Cisco IE-3100-18T2C-E 20 ports Managed Switch Catalyst New

In today's digital age, networks are the backbone of our interconnected world. From homes to industries, a reliable and robust network infrastructure is essential to support the ever-growing demand for data communication. Cisco, a renowned name in the networking industry, has designed a rugged and versatile network switch, the Cisco IE-3100-18T2C-E Catalyst IE3100 Rugged Series. This switch is equipped with 20 ports, including 18 10/100/1000 Base-T RJ-45 downlink ports and 2 combo Gigabit LAN uplink ports. It's designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions, making it an ideal choice for industrial applications. In this comprehensive review, we'll delve into the Cisco IE-3100-18T2C-E switch, its features, benefits, and how it can cater to your networking needs.

Definition of Cisco IE-3100-18T2C-E Switch

The Cisco IE-3100-18T2C-E is part of the Catalyst IE3100 Rugged Series, which is a line of industrial Ethernet switches. These switches are engineered to provide high-performance, reliable, and secure network connectivity in challenging environments. The "IE-3100-18T2C-E" model specifically offers 20 ports for network connections, which are crucial for industries, manufacturing plants, transportation, and other rugged networking scenarios.

This switch comes with an array of features that make it stand out in the industrial networking landscape:

• Port Diversity: The Cisco IE-3100-18T2C-E offers a total of 20 ports. Of these, 18 ports are 10/100/1000 Base-T RJ-45 downlink ports. These downlink ports are crucial for connecting end devices such as cameras, sensors, or other equipment that require a reliable network connection. In addition to the downlink ports, there are 2 combo Gigabit LAN uplink ports. These uplink ports allow you to connect the switch to your wider network or other switches.
• Rugged Design: The Catalyst IE3100 Rugged Series is built to withstand harsh conditions. The IE-3100-18T2C-E is no exception. It is designed to operate in extreme temperatures, ranging from -40°C to 70°C (-40°F to 158°F). This is particularly important for applications in outdoor or industrial settings where the environment can be extremely challenging.
• DIN Rail Mountable: The switch can be easily mounted on a DIN rail. This makes installation in industrial environments efficient and space-saving. DIN rail mounting is a common standard for industrial control systems and helps in easy integration into existing setups.
• Managed Switch: The Cisco IE-3100-18T2C-E is a managed switch. This means that it offers advanced features and can be configured to suit your specific network requirements. Managed switches provide more control over network traffic, enabling you to optimize network performance and security.
• External Power Adapter: The switch comes with an external power adapter, which simplifies power supply management. In industrial settings, power sources can be diverse, and the external power adapter ensures flexibility in power supply.

Now, let's dive deeper into each of these features and explore how they can benefit various industries and applications.

Rugged Design for Harsh Environments

The Cisco IE-3100-18T2C-E switch's rugged design is a standout feature that makes it suitable for environments where standard switches might not survive. Here's why this design is crucial:

• Extreme Temperature Tolerance: This switch can operate in temperatures ranging from -40°C to 70°C (-40°F to 158°F). Such a wide temperature tolerance is essential for outdoor deployments, industrial settings, or in regions with extreme climate variations. Whether it's a scorching desert or a freezing tundra, this switch can endure it.
• Dust and Water Resistance: In many industrial environments, dust and moisture are constant challenges. The Cisco IE-3100-18T2C-E is built to be dust-tight and offers protection against water splashes. This is particularly important in scenarios like mining, agriculture, or factories where the atmosphere can be dusty or humid.
• Vibration and Shock Resistance: Industrial equipment often generates vibrations and shocks. This switch is designed to withstand such mechanical stress. Whether it's installed on a moving vehicle, near heavy machinery, or in any vibration-prone environment, the Cisco IE-3100-18T2C-E will keep your network running without interruption.
• Enclosure Durability: The switch's enclosure is constructed to be robust and reliable. It can resist physical damage, such as impact or tampering. This ensures the longevity of the switch in challenging environments.

Port Diversity for Varied Network Needs

The 20 ports in the Cisco IE-3100-18T2C-E switch offer flexibility and versatility in network connectivity. Let's explore the benefits of these ports:

• Connectivity for a Multitude of Devices: The 18 downlink ports provide ample connectivity for a wide range of devices. Whether it's IP cameras, sensors, access points, or industrial machines, you can connect them all with ease. This is particularly valuable in industries like manufacturing, where various devices need to be networked for real-time monitoring and control.
• Uplink Ports for Network Expansion: The 2 combo Gigabit LAN uplink ports are crucial for extending your network. They can be used to connect to other switches, and routers, or even uplink to a central network. This capability is significant in scenarios where you need to extend your network's reach or create redundancy for added reliability.
• VLAN Support: The switch supports VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks). VLANs allow you to segment your network for better organization and security. For instance, you can have separate VLANs for different departments or functions, enhancing network management and security.

DIN Rail Mounting for Easy Installation

The DIN rail mounting feature of the Cisco IE-3100-18T2C-E switch simplifies installation in industrial environments. Here are the benefits:

• Space Efficiency: DIN rail mounting allows for space-efficient installation. In industrial setups, where space can be at a premium, this feature helps optimize the use of limited space.
• Standard in Industrial Control: DIN rails are a standard in industrial control systems. Using a DIN rail mountable switch ensures compatibility with existing setups and makes it easier to integrate the switch into your network.
• Secure Mounting: DIN rail mounting provides a secure and stable way to install the switch. It can withstand vibrations, ensuring the switch remains in place even in dynamic environments.

Managed Switch Capabilities for Network Control

The managed switch functionality of the Cisco IE-3100-18T2C-E offers advanced features and control over your network. Here's how it benefits various industries:

• Traffic Management: Managed switches allow you to prioritize traffic based on its importance. For instance, in a video surveillance system, you can prioritize video data to ensure smooth and uninterrupted video streaming. In manufacturing, you can prioritize data from critical machines to avoid production disruptions.
• Security: Managed switches offer advanced security features. You can implement measures like MAC address filtering, access control lists, and port security to safeguard your network from unauthorized access or attacks. This is vital in industries where data security is paramount.
• Quality of Service (QoS): QoS allows you to allocate bandwidth based on application requirements. For example, you can ensure that voice-over-IP (VoIP) calls get priority, guaranteeing clear communication in environments like call centers or manufacturing facilities.
• Remote Management: Managed switches typically support remote management. This is invaluable in scenarios where network administrators may not be physically present. Remote management enables configuration changes, troubleshooting, and monitoring from a central location.

External Power Adapter for Versatile Power Supply

The inclusion of an external power adapter in the Cisco IE-3100-18T2C-E switch offers several advantages:

• Power Supply Flexibility: Industrial settings often have diverse power sources. The external power adapter allows you to connect the switch to the most suitable power supply available, whether it's DC or AC.
• Redundancy: In critical applications, redundancy is key. Having the option to connect to multiple power sources or having a backup power source in case of failure can ensure uninterrupted network operation. This is crucial in applications like data centers, transportation, or healthcare.
• Simplified Installation: The external power adapter simplifies the installation process. It eliminates the need for complex wiring and can be a time-saving feature, especially in scenarios where rapid deployment is necessary.

The Cisco IE-3100-18T2C-E switch is a versatile networking solution that finds applications in a variety of industries and scenarios. Let's explore how it can be used in different use cases:

Manufacturing

In the manufacturing sector, real-time communication and control are essential. The Cisco IE-3100-18T2C-E switch's rugged design ensures it can operate reliably in factory environments, where it may be exposed to dust, temperature fluctuations, and mechanical vibrations. The switch's numerous downlink ports are perfect for connecting machinery, sensors, and cameras for monitoring and automation. VLAN support and managed switch capabilities enable efficient network management and security, while the external power adapter provides flexibility in power supply arrangements.

Transportation

The transportation sector relies on efficient communication for safe and timely operations. Whether it's railway networks, ports, or airports, the Cisco IE-3100-18T2C-E can provide the required network infrastructure. Its rugged design ensures it can withstand outdoor exposure and temperature variations. The external power adapter is especially valuable for transportation applications, where power sources may differ from one location to another. The switch's uplink ports facilitate network expansion and redundancy, ensuring continuous connectivity.

Oil and Gas Industry

In the oil and gas industry, network equipment must endure extreme conditions. The Cisco IE-3100-18T2C-E's ability to operate in temperatures as low as -40°C and resist dust and moisture makes it suitable for oil rigs and refineries. The switch's managed features are vital for controlling network traffic and ensuring data security. In remote locations where power sources can be unreliable, the external power adapter ensures uninterrupted network operation.

Agriculture

Modern agriculture relies on technology for precision farming, where data from sensors and cameras play a vital role. The Cisco IE-3100-18T2C-E switch can be deployed in agricultural settings, with its ability to withstand dust, water splashes, and temperature extremes. It can connect various sensors and devices for monitoring soil conditions, crop health, and irrigation systems. The managed switch features allow for efficient data management and security, while the external power adapter accommodates diverse power sources in rural farming areas.

Outdoor Surveillance

Outdoor surveillance systems require rugged network equipment that can withstand exposure to the elements. The Cisco IE-3100-18T2C-E is an excellent choice for such applications. Its extreme temperature tolerance and protection against dust and moisture make it ideal for outdoor camera installations. The managed switch capabilities allow for effective video data prioritization and security. Additionally, the switch's external power adapter simplifies installation in outdoor locations where power sources may not be readily available.

• Manufacturer: Cisco
• Part Number or SKU# IE-3100-18T2C-E
• Device Type: Managed Switch

• Number of Total Ports: 20
• Enclosure Type: DIN Rail Mountable
• Port Technology: Gigabit Ethernet
• Ports: 18 x 10/100/1000 + 2 x Combo Gigabit
• Capacity:
  • Queues: 8
  • IGMP Groups: 512
  • VLANs Supported: 256
  • Indirect IPv4 Routes: 2000
  • STP Instances: 128
• MAC Address Table Size: 8000 Entries
• Routing Protocol: IGMPv2, IGMP, Static IP Routing, IGMPv3, STP
• Remote Management Protocol: SNMP 1, SNMP 2, SNMP, RMON, Telnet, SNMP 3, HTTP, HTTPS, TFTP, NETCONF, RESTCONF, Modbus, NTP, ICMP, DHCP, IPv4, IPv6, YANG, Syslog, MIB
• Authentication Method: Secure Shell (SSH), RADIUS, TACACS+
• Features: BootP Support, IGMP Snooping, DiffServ Support, Surge Protection, DHCP Snooping, Quality of Service (QoS), MLD Snooping, Dynamic ARP Inspection (DAI), Per-VLAN Spanning Tree Plus (PVST+), Rapid Per-VLAN Spanning Tree Plus (PVRST+), Fanless, Remote Switch Port Analyzer (RSPAN), Precision Time Protocol (PTP), Shock-Resistant, Vibration-Proof, PROFINET, IP Plug and Play (IPnP), Storm Control, Resilient Ethernet Protocol (REP), Secure Copy (SCP), Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting (AAA), Switched Port Analyzer (SPAN), Embedded Event Manager (EEM), VLAN Trunking Protocol (VTP) V.3, Router Advertisement Guard, DHCPv6 Guard, Q-in-Q Tunneling, L2TP Support, VLAN Trunking Protocol (VTP) V.2, Media Redundancy Protocol (MRP), EtherChannel Support, Network Edge Access Topology (NEAT), CIP Support, UDP Support, TCP Support, FTP Support, Rapid PVST (RPVST), Flow-Based Span (FSPAN)
• Compliant Standards: IEEE 802.3u, IEEE 802.3z, IEEE 802.1d, IEEE 802.1q, IEEE 802.3ab, IEEE 802.1p, IEEE 802.3ad (LACP), IEEE 802.1w, IEEE 802.1x, IEEE 802.1s, IEEE 802.3ah, IEEE 802.1ab (LLDP), IEEE 1588v2
• RAM: 4 GB
• Built-in Devices: SD Card Reader

• Interfaces:
  • 18 x 10/100/1000 Base-T RJ-45 Downlink
  • 2 x Gigabit LAN Uplink
  • 1 x Serial (RS-232) RJ-45
  • 1 x Micro-USB Type B
  • 2 x Alarm Input
• Expansion Slots: 1 (total) / 1 (free) x SD Memory Card

Power

• Power Device: External Power Adapter
• Max Supported Quantity: 2
• Power Redundancy: Optional
• Power Provided: 12 - 48 V
• Power Consumption Operational: 36.7 Watts

In summary, the Cisco IE-3100-18T2C-E Catalyst IE3100 Rugged Series Switch is a robust and versatile networking solution that is built to withstand the harshest of conditions. Its rugged design, ample ports, ease of installation, advanced management capabilities, and reliability make it a top choice for various industries and applications.

Whether you're managing a manufacturing facility, overseeing transportation networks, working in the energy sector, or operating a small to medium-sized business, the Cisco IE-3100-18T2C-E can meet your networking needs. Its durability, versatility, and advanced features ensure that your network stays up and running, even in the toughest environments.

Investing in a reliable and rugged switch like the Cisco IE-3100-18T2C-E can lead to increased productivity, reduced downtime, and improved overall network performance. When it comes to networking solutions for challenging environments, this switch is undoubtedly a network essential.