Cisco IEM-3500-14T2S: High-Density 14 GE Copper + 2 GE SFP Expansion for the IE3500 Series

The Cisco IEM-3500-14T2S module is a versatile, high-port-density expansion option designed to significantly enhance the scalability of Cisco IE3500 rugged switches. Built for industrial environments, this module delivers a balance of copper and fiber interfaces, allowing enterprises to extend connectivity within harsh, mission-critical networks. With a combination of 14 Gigabit Ethernet (RJ-45) copper ports and 2 Gigabit Ethernet SFP uplink slots, it supports a wide range of devices, from controllers and sensors to uplink fiber connections across long distances.

This expansion module is engineered for manufacturing, utilities, transportation, energy, and other industries requiring a compact yet powerful switching footprint.

Key Features and Functional Advantages

High Port Density for Scalable Deployments

The IEM-3500-14T2S brings 16 additional Gigabit Ethernet ports to the IE3500 chassis—ideal for environments where multiple endpoints must be aggregated through a single ruggedized switch. The mix of copper and fiber ensures deployment flexibility across both short-reach and extended-reach segments.

Rugged Design for Harsh Industrial Conditions

Engineered according to the IEC and EN industrial standards, the module is resistant to temperature variations, vibration, shock, and electromagnetic interference. This makes it suitable for control panels, roadside cabinets, industrial floors, and outdoor environments.

Zero-Downtime Installation with Hot-Swappable Architecture

Designed to integrate seamlessly with the IE3500 series, the module supports hot insertion without requiring a system reboot. This allows operators to increase port capacity without disrupting network connectivity or industrial operations.

Flexible Fiber Uplinks

With 2 SFP (Small Form-Factor Pluggable) slots, the module enables multimode or single-mode fiber uplinks and supports long-distance connectivity between remote network nodes, field equipment, or data aggregation layers.

Detailed Specifications of the IEM-3500-14T2S Module

Hardware Specifications

• Total Ports: 16 (14 × 1GE Copper RJ-45 + 2 × 1GE SFP)
• Interface Speeds: 10/100/1000 Mbps
• SFP Support: 1GE SFP modules for multimode, single-mode, and long-reach fiber
• MTBF Rating: High mean time between failures suitable for mission-critical applications
• Hardware Compatibility: Cisco IE3500 series switches

Rugged Environmental Ratings

• Operating Temperature: –40°C to +75°C (depending on switch model and airflow)
• Shock & Vibration: Compliant with industrial IEC 60068 standards
• Ingress Protection: Fanless design with convection cooling
• EMI/EMC Certifications: Industrial-grade compliance for harsh electrical environments

Power & Performance

• Power Consumption: Low-power design matching the energy efficiency of IE3500 switches
• Forwarding Performance: Line-rate Gigabit switching on all 16 ports
• Redundancy Options: Supports ring topologies, redundant uplinks, and fast convergence

Benefits of Deploying the Cisco IEM-3500-14T2S

Future-Proof Scalability

Organizations can expand network capacity as their industrial systems grow—without replacing core switching hardware.

Enhanced Reliability in Industrial IoT

The rugged design reduces downtime in environments where dust, humidity, shock, and temperature fluctuations are common.

Improved Network Segmentation

With 14 copper ports, operators can isolate machinery, sensors, PLCs, and workstations into dedicated VLANs for improved security and traffic flow.

Long-Distance Communication with Fiber

The SFP ports support distributed systems, remote stations, and factory-to-data-center connectivity.

Use Cases for the IEM-3500-14T2S

Manufacturing and Automation

Supports high-density connection of PLCs, HMIs, robotics, sensors, and SCADA systems.

Transportation & Intelligent Traffic Systems

Ideal for roadside cabinets, train control systems, and traffic controller aggregation.

Oil, Gas, and Energy

Provides rugged, secure connectivity for distributed field assets and substations.

Utilities and Smart Grid Infrastructure

Enables reliable fiber-based uplinks for remote monitoring and control systems.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the IEM-3500-14T2S used for?
It is an expansion module for the Cisco IE3500 series switches that adds 14 copper Gigabit ports and 2 SFP uplink ports to support high-density industrial networking.

2. Is the module hot-swappable?
Yes, it supports hot insertion, allowing users to expand switch capacity without restarting or interrupting operations.

3. Are the SFP ports compatible with standard 1GE optics?
Yes, the SFP slots accept standard 1 Gigabit Ethernet SFP modules, including multimode and single-mode optics.

4. Can it operate in extreme temperatures?
The module is rated for industrial temperature ranges, typically –40°C to +75°C, depending on the installed switch chassis.

5. Which Cisco switch models support this module?
The IEM-3500-14T2S is designed for the Cisco IE3500 series industrial Ethernet switches.