Description

The Cisco IE-4000-4GC4GP4G-E is another model in Cisco’s Industrial Ethernet (IE) 4000 Series, offering advanced connectivity options designed for industrial networks. Like other switches in the IE 4000 series, this model is built for harsh environments where reliability, performance, and security are essential. It’s designed to operate in industrial automation, IoT (Internet of Things), energy, transportation, and other critical infrastructure networks.

1. General Features and Overview:

• Model: Cisco IE-4000-4GC4GP4G-E

• Series: Cisco IE 4000 Series Industrial Ethernet Switch

• Type: Managed Ethernet switch for industrial environments, offering a mix of Gigabit Ethernet ports, Power over Ethernet (PoE) ports, and fiber-optic connectivity for industrial applications requiring high-speed, flexible, and reliable networking.

2. Ports and Connectivity:

• 4 x Gigabit Ethernet Ports (10/100/1000 Mbps): These are high-speed copper Ethernet ports that can connect to a variety of industrial devices, such as sensors, PLCs, or industrial computers. These ports are typically used for local area network (LAN) connections.

• 4 x Gigabit PoE+ Ports (Power over Ethernet):

  • PoE+ (IEEE 802.3at) technology allows both data and power to be delivered over a single Ethernet cable to PoE-capable devices such as IP cameras, wireless access points, VoIP phones, or industrial IoT sensors.

  • PoE+ delivers up to 25.5W per port, making it suitable for powering devices that need more power than standard PoE can provide.

• 4 x Gigabit SFP Ports (Small Form-factor Pluggable): These fiber-optic ports allow for high-speed, long-distance connectivity. The SFP ports provide flexibility as users can choose the appropriate fiber transceiver (e.g., for long or short-range fiber optic connections) based on their needs. This feature is ideal for linking remote industrial locations or extending the reach of the network.

3. Performance:

• Layer 2 and Layer 3 Switching:

  • Layer 2: Basic Ethernet switching functionality like VLAN support, Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), and Link Aggregation (LACP), which helps with the segmentation and management of network traffic.

  • Layer 3: Supports static routing and RIP (Routing Information Protocol), enabling the switch to route traffic between different subnets and manage more complex network topologies.

• Forwarding Rate: With its gigabit ports and high-performance switching architecture, the IE-4000-4GC4GP4G-E ensures low-latency communication and high-speed data transfer, which is essential in industrial environments where delays can disrupt operations.

• Switching Capacity: Optimized for environments requiring high-throughput, the switch supports significant switching and forwarding capabilities to handle large amounts of network traffic.

4. Redundancy and Reliability:

• Industrial-Grade Durability: The IE-4000 series is designed to operate in extreme industrial environments, with the switch being capable of withstanding temperature extremes (typically -40°C to +70°C), vibrations, and electromagnetic interference (EMI) commonly found in factory and outdoor settings.

• Redundancy Features:

  • Ethernet Ring Protection (ERP): A high-speed recovery protocol that ensures quick recovery in case of a network link failure by automatically reconfiguring the network path.

  • Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP): This protocol enables rapid recovery from network topology changes and prevents loops in the network, ensuring uninterrupted communication.

  • Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol (VRRP): Offers automatic failover to a backup router in case the primary router fails, ensuring network availability.

5. Security:

• Advanced Security Features:

  • 802.1X Authentication: This port-based access control mechanism ensures that only authenticated devices are allowed to access the network, helping to prevent unauthorized access.

  • Port Security: The switch can limit the number of devices allowed on each port, providing an additional layer of protection against unauthorized devices.

  • Access Control Lists (ACLs): ACLs help control the traffic that can enter or leave a specific segment of the network, thus improving security by filtering out unwanted traffic.

  • DHCP Snooping: Prevents malicious DHCP servers from assigning incorrect IP addresses to devices on the network.

  • IPsec: Provides secure communication over potentially insecure networks by encrypting traffic between sites or devices.

  • Secure Boot: Ensures that only authenticated software is loaded during the device’s boot process, preventing unauthorized or malicious code from running on the switch.

6. Management and Monitoring:

• CLI (Command-Line Interface): Provides comprehensive configuration and diagnostic capabilities for administrators, allowing them to manage advanced network settings.

• Web-Based GUI: An intuitive Graphical User Interface (GUI) is available for users who prefer easier, point-and-click management for monitoring and configuring the switch.

• SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol): Allows for centralized network management and integration with Network Management Systems (NMS) to monitor and troubleshoot the switch’s performance.

• Cisco DNA Integration: The IE-4000-4GC4GP4G-E can be integrated with Cisco’s Digital Network Architecture (DNA) for advanced network analytics, automation, and centralized management.

7. Power over Ethernet (PoE):

• PoE+ (IEEE 802.3at): The 4 PoE+ ports provide up to 25.5W per port of power, making them ideal for powering high-power devices such as IP cameras, wireless access points, and other PoE-enabled industrial devices. This feature eliminates the need for additional power supplies, reducing cable clutter and installation complexity.

• PoE Flexibility: By combining both data and power over a single Ethernet cable, PoE simplifies deployment, especially in locations where it’s difficult to supply separate power lines.

8. Safety and Compliance:

• Certifications: The IE-4000-4GC4GP4G-E complies with various safety and regulatory standards:

  • UL (Underwriters Laboratories) certification for safety.

  • CE and FCC compliance for electromagnetic compatibility.

  • RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) compliance to meet environmental standards.

• Industry Standards: The switch supports standard Ethernet protocols and industrial network standards to ensure seamless integration with existing network infrastructures.

9. Use Cases:

• Industrial Automation: This model is ideal for connecting PLC controllers, SCADA systems, HMI devices, and other industrial automation equipment in smart factories or manufacturing plants.

• Smart Cities: It can be deployed in intelligent transportation systems (ITS), including traffic signals, surveillance cameras, and smart street lighting networks.

• Energy and Utilities: In smart grids, remote substations, or energy management systems, it ensures reliable communication and control over a distributed network of sensors and devices.

• Industrial IoT (IIoT): The PoE+ and fiber-optic capabilities make it ideal for connecting IIoT devices and sensors in mission-critical applications across a wide geographic area.

• Security and Surveillance: The PoE+ ports are particularly useful in installations requiring IP cameras and other security devices, as they can both power and connect devices over the network.

10. Power Supply:

• Redundant Power Supply: The switch supports redundant power supplies to ensure high availability. If one power supply fails, the backup kicks in seamlessly to maintain continuous network operation.

11. Form Factor:

• Rack-Mountable: The IE-4000-4GC4GP4G-E is designed to be mounted in a 19-inch rack, making it well-suited for use in industrial control rooms, data centers, or network operation centers (NOCs).