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Cambium Networks MX-EX2028xxA-0 cnMatrix EX2028 Layer 3 Switch - 24 Port Gigabit + 4 SFP+ 10GbE - Managed - 1U Rack-Mountable
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Product Features
Technical Overview
The EX2028 operates as a true Layer 3 switch with support for IP routing protocols, VLAN management, and quality of service (QoS) features. The 24 copper ports deliver Gigabit Ethernet connectivity with auto-negotiation for 10/100/1000Base-T networks, while the four SFP+ slots support 10GBase-X for high-speed uplinks to core switches or servers.
This switch implements a comprehensive set of networking standards including IEEE 802.1Q for VLAN tagging, IEEE 802.1p for traffic prioritization, IEEE 802.3ad for link aggregation, and IEEE 802.1x for port-based network access control. The management interface provides granular control over switch configuration, monitoring, and security policies.
Relevant factors for this section include Total Number of Network Ports, Network (RJ-45), Uplink Port, Media Type Supported. When those points are considered together, they give buyers a clearer picture of how the product is equipped, how it fits into deployment, and what kind of day-to-day role it is meant to support.
Key Product Advantages
The cnMatrix EX2028 delivers enterprise-level switching capabilities in a compact, energy-efficient package. The combination of Layer 3 routing with high-density Gigabit ports and 10GbE uplink options creates a versatile switching solution suitable for diverse deployment scenarios.
Scalable Connectivity
Four SFP+ slots provide flexible uplink options for connecting to core infrastructure or aggregating traffic from multiple switches, supporting both copper and fiber media types.
- 10GbE uplink capacity
- Fiber or copper media support
- Modular expansion capability
Advanced Management
Full Layer 3 management capabilities enable sophisticated network segmentation, routing policies, and traffic optimization for complex network architectures.
- VLAN management
- QoS prioritization
- Security policy enforcement
Efficient Deployment
The 1U rack-mountable design with standard 19-inch rack compatibility ensures easy integration into existing infrastructure while minimizing power consumption at just 19.5 watts.
- Space-efficient 1U form factor
- Low power operation
- Professional cable management
Deployment / Use Cases
The EX2028 serves as an ideal aggregation switch for medium-sized business networks, providing the port density for connecting multiple workstations, servers, and wireless access points while offering the uplink capacity for connecting to core network infrastructure.
This switch excels in environments requiring network segmentation and inter-VLAN routing, such as multi-department office networks, educational campuses, or healthcare facilities where different user groups require isolated network segments with controlled communication between them.
Office Network Core
Deploy as the main switching layer in office environments, connecting departmental networks with Layer 3 routing between VLANs while providing 10GbE uplinks to internet gateways or data center switches.
Campus Distribution
Use in educational or corporate campus settings to aggregate traffic from multiple access switches, implementing routing policies and traffic management between different building networks.
Physical Profile
The EX2028 features a compact 1U rack-mountable enclosure measuring 1.73 inches (44 mm) in height, 17.32 inches (440 mm) in width, and 8.23 inches (209 mm) in depth. The standard rack-mount design includes appropriate mounting hardware for secure installation in 19-inch server racks or network cabinets.
Weighing approximately 6.11 pounds (2770 grams), the switch offers a balanced combination of port density and physical footprint suitable for space-constrained environments. The built-in power supply ensures reliable operation without external power adapters, contributing to clean cable management in rack deployments.
- Width
- 17.32" (440 mm)
- Depth
- 8.23" (209 mm)
- Height
- 1.73" (44 mm)
- Weight
- 6.11 lb (2770 g)
Highlights
- 24 Gigabit Ethernet ports for high-density device connectivity
- 4 SFP+ slots supporting 10 Gigabit Ethernet uplinks
- Full Layer 3 switching with IP routing capabilities
- Comprehensive management features for network control
- 1U rack-mountable form factor for space-efficient deployment
- Support for both twisted pair and optical fiber media types
- Low power consumption at 19.5 watts for energy efficiency
- Enterprise-grade networking standards compliance
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Cambium Networks |
| Manufacturer Part Number | MX-EX2028xxA-0 |
| Brand Name | Cambium Networks |
| Product Line | cnMatrix |
| Product Series | EX2000 |
| Product Model | EX2028 |
| Product Name | cnMatrix EX2028 Layer 3 Switch |
| Product Type | Layer 3 Switch |
| Interfaces/Ports | |
| Total Number of Network Ports | 24 |
| Network (RJ-45) | Yes |
| Uplink Port | Yes |
| Modular | Yes |
| Port/Expansion Slot Details | 24 x Gigabit Ethernet Network,4 x 10 Gigabit Ethernet Expansion Slot |
| Media & Performance | |
| Media Type Supported | Twisted Pair,Optical Fiber |
| Ethernet Technology | Gigabit Ethernet,10 Gigabit Ethernet |
| Network Technology | 10/100/1000Base-T,10GBase-X |
| I/O Expansions | |
| Total Number of Expansion Slots | 4.0 |
| Expansion Slot Type | SFP+ |
| Number of SFP+ Slots | 4 |
| Network & Communication | |
| Layer Supported | 3 |
| Networking Standards | IEEE 802.1p,IEEE 802.1ab,IEEE 802.1D,IEEE 802.1s,IEEE 802.1Q,IEEE 802.1x,IEEE 802.1w,IEEE 802.3,IEEE 802.3u,IEEE 802.3ab,IEEE 802.3ac,IEEE 802.3ad,IEEE 802.3x |
| Management & Protocols | |
| Manageable | Yes |
| Power Description | |
| Power Source | Power Supply |
| Power Consumption | 19.50 W |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Compatible Rack Unit | 1U |
| Form Factor | Rack-mountable |
| Height | 1.73" (44 mm) |
| Width | 17.32" (440 mm) |
| Depth | 8.23" (209 mm) |
| Weight (Approximate) | 6.11 lb (2770 g) |
FAQ
What is the difference between Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching on this switch?
The Cambium Networks cnMatrix EX2028 operates as a Layer 3 switch, which means it can perform IP routing between different network segments in addition to basic Layer 2 switching. This allows for inter-VLAN routing, implementation of access control lists, and support for routing protocols, making it suitable for more complex network architectures than basic Layer 2 switches.
Can I use fiber optic connections with this switch?
Yes, the EX2028 supports fiber optic connections through its four SFP+ expansion slots. These slots accept SFP+ transceivers for 10 Gigabit Ethernet fiber connections (10GBase-X). You can use appropriate SFP+ modules for single-mode or multi-mode fiber to extend network distances beyond copper limitations or connect to fiber-based network infrastructure.
How many devices can I connect directly to this switch?
The switch provides 24 Gigabit Ethernet ports for direct device connections, allowing you to connect up to 24 computers, servers, printers, IP phones, or other network devices. Additionally, the four SFP+ slots can be used for uplink connections to other switches or network infrastructure, expanding your total network capacity beyond the direct port count.
What rack mounting options does this switch support?
The EX2028 is designed for standard 19-inch server racks with a 1U height profile. It includes rack-mount ears and appropriate hardware for secure installation. The compact 1.73-inch height allows efficient use of rack space, while the 17.32-inch width and 8.23-inch depth provide a standard footprint that fits most network cabinets and racks without modification.
Does this switch support Power over Ethernet (PoE)?
the Cambium Networks cnMatrix EX2028 does not include Power over Ethernet capability. The 24 Gigabit Ethernet ports provide data connectivity only, without the ability to deliver power to connected devices such as IP phones, wireless access points, or security cameras. For PoE requirements, you would need to consider alternative switch models specifically designed with PoE functionality.
What management interfaces are available for configuring this switch?
As a managed Layer 3 switch, the EX2028 provides comprehensive management capabilities through standard interfaces including web-based management, command line interface (CLI), and support for network management protocols. These interfaces allow configuration of VLANs, quality of service settings, security policies, port configurations, and monitoring of switch performance and network traffic.