Description

The IE-4000-8GT4G-E is another model from Cisco’s Industrial Ethernet (IE) 4000 Series, offering a robust solution for industrial networking. It’s specifically designed to provide reliable, high-performance connectivity in harsh and mission-critical environments, like industrial automation, transportation, and other demanding sectors.

1. General Features and Overview:

• Model: Cisco IE-4000-8GT4G-E

• Series: Cisco IE 4000 Series Industrial Ethernet Switches

• Type: Managed switch for industrial environments, providing high availability, security, and rugged reliability.

2. Ports and Connectivity:

• 8 x Gigabit Ethernet Ports (10/100/1000Mbps): Standard Ethernet ports for high-speed networking, enabling fast data transfer for industrial applications.

• 4 x Gigabit SFP Ports (Small Form-factor Pluggable): These fiber-optic ports offer high-speed connections for longer-distance networking or linking remote locations. SFP ports are modular, allowing flexibility in choosing the appropriate fiber optics for specific distances and bandwidth requirements.

3. Performance:

• Layer 2 and Layer 3 Switching: The IE-4000-8GT4G-E supports both Layer 2 (Data Link) and Layer 3 (Network) switching for more advanced routing capabilities, making it suitable for diverse network environments.

• High Performance: This switch is built for handling large volumes of data traffic with low latency, making it appropriate for mission-critical applications where downtime is not an option.

4. Redundancy and Reliability:

• Industrial-Grade Design: Built to operate in extreme environments, the IE-4000-8GT4G-E has rugged physical specifications to withstand temperature extremes, vibrations, and electromagnetic interference (EMI), which are typical in industrial settings.

• Redundancy Features: The switch supports multiple redundancy protocols, including:

  • Ethernet Ring Protection (ERP) for network resilience.

  • Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) for loop-free topologies.

  • Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol (VRRP) for router redundancy, ensuring high network availability.

5. Environmental Rating:

• Temperature Range: The switch is designed for industrial environments and can operate in extreme temperature conditions. Typical ranges are -40°C to +70°C (-40°F to +158°F), making it suitable for both outdoor and factory floor installations.

• Shock and Vibration Resistant: Withstand mechanical shocks and vibrations often encountered in industrial settings, which helps to ensure uninterrupted network performance.

6. Security:

• Advanced Security Features: Ensures network security with features like:

  • Port Security to limit access to authorized devices only.

  • Access Control Lists (ACLs) to define traffic rules based on IP addresses.

  • 802.1X Authentication for device authentication before granting network access.

  • Secure Boot for boot-time integrity.

  • Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) Snooping to prevent rogue DHCP servers from interfering with the network.

  • Encryption via IPsec for secure communication between remote devices.

• Protection Against Threats: These features ensure that the switch can resist both internal and external attacks, keeping industrial systems safe.

7. Management and Monitoring:

• Cisco DNA (Digital Network Architecture): The IE-4000 integrates with Cisco’s network management and automation platforms for advanced monitoring, diagnostics, and optimization.

• CLI and Web Management: Users can configure and monitor the switch via the Command Line Interface (CLI) or a Web-Based GUI. This dual-management approach allows for both detailed control (via CLI) and ease of use (via web interface).

• SNMP Support: The switch supports Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) for integration with network monitoring and management systems.

8. Power over Ethernet (PoE):

• The IE-4000-8GT4G-E doesn’t support Power over Ethernet (PoE), which distinguishes it from other IE-4000 models that have PoE capabilities. However, it still provides robust and reliable connectivity, making it ideal for environments where PoE is not required.

9. Safety and Compliance:

• Certifications: The IE-4000-8GT4G-E meets several industrial safety and environmental standards, ensuring that it can perform in demanding and regulated environments. These include UL, CE, and FCC certifications.

• Industry Standards Compliance: Built to comply with key industrial networking standards, it provides peace of mind for industries that need reliable communication systems.

10. Use Cases:

• Industrial Automation: Provides connectivity for PLCs, remote I/O devices, and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems.

• Smart Manufacturing: Enables real-time monitoring and control of machines, sensors, and devices in a smart factory.

• Transportation Networks: Common in industrial transportation applications like intelligent traffic management or remote monitoring for vehicles, trains, and stations.

• Energy and Utilities: Suitable for utility companies, helping to manage infrastructure in power plants, smart grids, and substations.

• IoT Networks: Connects and secures industrial IoT devices, enabling data exchange between sensors, control systems, and centralized management platforms.

11. Power Supply:

• Redundant Power Supply Option: The IE-4000-8GT4G-E can be equipped with redundant power supplies for increased reliability, ensuring that the switch remains operational even if one power source fails.

12. Form Factor:

• Rack-Mountable: Like other switches in the IE-4000 series, this model is 19-inch rack-mountable, which is common in industrial control rooms and server racks.