Cisco IE-3500-8P3S-E: Cisco’s Ruggedized Industrial Ethernet Switch

The Cisco IE-3500-8P3S-E is part of Cisco’s next-generation Industrial Ethernet 3500 Series, purpose-built for harsh operational technology (OT) environments where reliability, security, and high-bandwidth connectivity are critical. With a compact form factor, modular uplinks, PoE/PoE+ support, and advanced Cisco IOS XE capabilities, this switch is ideal for smart cities, industrial automation, transportation, energy, and utility networks.

Overview of Cisco IE-3500-8P3S-E

The IE-3500-8P3S-E model offers 8 Gigabit Ethernet PoE/PoE+ ports and 3 Gigabit SFP uplinks along with Network Essentials feature licensing. As part of Cisco’s ruggedized portfolio, it delivers enterprise-grade switching with durability and longevity required in industrial deployments.

Key Technical Specifications

• Ports:
  • 8 × 10/100/1000 Mbps PoE/PoE+ Ethernet ports
  • 3 × 1G SFP uplink ports
• Power over Ethernet: PoE/PoE+ up to 240W depending on external power supply
• Software: Cisco IOS XE, Network Essentials
• Ruggedized Rating:
  • Operating temperature: –40°C to +75°C
  • Industrial-grade protection against shock, vibration, and EMI
• Redundancy Support:
  • Dual power inputs
  • MRP, REP, RSTP, MSTP
• Security:
  • MACsec (hardware-capable), 802.1X, DHCP snooping, DAI, port security
• Manageability:
  • Cisco DNA Center
  • Cisco Industrial Network Director (IND)
  • WebUI and CLI

Designed for Harsh Industrial Environments

The IE-3500 series inherits Cisco’s industrial-grade engineering, ensuring reliability in conditions where commercial switches typically fail.

Rugged Construction for Extended Durability

– Withstands extreme temperatures, humidity, and dust
– Hardened components for vibration-heavy applications (manufacturing floors, transportation systems)
– Fanless design reduces maintenance and failure points

Reliable Power Delivery with PoE/PoE+

The 8 PoE/PoE+ ports make the IE-3500-8P3S-E ideal for powering industrial endpoints, including:

1. IP cameras
2. Industrial sensors
3. Access points
4. IoT gateways
5. Security devices

High Performance for Modern Industrial Networks

Whether used in automation, smart infrastructure, or OT-IT convergence environments, the IE-3500-8P3S-E delivers consistent, low-latency switching.

Gigabit Speed and Modular Uplinks

The combination of 8 Gigabit PoE ports and 3 Gigabit SFP uplinks enables:

1. High-bandwidth device connectivity
2. Fiber uplinks for long-distance industrial segments
3. Scalable, modular configurations

Low-Latency Switching for Real-Time Applications

Optimized for industrial control traffic and deterministic communication patterns, enabling:

1. High-speed PLC communication
2. Real-time monitoring
3. Time-sensitive industrial processes

Advanced Security with Network Essentials

The IE-3500-8P3S-E includes the Network Essentials license tier, providing a strong baseline for security and visibility.

Security Features for Industrial Cyber Defense

1. 802.1X Network Access Control
2. Port security
3. DHCP Snooping & Dynamic ARP Inspection
4. IP Source Guard
5. Integrated TrustSec hardware support (MACsec-ready)

Segmentation and Network Policy Enforcement

VLAN segmentation and traffic policing allow admins to create secure, isolated zones for IT and OT devices—critical for modern industrial cybersecurity frameworks.

Simplified Deployment and Management

Cisco Industrial Ethernet switches are engineered for ease of management in mixed IT-OT environments.

Cisco IOS XE for Unified IT and OT Operations

Supports automation features like:

• RESTCONF
• NETCONF
• Model-driven telemetry
• Zero-touch provisioning

Centralized Management Tools

• Cisco DNA Center for enterprise-level automation and assurance
• Cisco IND for industrial-specific visibility
• Intuitive WebUI for quick configuration in the field

Typical Use Cases for the IE-3500-8P3S-E

Manufacturing Automation: Connects PLCs, sensors, robots, and HMIs with industrial redundancy protocols.
Transportation and Rail: Ensures resilient connectivity in rugged environments such as trackside cabinets and traffic intersections.
Smart Cities and Utilities: Supports power distribution systems, street lighting, and citywide surveillance.
Oil, Gas, and Energy Systems: Handles high-EMI environments with secure, reliable backbone connectivity.

Why Choose the Cisco IE-3500-8P3S-E?

This switch model stands out due to its balance of performance, rugged durability, and modular expansion capability. Its PoE support, industrial software features, and long-term reliability make it a top choice for future-proof industrial networks.