Description

The IE-4000-8GT8GP4G-E is a model from Cisco’s Industrial Ethernet (IE) 4000 series of managed switches, specifically designed for industrial environments, including manufacturing, transportation, and energy sectors. These switches are built to deliver high-performance networking solutions for industrial automation and other critical infrastructure systems.

1. General Features and Overview:

• Model: Cisco IE-4000-8GT8GP4G-E

• Series: Cisco IE 4000 Series Industrial Ethernet Switches

• Type: Managed switch with high availability, robust performance, and industrial-grade security.

2. Ports and Connectivity:

• 8 x Gigabit Ethernet Ports (10/100/1000Mbps): These are standard Ethernet ports for high-speed networking.

• 8 x Gigabit Ethernet Ports with PoE (Power over Ethernet): These ports allow you to transmit both data and power over a single Ethernet cable, supporting devices like IP cameras, phones, and wireless access points.

• 4 x Gigabit SFP Ports (Small Form-factor Pluggable): These are used for high-speed fiber-optic connections, providing flexible uplinks for remote or long-distance connectivity. They can also support fiber-optic transceivers for both short- and long-distance communication.

3. Performance:

• Layer 2 and Layer 3 Switching: Supports both Layer 2 (Data Link) and Layer 3 (Network) switching for more advanced routing capabilities.

• Switching Capacity: This switch can handle a high volume of data traffic, making it suitable for mission-critical environments.

• Forwarding Rate: The switch typically provides high forwarding rates to handle large amounts of network traffic with low latency.

4. Redundancy and Reliability:

• Industrial-Grade Reliability: Designed to operate in harsh environmental conditions with high levels of electromagnetic interference (EMI), temperature extremes, and mechanical vibration.

• High Availability: Supports features like Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol (VRRP), Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP), and Ethernet Ring Protection (ERP), ensuring high availability and minimal downtime in the network.

5. Environmental Rating:

• Temperature Range: The switch is built to handle extreme temperature ranges, typically between -40°C to +70°C (-40°F to +158°F), making it suitable for outdoor or factory floor environments.

• Shock and Vibration Resistance: Designed to endure mechanical shocks and vibrations commonly found in industrial settings.

6. Security:

• Advanced Security Features: The IE-4000 supports comprehensive security measures, including:

  • Access Control Lists (ACLs)

  • 802.1X authentication

  • Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) snooping

  • Port Security

  • Secure Boot

  • Encryption via IPsec (for secure communication).

• These features ensure that the switch remains secure against both internal and external threats.

7. Management and Monitoring:

• Cisco Network Assistant: Simplifies management with an intuitive user interface for monitoring and troubleshooting the network.

• Command-Line Interface (CLI): Advanced users can manage the switch through a full-featured CLI, allowing granular control over the device.

• Web-Based Management Interface: An easy-to-use web GUI for configuration and monitoring.

• Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) support for network monitoring tools.

• Cisco DNA (Digital Network Architecture) Integration: Works with Cisco’s advanced networking automation tools to simplify management, monitoring, and troubleshooting.

8. Power over Ethernet (PoE):

• PoE+ (IEEE 802.3at): Powers devices like IP phones, cameras, and wireless access points over Ethernet cables.

• This is essential in industrial IoT applications where devices need both data connectivity and power.

9. Safety and Compliance:

• Complies with Industry Standards: The IE-4000 series complies with several industrial standards and certifications to ensure reliability in harsh environments.

• UL, CE, and FCC certifications: Meets regulatory standards for safety and electromagnetic compatibility.

10. Use Cases:

• Manufacturing: Connecting production machinery, sensors, and control systems for seamless data transmission in real-time.

• Transportation: Used in automated railways, airports, and intelligent traffic management systems for robust communication.

• Smart Grids and Energy: Provides networking for the management of distributed energy resources and automated electrical grids.

• Industrial IoT: Ideal for connecting a wide variety of IoT devices and systems in industrial environments.

11. Power Supply Options:

• The IE-4000 series supports redundant power supplies for continuous operation and minimal downtime. It can be powered using standard AC or DC power sources, depending on the environment.

12. Form Factor:

• Rack-Mountable: Typically comes in a 19-inch rackmountable form factor, which allows for easy installation in standard server racks in control rooms or data centers.