit maintains last set position on power loss and continues to pass data.
• Front-panel pushbutton control.
• Remote RS232 Serial ASCII commands that allow the user to control switch position, lockout front panel operations, and obtain switch status.
• Simultaneous control of all channels.
• Front panel LED's display switch position and power status.
• Attractive all metal black box packaging provides EMI/RFI shielding.
• Custom length RJ45 cables available for your switch installation.
• Municipalities, schools, government: This product is on GSA Schedule

SPECIFICATIONS:

• PORT CONNECTORS: (9) RJ45 (F) connectors total. (A, B, and COMMON for each of three channels).
• FRONT PANEL CONTROL: (1) Pushbutton allows local switching of all three channels simultaneously.
• DISPLAY: (2) Front panel LED's display switch position and power status.
• REMOTE CONTROL: (1) DB9 female connector on rear panel accepts ASCII RS232 Serial Data for Remote Control operation.
• POWER: UL approved wall mount 100VAC-240VAC, 50Hz-60Hz power module supplies 12VDC, 500mA to the unit. Has 2-prong, US, non-polarized plug.
• DIMENSIONS: Rackmount, 19.0" W x 1.75" H x 8.24" D (48.3 x 4.4 x 21.0 cm)
• WEIGHT: Approximately 4.3 lbs. (2.0 kg)

OPTION: WIDE RANGE POWER MODULE (Cat. No. 517277) CE, RoHS, and UL listed table mount power module, 100VAC/240VAC, 50Hz-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.

SPECIFICATIONS: USB to DB9 Serial Converter Cable Available! If only USB ports are available on the computer or if a USB port is chosen to be used for any reason, a USB to DB9 serial converter cable will be needed.  This cable can be provided by ESL under part number 528693.

The PathWay® Model 7251 3-Channel RJ45 A/B Application w/RS232 SERIAL REMOTE: 

Model 7251 3-Channel RJ45 A/B Switch is a remotely controllable RJ45 network switch that lets you toggle a device’s connection between two network paths on three channels simultaneously using front-panel or RS-232 serial control: The application illustrates three RJ45 A/B channels. Each channel has a device connected to the COMMON port accessing the A or B port. All three channels switch simultaneously. The switch can be controlled remotely via the DB9 REMOTE using ASCII RS232 Serial commands.

Devices like this are often used not just for Ethernet, but for any RJ45-plugged data interface that needs switching (e.g., certain control protocols over 8-wire cabling). They provide transparent switching of all 8 RJ45 pins, preserving signal integrity across various data formats.

This high-quality network switch is available to city, state, and federal government purchasers at a discounted price and favorable payment and shipping terms via GSA Schedule GS-35F-0286V. Click here for GSA details.

Redundant Network Path Switching

Use the Model 7251 to toggle between primary and backup network connections for critical equipment (e.g., servers, routers, industrial controllers) without physically unplugging cables. This is ideal when you need controlled failover or maintenance routing.

Test Bench / Lab Network Configuration

In development and test environments, engineers often need to switch a test device between different networks (e.g., a test VLAN, isolated lab network, or production VLAN). Instead of manually swapping cables, the 7251 lets you remotely switch connectivity via RS-232 commands, saving time and reducing errors.

Remote Equipment Access Management

For hardware that is installed in server rooms, racks, or remote locations where physical access is difficult, the 7251 allows remote switching of network connections (e.g., between a local maintenance network and a secure operations network) using ASCII commands over RS-232.

Centralized Network Control in Operations Centers

In environments such as control rooms, NOCs, or broadcast facilities, operators can switch multiple connections at once (all three channels together) from a central console, enabling rapid reconfiguration of data paths without manual intervention.

Education & Government Labs

Used in schools, universities, or government labs where users might need to switch shared devices (like network analyzers or shared servers) between different designated networks. The remote control and rackmount form factor make it suitable for shared technical infrastructure. It’s also on the GSA Schedule, which eases procurement for government entities.

Workflow Automation Integration

The RS-232 control interface makes the unit useful in automated workflows (e.g., test scripts or system automation tools). A script can toggle network connections at certain steps without human involvement, improving reliability and repeatability.

Notes on Typical A/B Switch Usage

Devices like this are often used not just for Ethernet, but for any RJ45-plugged data interface that needs switching (e.g., certain control protocols over 8-wire cabling). They provide transparent switching of all 8 RJ45 pins, preserving signal integrity across various data formats.

Model 7251 is available to government purchasers on our GSA Schedule GS-35F-0286V. Call for discounted price and terms.

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

For custom network switches call our friendly customer support staff at 401-943-1164, email eslab@electrostandards.com, or complete our online form: /Products-Custom/Copper-Switch/

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.

*Prices online are subject to change and verification.

All ESL products are available for export.

Electro Standards welcomes International inquiries: commutateur d'ordinateur,  equipo interruptor, interruttore del calcolatore, interruptor do computador, dator switch.