ICX7450-24P-E Ruckus 24 ports L3 Managed Rack-mountable Ethernet Switch

Ruckus ICX7450-24P-E 24-Port Ethernet Switch

The Ruckus ICX7450-24P-E 24 Ports L3 Managed Rack-mountable Ethernet Switch is a high-performance, enterprise-class networking solution engineered for scalable campus, aggregation, and edge deployments. Designed by Ruckus Networks, this advanced Layer 3 managed switch delivers exceptional throughput, intelligent routing, robust PoE+ capabilities, and flexible stacking architecture. With a compact 1U rack design and front-to-back airflow, it fits seamlessly into modern data centers and enterprise network racks.

Product Details

• Brand: Ruckus
• Model Number: ICX7450-24P-E
• Product Category: Layer 3 Managed Ethernet Switch
• Deployment Type: Rack-mountable 1U
• Stackable: Yes

Highlights for Ruckus ICX7450-24P-E

• 24-Port Gigabit PoE+ Managed Switch
• Layer 3 Enterprise Routing Switch
• 288 Gbps Switching Capacity
• 4 x 10Gb SFP+ Uplinks
• 2 x 40Gb QSFP+ Stacking Ports
• Stackable Rack-Mountable 1U Switch
• Advanced VLAN and Security Support
• High-Performance Campus Network Switch

Power over Ethernet (PoE+) Benefits

• Eliminates need for separate power cables
• Reduces infrastructure costs
• Simplifies installation in remote locations
• Improves centralized power management

Advantages of 10G Uplinks

• High-speed backbone connectivity
• Reduced network congestion
• Enhanced performance for virtualized environments
• Improved scalability for growing networks

Stacking Advantages

• Centralized configuration management
• Improved redundancy
• Simplified network expansion
• High availability architecture

Advanced L3 Routing Capabilities

• Static IPv4 routing
• Static IPv6 routing
• ECMP (Equal-Cost Multi-Path)
• IGMP v1/v2/v3
• MLD and MLDv2

High Routing Capacity

• Up to 16,000 IPv4 routes
• Up to 3,000 IPv6 routes
• Support for 4,096 VLAN interfaces
• 254 Spanning Tree instances

Secure Network Access Control

• IEEE 802.1X authentication
• Advanced VLAN segmentation
• Spanning Tree protocols (802.1D, 802.1W, 802.1S)
• LLDP (802.1AB) device discovery

Management Interfaces

• 1 x 1000Base-T RJ-45 management port
• 1 x Mini-USB console port
• 1 x USB Type-A port

The Ruckus ICX7450-24P-E Category Switch

The Ruckus ICX7450-24P-E 24 ports L3 Managed Rack-mountable Ethernet Switch represents a pinnacle in the stackable access and aggregation switch category, engineered for enterprises, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and service providers demanding high availability, scalability, and performance. As part of the broader Ruckus ICX 7450 series, this model is distinguished by its 24 ports of Gigabit Ethernet with Power over Ethernet Plus (PoE+) support, full Layer 3 routing capabilities, and a robust 1U rack-mountable form factor designed for modern data centers and wiring closets. The category of "Enterprise Stackable Switches" has evolved to become the backbone of converged networks, and the ICX7450-24P-E exemplifies this evolution with its industry-leading port density, redundant power architecture, and advanced traffic management features.

Within the broader category of L3 managed switches, the PoE+ capabilities of the ICX7450-24P-E define its role in the modern smart building and IoT infrastructure subcategory. With a total PoE budget that can be scaled via an external power supply (EPS) or redundant internal units, this switch can simultaneously power numerous high-draw devices. Each of the 24 ports provides up to 30W, compliant with IEEE 802.3at, and is backward compatible with 802.3af for legacy devices. This makes the ICX7450-24P-E an ideal candidate for deployments involving the latest 802.11ac Wave 2 or 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) access points, which often require PoE+ to operate all radios and features. In the subcategory of "converged access switches," it stands out by supporting both power and data needs, eliminating the need for separate electrical drops and power injectors.

Architectural in the 24-Port Managed Switch Space

Delving deeper into the technical architecture, the ICX7450-24P-E belongs to the elite class of fixed-configuration stackable switches that leverage Ruckus's innovative stacking technology. Up to 12 units can be stacked and managed as a single logical entity, providing a flat management plane and non-blocking throughput across the stack. This stacking capability is a defining characteristic of the ICX 7450 series, setting it apart from basic unmanaged or web-smart switches. The category of stackable managed switches is essential for businesses planning for growth; with the ICX7450-24P-E, network administrators can start with a single unit and expand port density incrementally without forklift upgrades.

Layer 3 Routing: Beyond Basic Switching

The inclusion of full Layer 3 routing protocols in the ICX7450-24P-E elevates it from a simple access switch to a potential distribution layer device, especially in smaller to medium-sized networks. This subcategory, sometimes labeled "edge routing switches," enables network architects to segment traffic using VLANs and route between them without backhauling to a core router. The switch supports static routes, default routes, and dynamic routing protocols including RIP v1/v2, OSPF v2, and VRRP for gateway redundancy. In environments where multicast traffic is prevalent—such as IPTV or financial trading floors—the ICX7450-24P-E also supports Protocol Independent Multicast (PIM) and IGMP snooping, ensuring efficient multicast delivery.

OSPF, VRRP, and Policy-Based Routing (PBR) Capabilities

Drilling down into specific routing features, the ICX7450-24P-E supports OSPF (Open Shortest Path First), a link-state routing protocol that provides fast convergence and scalability. In the subcategory of dynamic routing, OSPF support means the switch can participate in a hierarchical network design with areas, reducing routing table size and improving stability. This is particularly advantageous in multi-building campuses where the ICX7450-24P-E can serve as an Area Border Router (ABR) connecting access layer VLANs to the core. Additionally, VRRP (Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol) ensures high availability by allowing multiple switches to share a virtual IP address, acting as a single default gateway. If the primary switch fails, traffic seamlessly fails over to the backup, a non-negotiable feature in the high-availability switch subcategory.

Ruckus ICX Stacking Creating a Switch

One of the most compelling aspects of the ICX7450-24P-E and its category is the proprietary Ruckus ICX stacking architecture. Unlike traditional daisy-chaining, Ruckus stacking uses dedicated stacking ports or can optionally utilize the 10G uplink ports to create a high-speed stacking ring. In the subcategory of stackable switches, the ICX7450-24P-E supports up to 12 units in a stack, with stacking bandwidth of up to 160 Gbps (full duplex). This creates a single management domain, where one IP address manages all switches, and configurations are synchronized. The stack operates with distributed forwarding, meaning traffic between ports on different stack members is forwarded across the stacking links at near wire speed, minimizing hop latency.

Network Management On-Premises and Cloud Options

The managed nature of the ICX7450-24P-E opens up a universe of management options, placing it in the "intelligent manageable switch" subcategory. It supports traditional CLI (Command Line Interface) via console, Telnet, or SSH, appealing to experienced network engineers who prefer scriptable configurations. The CLI is industry-standard, similar to other enterprise switches, reducing the learning curve. Additionally, the switch supports SNMP v1/v2c/v3, allowing integration with legacy network management systems (NMS) like HP Open View or SolarWinds. For more modern, simplified administration, Ruckus provides a web-based GUI (HTTP/HTTPS) that offers intuitive configuration wizards for VLANs, QoS, and security settings.

The Edge 24Ports Switch

Security is a cornerstone of any L3 managed switch category, and the ICX7450-24P-E is equipped with a robust arsenal to protect the network edge. It supports IEEE 802.1X port-based authentication, ensuring that only authorized devices can connect. This is often used in conjunction with a RADIUS server to authenticate users before granting network access, a staple in the "secure edge switch" subcategory. Additionally, features like MAC address filtering, port security (limiting the number of MAC addresses per port), and storm control for broadcast, multicast, and unknown unicast traffic protect against basic attacks and misconfigurations.

For more advanced threat mitigation, the switch includes DHCP snooping, IP Source Guard, and Dynamic ARP Inspection (DAI). DHCP snooping builds a trusted database of DHCP assignments, preventing rogue DHCP servers from disrupting network operations. IP Source Guard uses this database to filter IP traffic on a per-port basis, blocking IP spoofing attacks. DAI intercepts ARP packets and validates them against the DHCP snooping database, mitigating ARP poisoning and man-in-the-middle attacks. Together, these features place the ICX7450-24P-E in the subcategory of "hardened access switches," suitable for environments with stringent security compliance, such as PCI-DSS or HIPAA. The switch also supports private VLANs, which isolate ports within the same VLAN, a crucial feature for multi-tenant environments like hotels or co-working spaces.

Rack-Mountable Form Factor and Deployment

The rack-mountable nature of the ICX7450-24P-E is a defining physical attribute that places it in the category of "data-center-ready edge switches." Occupying just 1U of vertical space in a standard 19-inch rack, it fits seamlessly into existing server racks, network enclosures, or wiring closets. The front-panel layout includes the 24 RJ-45 ports, four SFP+ uplink ports, a console port, a management Ethernet port, and status LEDs for at-a-glance diagnostics. The rear panel accommodates the hot-swappable power supplies and fan trays, allowing for maintenance without powering down the switch—a critical feature in 24/7 operational environments. The subcategory of "FRU-based fixed switches" is small but crucial for mission-critical networks, and the ICX7450-24P-E is a prime example.

Thermal Management and Variable-Speed Fan Architecture

Given its rack-mount design, thermal management is a key aspect of the ICX7450-24P-E's category. The switch employs variable-speed fans that adjust RPM based on internal temperature sensors. In a typical office environment with moderate traffic and PoE load, the fans may operate at low speeds, producing minimal noise—a boon for open-plan offices or classrooms where fan noise can be distracting. This places it in the "low-acoustic switch" subcategory, often overlooked but critical for certain deployments. The front-to-back airflow pattern (configurable with optional fan trays) aligns with standard data center cooling schemes, preventing hot spots in enclosed racks.

Networking 24ports Ethernet Switch

In an era of rising energy costs and environmental consciousness, the ICX7450-24P-E incorporates Energy-Efficient Ethernet (EEE) per IEEE 802.3az. This feature reduces power consumption during periods of low link utilization by putting unused circuits into a sleep state. On a switch with 24 ports, this can lead to significant energy savings over time. Additionally, the switch's ability to automatically power down ports when no device is connected (port shutdown) and to optimize power usage based on cable length places it in the "green IT" subcategory. For organizations tracking carbon footprint or operating under strict energy budgets, these features are not just nice.

From K-12 Education to Hospitality: Vertical-Specific Advantages

The versatility of the ICX7450-24P-E makes it suitable for a wide range of verticals. In K-12 education, the switch can power VoIP phones in administrative offices, security cameras in hallways, and Wi-Fi 6 APs in classrooms, all while segmenting student, staff, and guest traffic via VLANs and ACLs. Its stacking capability allows the network to grow as the school expands. In healthcare, the high reliability and redundant power support life-critical patient monitoring systems and VoIP nurse call systems. The ability to enforce strict security policies at the edge aligns with healthcare compliance requirements.