When it comes to rugged, high-performance industrial networking, the Cisco IE 4010 Series stands out as a noteworthy option for professionals who need reliable hardware in demanding environments. These 1RU switches are engineered to handle a wide array of industrial applications, from utility substations to production floors, offering both flexibility and resilience. Whether you’re expanding your current infrastructure or setting up a new system, understanding the capabilities of the IE 4010 can help you make an informed decision. With a blend of high PoE availability, advanced protocol support, and a sturdy physical design, this series is built to perform under pressure while maintaining critical network operations.
Hardware Overview and Configurations
The Cisco IE 4010 Series is available in two primary models, each catering to distinct connectivity needs. The first model features 12 GE fiber and 12 GE copper downlinks, complemented by 4 GE SFP uplinks. The second variant offers 24 GE PoE-capable downlinks with the same 4 GE SFP uplinks. This flexibility allows network designers to choose based on port density, media type, and power requirements, making the switch suitable for diverse industrial scenarios.
Power Over Ethernet Capabilities
One of the standout features is its PoE support. With a single power supply unit, the switch delivers up to 65W for PoE/PoE+, while dual PSUs working together can provide up to 185W. Initially supporting up to 12 PoE or 6 PoE+ ports, the hardware roadmap includes plans for higher capacity—up to 24 PoE or 12 PoE+ ports—with a larger power supply. This makes the IE 4010 a forward-compatible choice for expanding IoT and edge device deployments.
Performance and Reliability
As a high-performance Layer 2/3 aggregation switch, the IE 4010 supports advanced features like 1588v2 PTP for time-sensitive utility applications, Modbus TCP/IP, and GOOSE prioritization. It also includes SCADA protocol classification, BFD, and OBFL for enhanced reliability and troubleshooting. For environments requiring high availability, the switch supports PRP on specific downlink ports and offers dying-gasp functionality for immediate loss-of-power notifications.
Industrial Protocol and Certification Support
The switch is well-equipped for industrial automation, offering Profinet Version 2 and CIP Ethernet/IP compatibility. It also supports Cisco REP and PRP, ensuring seamless integration into existing network architectures. For added flexibility, the device is field-upgradeable to IP services Layer 3 via an RTU license, allowing organizations to scale functionality without hardware replacement.
Power Supply Options
To adapt to various industrial power environments, the IE 4010 supports high-voltage inputs ranging from 85-265VAC or 88-300VDC, with each PSU rated up to 150W. Low-voltage options (18-75VDC) are also available, providing versatility for different electrical setups.
Environmental Durability
Built to operate in harsh conditions, the switch boasts an IP30 rating and functions across a broad temperature range. Depending on enclosure type and airflow, it can handle temperatures from -40°C to +75°C, making it suitable for both vented and sealed industrial settings.
Physical Design and Dimensions
The compact 1RU form factor measures .75 x 17.5 x 14.0 inches (4.45 x 44.5 x 35.6 cm), allowing for efficient use of rack space. An external SD card is included for additional storage, and the switch features four alarm inputs and one alarm output for monitoring and alerts.
Model Overview and Accessories
Two main models are available: the IE-4010-16S12P with 12 fiber and 12 copper ports, and the IE-4010-4S24P with 24 PoE-capable copper ports. Both come with LAN Base software. Accessory options include high and low-voltage Hazloc-grade power supplies, as well as spare SD cards for expanded memory needs.
Key Considerations for Deployment
When evaluating the IE 4010, consider its PoE port density—currently supporting up to 12 PoE or 6 PoE+ ports at launch—and its capacity for larger routing tables, which can handle up to 8000 IP routes. The included SD card serves as optional flash memory, and the switch is particularly well-suited for utility networks due to its robust protocol support and environmental tolerance.
For network professionals seeking a durable, scalable switch for industrial applications, the Cisco IE 4010 Series offers a compelling mix of performance, flexibility, and reliability. Its ability to support critical protocols, coupled with a rugged design, makes it a strong candidate for modern industrial infrastructure. To explore how this hardware can fit into your specific network environment, visit telecomate.com for more detailed specifications and expert guidance.
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