Description
Product Overview for the Cisco IE-2000U-16TC-G 20 Port Ethernet Switch
In the ever-evolving landscape of industrial networking, robust and reliable switches play a pivotal role in ensuring seamless communication and data transfer. The Cisco IE-2000U-16TC-G, belonging to the Industrial Ethernet 2000U Series, stands out as a versatile and efficient Ethernet-managed switch designed to meet the unique demands of industrial environments. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the features, specifications, and benefits of the Cisco IE-2000U-16TC-G, shedding light on its role in industrial networking solutions.
Understanding the Industrial Ethernet 2000U Series
Before delving into the specifics of the Cisco IE-2000U-16TC-G, it’s essential to grasp the broader context of the Industrial Ethernet 2000U Series. Cisco’s Industrial Ethernet switches are purpose-built to withstand the challenges posed by harsh industrial environments. These switches are engineered to deliver reliable connectivity, advanced security features, and robust performance in scenarios where conventional networking equipment might fall short.
Key Features of Cisco IE-2000U-16TC-G
- Form Factor and Design: The Cisco IE-2000U-16TC-G features a compact and rugged form factor, specifically tailored for deployment in industrial settings. Its design takes into account the need for durability and resilience in the face of extreme temperatures, vibrations, and electromagnetic interference.
- Ethernet Ports: With 16 Fast Ethernet ports, the IE-2000U-16TC-G provides ample connectivity options for a variety of devices within an industrial network. Each port is designed to deliver high-speed data transfer, ensuring efficient communication between connected devices.
- Gigabit Uplinks: In addition to the Fast Ethernet ports, this switch is equipped with two Gigabit Ethernet uplink ports, enabling high-speed connections to upstream networks. This feature enhances the overall network performance and facilitates seamless data flow.
- Industrial Protocols Support: The switch supports a range of industrial protocols, making it compatible with diverse industrial applications. This includes protocols such as PROFINET and Modbus, ensuring interoperability with industrial automation devices and controllers.
- Layer 2 Managed Switching: The IE-2000U-16TC-G operates at Layer 2 of the OSI model, providing advanced managed switching capabilities. This includes features such as VLAN support, Quality of Service (QoS), and multicast routing, empowering administrators to optimize network traffic and prioritize critical data.
- Power over Ethernet (PoE) Support: To streamline the deployment of connected devices like IP cameras or sensors, the switch offers Power over Ethernet (PoE) support. This eliminates the need for separate power sources for these devices, simplifying installation and reducing cable clutter.
- Security Features: Security is a paramount concern in industrial networks, and the IE-2000U-16TC-G addresses this with a range of built-in security features. These include port security, access control lists (ACLs), and support for IEEE 802.1X authentication, safeguarding the network against unauthorized access and potential threats.
- Redundancy and Reliability: Industrial environments demand high levels of reliability, and the IE-2000U-16TC-G incorporates redundancy features to enhance network resilience. This includes support for Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) and EtherChannel, ensuring rapid fault recovery and minimizing downtime.
Benefits of Cisco IE-2000U-16TC-G in Industrial Applications
- Enhanced Connectivity: The ample number of Fast Ethernet ports combined with Gigabit uplinks ensures seamless connectivity for a variety of devices, creating a robust and well-connected industrial network.
- Industrial-grade Durability: The rugged design of the IE-2000U-16TC-G makes it well-suited for deployment in harsh industrial environments. It can withstand temperature variations, vibrations, and electromagnetic interference, ensuring uninterrupted operation in challenging conditions.
- Efficient Power Management: The Power over Ethernet (PoE) support simplifies the installation of connected devices by providing both data and power over a single Ethernet cable. This not only reduces the need for additional power sources but also contributes to a more organized and efficient network infrastructure.
- Optimized Network Performance: The Layer 2 managed switching capabilities, coupled with support for industrial protocols, enable administrators to optimize network performance. Features like VLAN support and Quality of Service (QoS) allow for efficient traffic management, ensuring that critical data gets the priority it deserves.
- Secure and Resilient Network: The IE-2000U-16TC-G’s robust security features, coupled with redundancy mechanisms, contribute to a secure and resilient industrial network. Protection against unauthorized access and rapid fault recovery measures minimize the risk of disruptions and potential security threats.
- Scalability: As industrial networks evolve and expand, the IE-2000U-16TC-G offers scalability to accommodate growing connectivity needs. The switch’s design allows for the addition of more devices and seamless integration into larger industrial networks.
Efficient Network Management
Efficient network management of the Cisco IE-2000U-16TC-G switch involves making various configurations and optimizations to the switch and its surrounding network, to ensure that it operates smoothly and efficiently. Here are some key strategies to improve network management efficiency:
- Centralized Management: Using tools such as Cisco’s Network Management System (NMS) or other network management software can help simplify the management of multiple switches and provide a centralized view of the network.
- Automation: Automating repetitive tasks, such as firmware upgrades, can save time and improve management efficiency.
- Monitoring and Alerts: Regular monitoring of the network using tools such as SNMP or the switch’s web interface can help identify and address any performance issues before they become major problems.
- Firmware Upgrades: Upgrading the switch to the latest firmware can provide bug fixes, performance improvements, and new features that can help maximize network performance and improve management efficiency.
- Configuration Templates: Using configuration templates can simplify switch setup and deployment, reducing the time and effort required for manual configuration.
Reliability and Security
The Cisco IE-2000U-16TC-G switch provides several features to improve reliability and security in industrial environments:
- Redundancy: The switch supports features such as redundancy protocols (e.g. HSRP, VRRP) and dual power supplies to ensure that the network remains operational in the event of a failure.
- Access control lists (ACLs): these allow you to restrict or permit network access based on various criteria such as IP addresses or port numbers, helping to prevent unauthorized access to the network.
- 802.1X authentication: this provides a secure way of controlling access to the network, using authentication protocols such as EAP (Extensible Authentication Protocol) to verify user credentials.
- Port security: this feature restricts access to a switch port based on MAC addresses, helping to prevent unauthorized access to the network.
- SSH (Secure Shell) and SSL (Secure Sockets Layer): these encryption protocols provide secure remote access to the switch and protect sensitive information during transmission.
- RADIUS (Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service) and TACACS+ (Terminal Access Controller Access-Control System Plus) support: these protocols provide centralized authentication and authorization for network access, helping to improve security.
- Robust Industrial Design: The switch is designed for use in harsh industrial environments, with features such as a rugged metal casing, DIN-rail mounting, and a wide operating temperature range to ensure reliable operation.
Advanced Routing and Switching
The Cisco IE-2000U-16TC-G switch provides advanced routing and switching capabilities to help improve network performance and functionality:
- Routing protocols: The switch supports various routing protocols such as OSPF (Open Shortest Path First) and RIP (Routing Information Protocol) to provide advanced routing capabilities and support for dynamic routing in the network.
- VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks): VLANs allow you to segment the network into smaller, logically separate networks, improving network performance and security.
- Link Aggregation (LAG): LAG allows multiple physical switch ports to be combined into a single logical port, providing increased bandwidth and failover protection.
- Spanning Tree Protocol (STP): STP provides a mechanism to prevent loops in the network and ensure a single active path between switch ports.
- Quality of Service (QoS): To prioritize critical network traffic and prevent congestion, you can configure the switch to prioritize certain types of traffic over others, such as voice or video.
General Information about this Cisco IE-2000U-16TC-G
- Manufacturer: Cisco
- Part Number or SKU# IE-2000U-16TC-G
- Product Type: Ethernet Switch
- Product Name: Cisco 20 Ports Ethernet Switch Networking
Technical Specifications
- Total Number of Network Ports: 20
- Token Ring Port: No
- LRE Port: No
- Uplink Port: Yes
- Bypass: No
- Modular: No
- Management Port: No
- USB: Yes
- Stack Port: No
- Number of Network (RJ-45) Ports: 20Port/Expansion Slot Details:
- 18 x Fast Ethernet Network
- 2 x Gigabit Ethernet Uplink
- 2 x Fast Ethernet Expansion Slot
- 2 x Gigabit Ethernet Expansion Slot
Media & Performance
- Media Type Supported: Twisted Pair
- Twisted Pair Cable Standard: Category 5
- Ethernet Technology: Gigabit Ethernet, Fast Ethernet
- Network Technology: 10/100/1000Base-T, 10/100Base-TX
I/O Expansions
- Number of Total Expansion Slots: 4
- Expansion Slot Type: SFP
- Shared SFP Slot: Yes
- Number of SFP Slots: 4
Network & Communication
- Layer Supported: 2
Management & Protocols
- Manageable: Yes
- Management:
- CLI
- SNMP v1, v2c, v3
- Web-based Management
- DHCP
- Syslog
- MIB
- QoS
- VLAN
- RMON I, II
Memory
- Standard Memory: 256 MB
- Memory Technology: DRAM
- Flash Memory: 64 MB
Power Description
- PoE (RJ-45) Port: Yes
- Power Source: Power Supply
- Redundant Power Supply: Yes
Finally, the Cisco IE-2000U-16TC-G Industrial Ethernet 2000U Series Ethernet Managed Switch emerges as a reliable and efficient solution for the demanding requirements of industrial networking. Its combination of rugged design, advanced features, and robust security make it well-suited for deployment in a variety of industrial applications. As industries continue to embrace digital transformation, the Cisco IE-2000U-16TC-G stands as a key component in building resilient and high-performance industrial networks.
