IE-9320-26S2C-A Cisco Catalyst IE9320 28-Port Managed Switch with 4x GE SFP

Cisco IE-9320-26S2C-A Network Switch Overview

The Cisco Catalyst IE-9320 28-Port Managed Switch is a high-performance, rack-mountable solution designed for modern enterprise networks. With robust management capabilities and advanced connectivity options, it ensures reliable and scalable network operations.

Key Features of Cisco IE-9320-26S2C-A

• Manufacturer: Cisco
• Model Number: IE-9320-26S2C-A
• Type: Managed Switch
• Ports: 28 total, including 22 Gigabit SFP and 2 Combo 10/100/1000Base-T & 100/1000Base-FX SFP
• Uplink: 4 Gigabit SFP ports
• Form Factor: 1U rack-mountable enclosure

Performance & Networking Protocols

• Forwarding Rate: 28 Gbps
• Full-Duplex Bandwidth: 56 Gbps
• Supports Advanced Routing Protocols:
  • OSPF & OSPFv3
  • IS-IS
  • BGP & EIGRP
  • IGMP, IGMPv2, IGMPv3, MSDP
  • HSRP

Connectivity & Expansion Options

• Expansion Slot: 1 SD memory card slot (total and free)
• Interfaces:
  • 22 x 100/1000Base-X SFP ports
  • 2 x 1000Base-T RJ-45 downlink ports
  • 4 x SFP uplink ports
  • 1 x Micro-USB Type B port
  • 1 x RS-232 management port

Power & Reliability

• Supports Power Redundancy
• Redundancy Scheme: 1+1 for uninterrupted operations

Cisco IE-9320-26S2C-A Catalyst IE9320

The Cisco IE-9320-26S2C-A Catalyst IE9320 series represents a cutting-edge solution for industrial networking environments. This 28-port managed switch, equipped with 4 Gigabit Ethernet Small Form-Factor Pluggable (GE SFP) slots, offers robust connectivity, high performance, and scalability for complex industrial networks. Designed for demanding operational conditions, the Catalyst IE9320 series ensures uninterrupted network performance and resilience, making it an ideal choice for industries that require reliable and secure Ethernet connectivity.

Advanced Managed Switch Capabilities

The Cisco IE-9320-26S2C-A is a fully managed switch, offering extensive Layer 2 and Layer 3 capabilities. This enables network administrators to optimize traffic flow, segment networks efficiently, and enforce security policies effectively. The device supports advanced features such as VLAN segmentation, Quality of Service (QoS), Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP), and Multiple Spanning Tree Protocol (MSTP). These features ensure network stability and performance even in complex industrial topologies. Its robust management capabilities, including Cisco DNA Center support, allow for centralized monitoring, configuration, and troubleshooting, streamlining network operations significantly.

High-Performance Networking

The Catalyst IE9320-26S2C-A switch delivers high-speed data transfer with its 28 ports, including 24 standard Ethernet ports and 4 GE SFP slots. The inclusion of SFP modules enables the use of fiber optic connections, which are essential for long-distance and high-bandwidth applications. This makes the switch suitable for industrial automation, smart manufacturing, transportation systems, and critical infrastructure projects where latency and downtime must be minimized. Its wire-speed switching capability ensures minimal packet loss and consistent data throughput across all connected devices.

Industrial-Grade Reliability

Designed to withstand harsh industrial environments, the Cisco IE-9320-26S2C-A offers exceptional reliability. It operates over an extended temperature range, supports high levels of shock and vibration resistance, and meets stringent industrial standards for electromagnetic interference (EMI) and electrostatic discharge (ESD). The ruggedized hardware and fanless design enhance its durability, making it suitable for deployment in factory floors, outdoor installations, and other challenging conditions. Network operators can rely on this switch for continuous operation, reducing the risk of downtime and network failures.

Layer 2 and Layer 3 Functionality

The Catalyst IE9320 series integrates both Layer 2 switching and Layer 3 routing functionalities, allowing for flexible network architectures. At Layer 2, it supports features such as link aggregation, VLAN tagging, and spanning tree protocols, enabling efficient data forwarding and loop prevention. At Layer 3, it provides static routing, dynamic routing with OSPF and EIGRP, and IP routing features to facilitate communication across different network segments. This dual-layer capability simplifies network design and reduces the need for additional routing devices, contributing to cost savings and operational efficiency.

VLAN Segmentation and Network Isolation

With support for up to 4096 VLANs, the IE-9320-26S2C-A allows administrators to segment networks logically, improving both performance and security. VLANs can be used to isolate critical devices, prioritize industrial control traffic, and manage bandwidth more effectively. This level of control ensures that high-priority applications such as real-time control systems and data acquisition devices receive consistent and uninterrupted network resources. Network segmentation also reduces the risk of unauthorized access and mitigates potential security breaches within industrial networks.

Quality of Service and Traffic Management

Industrial networks often carry a mix of time-sensitive and standard traffic. The Catalyst IE9320 series supports advanced QoS policies, allowing network administrators to prioritize critical data flows. Traffic shaping, queuing mechanisms, and congestion management features ensure that latency-sensitive applications, such as control systems and video monitoring, maintain optimal performance. The switch's intelligent traffic management capabilities prevent bottlenecks and packet loss, enhancing overall network reliability.

Connectivity and Port Configuration

The IE-9320-26S2C-A features 24 Ethernet ports and 4 GE SFP slots, providing versatile connectivity options. Standard Ethernet ports allow for straightforward integration with existing network infrastructure, while the SFP ports enable flexible uplinks using fiber optics for extended reach. This combination supports both copper and fiber connections, catering to diverse deployment scenarios. Administrators can implement redundant uplinks, connect to multiple switches, and extend network reach to remote areas, ensuring seamless communication across the network.

Scalable and Future-Ready Design

Scalability is a key consideration in industrial networks. The Catalyst IE9320 series is designed to grow with your network requirements. Additional switches can be stacked or connected via high-speed uplinks to form larger network topologies without compromising performance. This modular approach allows organizations to expand their networks incrementally, reducing upfront costs and ensuring that infrastructure investments remain future-proof. As industrial operations evolve, the IE9320 provides the flexibility to accommodate new devices, applications, and connectivity standards.

Redundancy and Network Resilience

Maintaining continuous network operation is critical in industrial environments. The Cisco IE-9320-26S2C-A supports redundant power supplies, dual firmware images, and rapid failover mechanisms to ensure high availability. In the event of a hardware or software failure, the switch can recover quickly without disrupting network operations. Redundant network paths, enabled by link aggregation and spanning tree protocols, provide additional resilience, preventing single points of failure and minimizing operational downtime. These features are essential for mission-critical applications where even brief interruptions can have significant consequences.

Enhanced Security Features

Security is a top priority in industrial networking. The Catalyst IE9320-26S2C-A includes robust security features to protect against cyber threats and unauthorized access. IEEE 802.1X port-based access control, MAC address filtering, and role-based access policies allow administrators to control who can connect to the network and which resources they can access. Secure management protocols, such as SSH, SNMPv3, and HTTPS, protect network communications and management sessions from interception or tampering. Additionally, the switch supports dynamic ARP inspection and DHCP snooping to prevent common network attacks.

Industrial Protocol Support

The IE-9320 series is compatible with a wide range of industrial protocols commonly used in manufacturing and automation systems. Protocols such as PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, and Modbus TCP are supported, enabling seamless integration with industrial control devices, sensors, and PLCs. This protocol versatility ensures interoperability with existing industrial networks, simplifies deployment, and facilitates the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies. Industrial operators can rely on the Catalyst IE9320 for both standard IT networking and specialized industrial communications.

Network Monitoring and Management

Effective network management is crucial for ensuring operational efficiency and minimizing downtime. Cisco offers multiple management tools for the IE-9320 series, including Cisco DNA Center and Cisco Industrial Network Director (IND). These platforms provide centralized monitoring, configuration, and troubleshooting capabilities, allowing administrators to visualize network topologies, identify performance bottlenecks, and respond to issues proactively. Comprehensive logging, alarms, and SNMP integration further enhance the ability to maintain a reliable and optimized network environment.

Applications and Use Cases

The Cisco IE-9320-26S2C-A Catalyst IE9320 switch is ideally suited for a wide range of industrial applications. It is deployed in manufacturing plants, transportation systems, utilities, energy facilities, and critical infrastructure projects. Its ability to support time-sensitive networking, industrial protocols, and high-availability features makes it essential for applications that require uninterrupted operation and low-latency communication. Network architects and IT managers can rely on the IE9320 to provide reliable, scalable, and secure connectivity in mission-critical environments.

Industrial Automation and Smart Manufacturing

In smart factories and automated production lines, the Catalyst IE9320 ensures reliable connectivity for PLCs, sensors, robotic systems, and supervisory control systems. Its low-latency performance and support for industrial protocols facilitate real-time control, monitoring, and analytics. The switch enables seamless integration of IoT devices and advanced manufacturing equipment, supporting predictive maintenance, process optimization, and digital twin initiatives. The combination of performance, reliability, and security allows manufacturers to achieve higher productivity and operational efficiency.

Transportation and Intelligent Infrastructure

Transportation networks, including rail, traffic management, and smart city infrastructure, benefit from the Catalyst IE9320’s rugged design and high availability features. Fiber-optic SFP connections allow for long-distance communication between control centers and field devices. Redundant paths, QoS, and security features ensure continuous operation and reliable transmission of critical traffic. These capabilities are essential for monitoring systems, real-time communication, and coordination of complex transportation networks, supporting safety and operational excellence.

Energy and Utility Networks

Energy generation and distribution networks require highly reliable and secure communication. The IE-9320 series provides industrial-grade connectivity for power plants, substations, and renewable energy installations. Its support for time-sensitive networking and advanced Layer 3 routing enables real-time monitoring and control of energy systems. The switch’s robust environmental tolerance ensures uninterrupted performance under extreme temperature and environmental conditions, which is critical for mission-critical energy infrastructure.