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

Cisco IE-3100-8P2C-E Industrial Ethernet Switch Overview

The Cisco IE-3100-8P2C-E Catalyst IE3100 Rugged Series switch is engineered for demanding industrial networks where reliability, scalability, and secure connectivity are essential. Designed to operate in harsh environments, this compact Ethernet switch supports advanced management, Power over Ethernet, and flexible uplink options.

Manufacturer and Product Identification

• Brand: Cisco
• Series: Catalyst IE3100 Rugged Series
• Model: IE-3100-8P2C-E
• Product Category: Managed Ethernet Switch
• Total Ports: 10

Hardware Architecture and Build

Industrial-Grade Design

Built for industrial automation and edge networking, this switch features a ruggedized form factor suitable for factory floors, transportation systems, and utility deployments.

Form Factor and Module Type

• Device Type: SFP (Mini-GBIC) compatible switching platform
• Module Design: Plug-in architecture for flexible deployment

Networking Performance and Connectivity

Ethernet Interfaces

• 8 × 10/100/1000 Mbps RJ45 copper Ethernet ports
• 2 × 1 Gigabit Ethernet SFP fiber ports

Additional Management Interfaces

• 1 × RS-232 console interface (RJ-45)
• 1 × Micro USB management port

MAC Address Handling

The switch supports a MAC address table capacity of up to 8,000 entries, enabling efficient traffic forwarding across complex network topologies.

Power over Ethernet Capabilities

Integrated PoE Support

This Cisco industrial switch delivers Power over Ethernet to connected devices, reducing cabling complexity and external power requirements.

• PoE Support: Enabled
• Total PoE Power Budget: Up to 240 watts

Network Management and Security Features

Remote Management Protocols

• SNMP for centralized monitoring
• SSH and HTTPS for encrypted access
• DHCP for automated IP configuration

Authentication and Access Control

• RADIUS-based user authentication
• TACACS+ support for enhanced administrative security

Fiber Expansion and Uplink Options

SFP Port Configuration

Two dedicated SFP slots allow seamless integration with fiber-optic networks, supporting long-distance data transmission and high-speed uplinks.

• Total SFP Ports: 2
• Supported Speed: 1 Gigabit Ethernet

Use Case Advantages

Optimized for Industrial Applications

• Ideal for automation, energy, and transportation networks
• Supports converged data and power delivery
• Enhanced security for mission-critical infrastructure

Industrial-Grade Ethernet Switching for Harsh Environments

The Cisco IE-3100-8P2C-E Catalyst IE3100 Rugged Series Ethernet Switch represents a specialized category of industrial networking equipment engineered to deliver resilient, secure, and deterministic connectivity in environments where standard enterprise switches cannot operate reliably. This category focuses on ruggedized Ethernet switches designed to withstand extreme temperatures, vibration, electrical noise, humidity, and other environmental stressors commonly found in industrial automation, transportation, utilities, oil and gas facilities, mining operations, and outdoor infrastructure deployments. Within this category, the Cisco IE3100 family is positioned as a compact yet powerful solution that bridges the gap between operational technology and information technology networks.

Industrial Ethernet switches such as the Cisco IE-3100-8P2C-E are not merely hardened versions of office switches. They are purpose-built to support mission-critical applications where downtime, latency, or data loss can result in operational failures, safety risks, or significant financial impact. The category emphasizes deterministic performance, long product lifecycles, extended environmental tolerances, and seamless integration with industrial protocols and automation systems. As industrial networks continue to converge with IP-based architectures, the role of rugged Ethernet switches becomes increasingly central to modern digital transformation initiatives.

Cisco IE3100 Rugged Series

The Cisco IE3100 Rugged Series is designed to deliver scalable and secure industrial networking with the reliability expected from Cisco Catalyst platforms. The IE-3100-8P2C-E variant, featuring ten Ethernet ports, exemplifies this category by combining compact form factor, Power over Ethernet capabilities, and advanced Layer 2 and Layer 3 features. This makes it suitable for distributed deployments where space is limited but performance and reliability remain critical requirements.

This category includes switches that are engineered for DIN-rail mounting, panel mounting, or rack installations in industrial cabinets. The IE3100 series adheres to stringent industrial certifications and standards, enabling deployment in environments subject to electromagnetic interference, voltage fluctuations, and temperature extremes. By leveraging Cisco’s Catalyst switching architecture, this rugged series brings enterprise-class networking intelligence into industrial contexts without compromising durability.

Role of Rugged Switches in Industrial Networks

Industrial Ethernet switches play a foundational role in enabling communication between sensors, programmable logic controllers, human-machine interfaces, industrial cameras, wireless access points, and supervisory control systems. The category is defined by its ability to support real-time traffic flows while maintaining network stability. The Cisco IE-3100-8P2C-E is designed to support such use cases by providing predictable forwarding behavior and robust failover mechanisms.

As industrial networks increasingly support data analytics, remote monitoring, and edge computing, the demand for intelligent switching platforms continues to grow. Rugged switches within this category support advanced network segmentation, traffic prioritization, and secure remote management, allowing organizations to build scalable architectures that evolve alongside operational requirements.

Port Configuration and Connectivity Capabilities

The Cisco IE-3100-8P2C-E category emphasizes versatile connectivity to accommodate a wide range of industrial devices. With a combination of copper Ethernet ports and combo uplink ports, this switch supports both local device connections and high-speed uplinks to aggregation or core layers. The ten-port configuration allows flexible network design, enabling direct attachment of edge devices while maintaining uplink redundancy.

In industrial environments, connectivity requirements vary significantly depending on application type. The category addresses this by supporting auto-negotiation, full-duplex communication, and advanced link management features. These capabilities ensure consistent performance even when devices with different communication characteristics are connected to the same switch.

Power over Ethernet in Industrial Deployments

A defining aspect of the Cisco IE-3100-8P2C-E category is its support for Power over Ethernet, which simplifies deployment by delivering both data and electrical power over a single Ethernet cable. This is particularly valuable in industrial settings where installing separate power lines can be costly or impractical. PoE support enables the connection of IP cameras, wireless access points, sensors, and access control devices directly to the switch.

By centralizing power delivery, this category enhances operational efficiency and enables remote power management. Administrators can monitor power usage, prioritize critical devices, and remotely cycle power when maintenance or troubleshooting is required. This level of control is essential in distributed industrial environments where physical access to devices may be limited.

Rugged Design and Environmental Resilience

The rugged design philosophy defines the Cisco IE3100 category. The IE-3100-8P2C-E is engineered to operate reliably across extended temperature ranges and under constant exposure to vibration and shock. This resilience ensures stable operation in environments such as factory floors, outdoor enclosures, transportation vehicles, and substations where environmental conditions are unpredictable.

The category incorporates industrial-grade components and conformal coatings that protect internal circuitry from dust, moisture, and corrosive elements. This design approach extends product lifespan and reduces the likelihood of failure due to environmental stress. As a result, organizations benefit from reduced maintenance costs and improved network uptime.

Compliance with Industrial Standards

Industrial Ethernet switches in this category are designed to comply with a wide range of international standards related to safety, electromagnetic compatibility, and environmental protection. The Cisco IE-3100-8P2C-E aligns with these requirements, making it suitable for regulated industries where compliance is mandatory. This adherence simplifies certification processes and accelerates deployment timelines.

Standards compliance also ensures interoperability with other industrial equipment, enabling seamless integration into existing infrastructures. This interoperability is critical for organizations modernizing legacy systems while maintaining continuity of operations.

Advanced Switching and Network Intelligence

The Cisco IE-3100-8P2C-E category is distinguished by its integration of advanced switching intelligence traditionally found in enterprise Catalyst switches. These capabilities include support for VLANs, quality of service, multicast optimization, and advanced routing features that enhance network efficiency and reliability. By incorporating these features, the category enables industrial networks to handle converged traffic types with precision.

Network intelligence within this category supports real-time monitoring and diagnostics, allowing administrators to identify performance issues and security threats proactively. The ability to gain visibility into network behavior is increasingly important as industrial systems become more interconnected and data-driven.

Quality of Service and Traffic Prioritization

Quality of Service is a critical requirement in industrial networks where latency-sensitive traffic must be prioritized. The Cisco IE-3100-8P2C-E category supports granular QoS mechanisms that classify and prioritize traffic based on application requirements. This ensures that control signals, voice communications, and video streams receive the bandwidth and low latency they require.

By enforcing traffic policies at the network edge, this category helps prevent congestion and maintains consistent performance even during peak usage periods. This capability is essential for maintaining the reliability of automation processes and safety systems.

Security Features for Industrial Environments

Security is a central focus of the Cisco IE3100 category, reflecting the growing importance of protecting industrial networks from cyber threats. The IE-3100-8P2C-E incorporates advanced security mechanisms that safeguard both network infrastructure and connected devices. These features help organizations implement defense-in-depth strategies that align with modern cybersecurity frameworks.

Industrial environments often include legacy devices that lack built-in security capabilities. This category addresses that challenge by providing network-based security controls that mitigate risks without requiring device replacement. By securing traffic at the switch level, organizations can protect critical assets while extending the lifespan of existing equipment.

Network Segmentation and Access Control

Network segmentation is a key security practice supported by the Cisco IE-3100-8P2C-E category. By isolating devices and applications into separate network segments, organizations can limit the spread of threats and reduce attack surfaces. The switch supports flexible segmentation models that adapt to complex industrial architectures.

Access control mechanisms further enhance security by ensuring that only authorized devices and users can connect to the network. This is particularly important in environments with multiple vendors, contractors, and remote access requirements.