IE-3400H-16T-A Cisco 16-Port Catalyst IE3400 Heavy Duty Series Wall Mountable Switch

Cisco IE-3400H-16T-A 16-Port Catalyst IE3400 Switch

The Cisco IE-3400H-16T-A is part of Cisco's Industrial Ethernet 3400 Heavy Duty Series, specifically designed to operate in harsh industrial environments. This 16-port Catalyst switch combines ruggedized design, high-performance switching, and advanced network features, making it ideal for industries such as manufacturing, energy, transportation, and automation. Engineered for wall-mount deployment, the IE-3400H series ensures reliable connectivity in environments where space is limited and conditions can be extreme.

Rugged Industrial Design

Built to withstand extreme temperatures, vibration, and electrical interference, the Cisco IE-3400H-16T-A is certified for industrial use. Its robust metal casing and wall-mountable design allow installation in compact industrial cabinets or on factory walls. The heavy-duty construction ensures durability and longevity, reducing downtime and maintenance costs in demanding environments.

High-Performance Switching

The 16 Gigabit Ethernet ports deliver reliable, high-speed connectivity for mission-critical applications. The switch supports advanced Layer 2 and Layer 3 features, providing efficient traffic management, VLAN segmentation, and routing capabilities. With full-duplex operation and non-blocking architecture, the IE-3400H-16T-A can handle intensive data traffic without bottlenecks.

Advanced Network Security

Security is a priority in industrial networks, and the Cisco IE-3400H-16T-A offers extensive security features to protect data integrity and network access. Support for 802.1X port-based authentication, Access Control Lists (ACLs), and secure management protocols ensures that sensitive operational data remains protected from unauthorized access.

Port Configuration and Connectivity

The IE-3400H-16T-A comes equipped with 16 RJ-45 Gigabit Ethernet ports. These ports provide flexible connectivity options for various industrial devices, including PLCs, sensors, HMIs, and IP cameras. The switch also supports redundant uplinks and stacking capabilities, enabling scalable network topologies in industrial environments.

Redundant Power Supply Support

To ensure uninterrupted operation, the IE-3400H-16T-A supports dual redundant power inputs. This feature protects the network against power failures and allows hot-swappable power modules, minimizing the impact of maintenance or unexpected outages.

Temperature and Environmental Ratings

The switch operates efficiently across a wide temperature range, typically -40°C to +75°C, depending on configuration. Certified for IP30 ingress protection and with compliance to IEC standards, it resists dust, vibration, and moisture common in industrial settings. This ruggedness makes it suitable for outdoor cabinets or harsh factory floors.

Advanced Networking Protocols

The Cisco IE-3400H-16T-A supports a range of industrial networking protocols, including EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, and Modbus TCP. This ensures seamless integration with industrial automation systems, enabling real-time data exchange and centralized network management. Features such as Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) and Multiple Spanning Tree Protocol (MSTP) enhance network resiliency and redundancy.

Cisco IE-3400H-16T-A in Industrial Applications

Reliability in Harsh Environments

One of the major advantages of the IE-3400H-16T-A is its ability to maintain consistent performance in conditions that would damage standard commercial switches. Its hardened design protects against dust, vibration, temperature extremes, and electrical noise, ensuring uninterrupted network operations even in the most challenging industrial settings.

Scalability and Flexibility

The 16-port configuration provides ample connectivity for mid-sized industrial networks, and the ability to integrate additional switches via stacking or uplinks allows for network expansion as operational requirements grow. This flexibility ensures that businesses can scale their industrial networks without extensive rewiring or redesign.

Enhanced Network Management

Cisco’s software features such as Cisco IOS, SmartPort configurations, and centralized management via Cisco DNA Center simplify network monitoring, configuration, and troubleshooting. IT and OT teams can quickly respond to network issues, optimize traffic flow, and implement security policies, reducing operational costs and increasing uptime.

Applications of Cisco IE-3400H-16T-A Switch

Manufacturing and Automation

In manufacturing environments, real-time data transfer between machines, sensors, and control systems is critical. The IE-3400H-16T-A ensures deterministic performance, low latency, and reliable connectivity for PLCs, HMIs, and robotic equipment. Its support for industrial protocols enables seamless integration into automated workflows.

Energy and Utilities

Energy and utility sectors benefit from the switch’s rugged design and high reliability. Substation automation, remote monitoring, and SCADA networks require continuous uptime, which the IE-3400H-16T-A provides even under extreme environmental conditions.

Transportation and Smart Infrastructure

Transportation networks, including traffic management systems and rail operations, rely on robust and secure network infrastructure. The IE-3400H-16T-A offers resilient connectivity for surveillance cameras, signaling systems, and IoT devices, supporting critical operational data transfer in both urban and remote locations.

Comparison with Other Industrial Switches

Cisco IE-3000 vs IE-3400H Series

Compared to the Cisco IE-3000 series, the IE-3400H-16T-A provides enhanced ruggedness, higher port density, and advanced Layer 3 capabilities. It is specifically tailored for environments requiring wall-mount installations and heavy-duty reliability, whereas the IE-3000 series targets moderate industrial environments.

Optimizing Industrial Network Performance

Network Segmentation

Using VLANs and advanced routing features, the IE-3400H-16T-A allows network segmentation, reducing congestion and improving security by isolating critical control traffic from general data traffic.

Redundancy and Resilience

Features like RSTP, MSTP, and dual power inputs ensure that industrial networks maintain continuous operation even in the event of component failures. Redundant paths and high-availability protocols minimize downtime and enhance overall network resilience.

Integration with IoT Devices

The increasing adoption of industrial IoT devices requires a switch that can handle multiple devices with high reliability. The IE-3400H-16T-A supports PoE devices, advanced QoS, and deterministic traffic management to ensure smooth operation of sensors, cameras, and other IoT endpoints.