Current Hirschmann stock-portfolio image from our 2026-08-19 resource sequence. Confirm the exact BRS20 configuration in the quotation.

The hidden cost of the fifth device

A four-port switch can appear sufficient on a drawing—until the panel needs a PLC, HMI, drive, remote I/O, engineering laptop and an uplink. The issue is not merely buying another port: a late network change can mean a second switch, another power feed, more cabinet space, extra patching and a new failure point. The BRS20-8TX 942170002 is therefore a practical choice when an all-copper Fast Ethernet cell needs managed functions plus deliberate expansion capacity.

Important: eight physical ports do not automatically mean eight endpoint connections. An uplink consumes one port; a ring or redundant path may consume two. Count the topology first, then reserve capacity for commissioning and future equipment.

Verified product identity and key facts

BRS20-4TX or BRS20-8TX?

The 8TX model is usually the cleaner design when the calculated requirement exceeds four ports or when a controlled spare-port policy is needed. As an engineering recommendation—not a manufacturer specification—many projects keep one or two planned spare ports where cabinet space and budget permit. If Gigabit uplinks, fiber/SFP interfaces, PoE or extended-temperature operation are required, select another BRS configuration rather than assuming the 8TX suffix provides those functions.

Five procurement checks that prevent wrong-model orders

1. Count uplinks and redundancy: document every endpoint, uplink, ring connection and service port.

2. Do not assume Gigabit: this exact model provides 10/100BASE-TX copper interfaces.

3. Read the complete code: the long configuration string identifies options that a short family name cannot.

4. Confirm environment and approvals: operating conditions, certifications and country/project requirements must match the quotation.

5. Record software and replacement needs: align configuration, security policy and spare-unit strategy before deployment.

Where the Hirschmann BRS20-8TX fits

Typical applications include PLC/HMI networks, machine cells, material-handling systems, water and wastewater panels, utilities, transportation cabinets and brownfield Fast Ethernet expansions. Managed segmentation, multicast control, redundancy and diagnostics help operations teams isolate traffic and troubleshoot links more deliberately than with an unmanaged switch.

Frequently asked questions

What is Hirschmann part number 942170002?

It is the Hirschmann BRS20-8TX, configuration BRS20-08009999-STCY99HHSESXX.X.XX, a managed fanless DIN-rail switch with eight 10/100BASE-TX RJ45 ports.

Can all eight ports connect field devices?

Physically there are eight copper ports, but the usable endpoint count depends on the network design. Uplinks and redundancy connections also consume ports.

Is BRS20-8TX a Gigabit or PoE switch?

Do not infer either feature from the family name. The exact 942170002 configuration is specified with eight 10/100BASE-TX RJ45 ports; request another configuration if Gigabit, fiber or PoE is required.

What should be included in an RFQ?

Send the full model code, part number, quantity, destination, required delivery date, topology, environmental range and project approvals. This lets us check the exact configuration instead of quoting a look-alike variant.

Hot-selling Hirschmann BOBCAT BRS models

All products below are currently in our hot-selling portfolio. Availability, software revision, approvals and lead time are confirmed per quotation.

Technical note: Product identity and core specifications are based on current Belden/Hirschmann information and remain subject to revision. Compatibility, software, certifications, availability and lead time are confirmed per quotation. The image represents our Hirschmann stock portfolio and may not depict the exact configuration. We are an independent supplier; trademarks belong to their owners.