Cisco IE-3100-8P2C-E Catalyst 10 Ports Ethernet Switch

Cisco IE-3100-8P2C-E Catalyst IE3100 Rugged Series Overview

The Cisco IE-3100-8P2C-E Catalyst IE3100 Rugged Series Ethernet Switch is a highly durable, compact, and industrial-grade networking solution engineered for demanding operational environments. It delivers robust Layer 2 switching capabilities with advanced industrial protocols, offering businesses superior reliability, scalability, and flexibility. Designed to support mission-critical applications in transportation, manufacturing, energy, and utilities, this rugged switch ensures uninterrupted performance even in the harshest conditions.

Design and Ruggedization

The Cisco IE-3100-8P2C-E model is part of the IE3100 Rugged Series, purpose-built to endure vibration, shock, extreme temperatures, and challenging environmental factors. Its hardened enclosure and fanless design make it a dependable option for industrial deployment.

Durability and Longevity

• Constructed with rugged hardware for long-term field operation.
• Supports extended temperature ranges to withstand industrial environments.
• Resistant to dust, moisture, and mechanical stress.
• Ensures minimal downtime due to hardened engineering standards.

Compact Footprint

Despite its robust design, the IE-3100-8P2C-E offers a compact form factor, making it ideal for space-constrained installations such as roadside cabinets, factory floors, or control systems within industrial plants.

Port Configuration and Connectivity

This Cisco IE3100 Rugged Series switch model provides ten ports in total, including a mix of copper and fiber connectivity. Such a configuration makes it versatile for diverse application scenarios where both speed and flexibility are essential.

Port Breakdown

• 8 Fast Ethernet or Gigabit Ethernet ports with Power over Ethernet (PoE) support.
• 2 combination uplink ports for fiber or copper connectivity.
• Capability to integrate industrial devices such as sensors, IP cameras, and controllers directly.

PoE and PoE+ Support

Power over Ethernet is a critical feature that enables this switch to power connected devices directly. The IE-3100-8P2C-E supports both PoE and PoE+, delivering sufficient wattage for devices like IP surveillance cameras, VoIP phones, or wireless access points in outdoor or industrial settings.

Performance Features

The Cisco Catalyst IE3100 Rugged Series is engineered for high performance in mission-critical environments. It combines industry-standard switching capabilities with Cisco’s robust feature set.

High Throughput Switching

Capable of handling large volumes of data traffic, the switch ensures minimal latency and efficient packet forwarding. This is essential for real-time applications such as video monitoring, automation systems, or traffic control systems.

Resilient Networking

• Redundant power inputs to safeguard against power failures.
• Fast failover mechanisms for uninterrupted service continuity.
• Support for industrial protocols like PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, and Modbus.

Management and Control

One of the strongest advantages of the Cisco IE-3100-8P2C-E is its advanced manageability. Network administrators can control, monitor, and configure the switch using Cisco’s familiar management tools.

Management Options

• Web-based interface for simplified configuration.
• Command-Line Interface (CLI) for advanced network engineers.
• Integration with Cisco DNA Center for policy-based automation and assurance.

Security Capabilities

In industrial networks, security is paramount. The switch comes equipped with Cisco’s advanced security features to safeguard connected assets and prevent cyber threats.

• IEEE 802.1X authentication for secure device access.
• Access Control Lists (ACLs) to filter traffic.
• Port security for restricting unauthorized devices.
• Dynamic ARP Inspection and IP Source Guard for preventing spoofing attacks.

Industrial Applications

The versatility of the Cisco IE-3100-8P2C-E makes it suitable across a wide range of sectors. Whether in heavy manufacturing plants, transportation hubs, or utility grids, it ensures resilient connectivity.

Transportation and Smart Cities

• Deployable in roadside cabinets for traffic management systems.
• Supports video surveillance in urban areas.
• Used in railways for signaling and safety applications.

Manufacturing Automation

Factories benefit from reliable Ethernet connectivity for automated machinery, robots, and monitoring systems. The rugged switch ensures seamless communication between control systems and end devices on the production floor.

Utilities and Energy

• Used in substations for data exchange and monitoring equipment.
• Suitable for oil, gas, and mining industries requiring resilient field connectivity.
• Handles real-time SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) communication.

Scalability and Flexibility

Businesses can rely on the Cisco IE-3100-8P2C-E to scale alongside evolving needs. Its modular approach allows seamless integration into existing networks.

Flexible Uplinks

The two combo uplink ports can be configured to support either copper or fiber, enabling administrators to design networks with maximum adaptability.

Interoperability

• Compatible with other Cisco Catalyst switches for seamless integration.
• Works with third-party industrial automation protocols.
• Enables end-to-end secure and reliable networking solutions.

Power and Efficiency

The IE3100-8P2C-E is engineered for efficient power usage while delivering high performance.

PoE Energy Optimization

• Smart power allocation for connected PoE/PoE+ devices.
• Energy-efficient design minimizes operational costs.
• Automatic power-down of inactive ports for energy savings.

Technical Specifications

The switch delivers a well-rounded feature set tailored to industrial deployments:

• 10 Ethernet ports (8 x PoE/PoE+, 2 x combo uplink ports).
• Ruggedized form factor for industrial environments.
• Advanced Layer 2 features with scalability.
• Redundant power inputs for fail-safe operations.
• Industrial protocol support and interoperability.

Ease of Deployment

Installation and deployment of the Cisco IE-3100-8P2C-E are designed to be seamless, even in complex environments.

Mounting Options

• DIN rail mounting for quick installation.
• Wall-mountable to suit various infrastructure needs.

Configuration Simplicity

The switch supports zero-touch provisioning, minimizing the need for manual setup and reducing deployment times across multiple locations.

Comparison within Cisco IE3100 Series

The Cisco IE-3100-8P2C-E is part of the broader IE3100 Rugged Series, which includes several models tailored for different requirements. Compared to other models, this configuration provides an excellent balance of PoE capabilities and uplink flexibility.

Key Differentiators

• High number of PoE/PoE+ ports compared to other variants.
• Compact yet versatile design for space-constrained environments.
• Support for modern industrial protocols not always found in lower-end models.

Reliability in Harsh Environments

The ruggedization of the Cisco IE-3100-8P2C-E ensures performance under adverse conditions. It maintains connectivity where commercial-grade switches would fail, offering uninterrupted service across mission-critical infrastructure.

Environmental Resilience

• Operates in wide temperature ranges (-40°C to +75°C, depending on configuration).
• Shock and vibration resistance ideal for transportation networks.
• Industrial-grade components designed for long lifecycle use.

Advanced Cisco Features

As part of the Catalyst family, the IE-3100-8P2C-E benefits from Cisco’s extensive suite of features and technologies.

Software Capabilities

• Advanced QoS (Quality of Service) for traffic prioritization.
• Multicast support for video and industrial data streams.
• Resilient Ethernet Protocols for fault tolerance.

Automation and Assurance

When integrated with Cisco DNA Center, this switch provides network automation, proactive monitoring, and troubleshooting insights, ensuring optimal performance and reduced administrative burden.

Future-Proof Networking

The Cisco IE-3100-8P2C-E is designed with scalability and longevity in mind, offering businesses a networking solution that adapts to future needs.

Support for Evolving Protocols

• Compatibility with both legacy and next-generation industrial standards.
• Flexibility to support IoT expansion in industrial networks.
• Future-ready design aligned with Cisco’s ongoing innovation in industrial networking.

Key Benefits at a Glance

• 10-port configuration with robust PoE/PoE+ capabilities.
• Industrial-grade rugged design for harsh environments.
• Seamless integration with Cisco management tools.
• Enhanced security for industrial and outdoor deployments.
• Flexible deployment options with minimal downtime.