Comnet 5 Port Self-Managed Switch 10/100 Mbps Ethernet 1FX SM 2 Fiber ST 4TX (Copper) - CNFE4+1SMSS2

Comnet CNFE4+1SMSS2 5-Port Self-Managed Ethernet Switch

Overview

The Comnet CNFE4+1SMSS2 is a five-port self-managed Ethernet switch designed to aggregate video and data traffic from four copper ports into a single-mode fiber uplink. Built for surveillance networks where electrical interference or distance demands fiber isolation, the CNFE4+1SMSS2 comes pre-programmed and requires zero configuration to deploy. It combines 4x 10/100 Mbps electrical ports with a 100 BASE-FX single-mode optical port using ST or SC connectors, making it a straightforward choice for integrating copper-based IP cameras, NVRs, and PoE injectors across fiber backbone links without network video flooding.

Key Features

• 4x 10/100 Mbps Copper Ports: Auto-negotiation and automatic MDI/MDI-X crossover eliminate cable-swap headaches. Full or half-duplex operation on electrical ports keeps legacy and modern devices on the same switch without manual fallback configuration.
• Single-Mode Fiber Uplink (1310nm, 48 km reach): The CNFE4+1SMSS2 uses single-mode fiber at 1310nm wavelength, delivering up to 48 km (30 miles) of backbone connectivity — essential when running fiber across campuses, between buildings, or through electrically noisy industrial environments where multimode falls short.
• Pre-Programmed, No Configuration Required: Ships ready to run. The fiber port defaults to uplink mode, and internal switching logic prevents network flooding automatically. Plug power in, connect copper and fiber, and data flows — no CLI, no web interface, no learning curve.
• LED Status Indicators: Power and activity LEDs on both optical and electrical sides confirm link status and traffic flow at a glance, reducing troubleshooting time in cabinet-mounted installations.
• Wide Voltage Range (9–24 VDC, 12W Max): Operates on standard 12 VDC supplies and tolerates ±20% input swing without regulation — practical for outdoor cabinets, pole-mounted enclosures, and systems running backup power. The 12W maximum draw is negligible against most industrial power budgets.
• Rugged Operating Range (-40°C to +75°C): Rated for harsh surveillance environments: freezing loading docks, un-airconditioned utility cabinets, and hot rooftop-mounted fiber termination boxes. Storage temperature extends to +85°C for logistics and shipping.
• Transient Voltage Protection on All Lines: Surge protection on power and signal I/O lines defends against lightning, switching transients, and grounding loops — critical in outdoor or electrical-plant-adjacent deployments.
• Multiple Mounting Options: Wall mount, rack mount (ComFit hot-swappable module), or DIN-rail mount with optional DINBKT1 adapter. Flexible placement in utility cabinets, network racks, or field enclosures without proprietary hardware.
• Lifetime Manufacturer Warranty: Factory-backed coverage with technical support at 1.888.678.9427, reflecting confidence in MTBF >100,000 hours and industrial-grade circuit board design (IPC Standard compliance).
• IEEE 802.3 Compliance: Full adherence to Ethernet standards ensures interoperability with any ONVIF IP camera, industrial PoE injector, or network-attached storage on the copper side.

Integration & Compatibility

The CNFE4+1SMSS2 integrates into any Ethernet-based IP video network. On the copper side, connect standard 10/100 Mbps devices — IP cameras, PoE injectors, NVRs, or managed switches feeding uplink traffic. The single-mode fiber port is suitable for long-haul links where multimode would introduce too much attenuation. Requires a fiber installation with minimum 30 dB connector return loss; super-polished connectors are recommended for optimal performance.

For networks using IP cameras across extended backbone fiber, this switch aggregates multiple copper-connected devices into one optical uplink without managing VLAN tags or quality-of-service rules — the self-managed design trades advanced switching features for simplicity and reliability in surveillance deployments.

What's in the Box

• 1x Comnet CNFE4+1SMSS2 5-port switch
• 1x DC plug-in power supply (90–264 VAC input, 50–60 Hz)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What's the warranty on the CNFE4+1SMSS2?

A: Lifetime manufacturer warranty from Comnet. Technical support is available at 1.888.678.9427.

Q: Does the CNFE4+1SMSS2 support PoE passthrough on the copper ports?

A: No. This is a non-managed switching bridge. It aggregates 10/100 Mbps traffic from four copper ports to one fiber port. PoE devices connected to the copper side pass through the switch, but the switch itself does not inject or regulate PoE power. You must use a separate PoE injector or switch upstream if PoE delivery is required.

Q: What are the fiber connector options for the CNFE4+1SMSS2?

A: The standard CNFE4+1SMSS2 ships with ST connectors. Add the suffix '/SC' to the part number (e.g., CNFE4+1SMSS2/SC) to order SC connectors instead.

Q: How far can the single-mode fiber extend from the CNFE4+1SMSS2?

A: Up to 48 km (30 miles) at 1310nm wavelength with 16 dB attenuation budget, provided the fiber installation meets a minimum 30 dB connector return loss. Super-polished connectors are recommended for optimal range and signal quality.

Q: Can I wall-mount or rack-mount the CNFE4+1SMSS2?

A: Yes. It supports wall mount, rack mount (ComFit packaging), and DIN-rail mount with the optional DINBKT1 adapter. Choose the mounting style that fits your cabinet or enclosure.

Q: Does the CNFE4+1SMSS2 require any configuration or programming?

A: No. It ships pre-programmed and ready to use. Plug in power, connect your copper and fiber cables, and it works immediately. There is no CLI, web interface, or management console to configure.

Karl Wilson

I've deployed the CNFE4+1SMSS2 in campus surveillance networks where fiber isolation was non-negotiable — electrical noise from HVAC controllers and parking-lot lighting was corrupting signals on copper-only backbones. The single-mode fiber uplink at 1310nm on this model delivered rock-solid 48 km reach, and the pre-programmed zero-config design meant I could drop it into a remote utility cabinet and forget about it. Unlike managed switches, there's no firmware to patch, no web UI to secure, and no VLAN misconfiguration to debug on a service call.

Technical Highlights:

• Single-Mode Fiber at 1310nm, 48 km reach: Dramatically outperforms multimode when distance or EMI isolation is critical. At 16 dB attenuation budget, you gain real backbone flexibility without power-hungry fiber media converters at each end.
• Pre-Programmed Auto-Uplink Logic: Ships ready to bridge four copper devices to one fiber port without programming. Automatic flow control prevents video flooding that can happen with naive bridge implementations — a real operational advantage on surveillance networks where bandwidth discipline is tight.
• Transient Voltage Protection on All I/O: Grounding loops and lightning strikes won't take down your fiber backbone. The protection on power and signal lines is what separates field-hardened gear from lab equipment.
• 9–24 VDC Input, 12W Draw: Runs on a pair of batteries in a cabinet or a 24 VDC industrial supply without regulation headaches. 12W is basically invisible on a UPS, leaving power budget for cameras and other critical devices.

Deployment Considerations:

• Fiber installation must meet minimum 30 dB connector return loss — cheap connectors will degrade the 16 dB attenuation margin. Budget for super-polished connectors if you're pushing the 48 km distance.
• This is a non-managed bridge, not a managed switch. No VLAN tagging, no QoS, no port-level management. If you need traffic shaping or network segmentation, run a managed switch upstream and use the CNFE4+1SMSS2 purely for copper-to-fiber aggregation and EMI isolation.
• PoE does not pass through the switch electronics — verify your PoE source is on the copper side of the bridge, not relying on the fiber link for power delivery.

Right choice for a campus backbone or a building-to-building fiber run where electrical noise is real and simplicity matters more than switching features. If your network architecture demands managed switching, look upstream; if you're protecting a four-camera copper feed across a noisy plant floor or extending to a remote security hut, the CNFE4+1SMSS2 is the answer.