Cisco IE-3505H-16T-E: The Rugged, High-Performance Industrial Ethernet Switch for Extreme Environments

The Cisco IE-3505H-16T-E stands out as one of the most durable and performance-optimized switches in the Cisco IE3500 Heavy-Duty family, engineered specifically for mission-critical industrial networks. With 16 Gigabit Ethernet M12 X-Code interfaces, IP67-rated protection, and support for Network Essentials features, this model delivers the speed, reliability, and resilience required in harsh outdoor and industrial settings.

Built for applications in transportation, manufacturing, oil and gas, mining, smart cities, and public safety, the IE-3505H-16T-E ensures strong performance even in extreme temperatures, vibration, moisture, shock, dust, and electromagnetic environments.

Cisco IE3500 Heavy Duty Platform Overview

The Cisco IE3500 Heavy Duty series is designed to deliver enterprise-grade switching capabilities in locations where standard networking hardware cannot survive. These switches support intent-based networking, advanced security, and high-bandwidth industrial applications, while featuring robust enclosures that eliminate the need for additional environmental housings.

The IE-3505H-16T-E is equipped with Gigabit Ethernet performance across all ports, making it ideal for high-density data, sensor networks, IP cameras, and industrial automation systems.

Key Features of the IE-3505H-16T-E

Rugged IP67 Industrial Design

The switch is fully sealed and IP67-rated, protecting it from dust, water ingress, oil, chemicals, and environmental contaminants. This allows deployment in outdoor locations, along railways, roadways, factory floors, tunnels, and high-vibration machinery zones without special cabinets.

High-Speed 16 GE M12 X-Code Interfaces

The switch includes 16 Gigabit Ethernet ports using M12 X-Code connectors, ensuring secure, vibration-resistant locking connections suitable for mobile, transportation, and high-shock environments.
These connectors prevent accidental disconnections and maintain stable data flow in mission-critical applications.

Built for Harsh Conditions

The IE-3505H-16T-E supports a wide operating temperature range and withstands extreme mechanical stress:

• Operating temperature typically –40°C to +75°C
• High shock and vibration compliance
• Corrosion-resistant, hardened enclosure
• EMC immunity for industrial zones

Network Essentials Feature Set

With the Network Essentials license, the switch provides important capabilities for industrial and enterprise networks, including:

• VLAN segmentation
• Layer 2 switching
• Rapid Spanning Tree (RSTP/MSTP)
• IGMP and multicast optimization
• Basic QoS for traffic prioritization
• Security features such as 802.1X and port security
• DHCP snooping and IP source guard
• Industrial protocol optimization

Technical Specifications

Below are key specifications of the Cisco IE-3505H-16T-E Heavy Duty switch:

• Model: IE-3505H-16T-E
• Interfaces: 16 × 1 Gigabit Ethernet M12 X-Code ports (10/100/1000 Mbps)
• Form Factor: Heavy-duty sealed enclosure
• Ingress Protection Rating: IP67
• MAC Address Table: Up to 16k entries
• Forwarding Rate: Wire-speed performance
• Switching Capacity: Typically 32 Gbps or higher (depending on model variant)
• Power Options:
  • M12 power connector
  • Low-voltage and high-voltage DC options
• Power over Ethernet (PoE): Not available on this specific model
• Temperature Range: –40°C to +75°C
• Cooling: Passive, no moving parts
• Redundancy:
  • Ring protection support (ERP/G.8032)
  • STP, RSTP, MSTP
• Security:
  • Port security
  • 802.1X authentication
  • DHCP Snooping
  • Dynamic ARP Inspection
• Software: Cisco IOS XE
• Licensing: Network Essentials
• Mounting: Panel or DIN rail (using heavy-duty brackets)

Applications of the Cisco IE-3505H-16T-E

Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS)

The rugged IP67 build and M12 connectors make this switch ideal for roadside cabinets, intersections, public transit vehicles, traffic control systems, and tunnel monitoring.

Industrial Automation

With its fast L2 switching and high bandwidth, the switch supports PLC networks, SCADA systems, robotic lines, and sensor connectivity in demanding factory environments.

Outdoor and Harsh Environments

Ideal for oil and gas fields, mining operations, seaports, substations, and military-grade outdoor deployments.

High-Bandwidth Surveillance

Its Gigabit interfaces support multiple high-definition IP cameras in rugged or mobile deployments.

Benefits

Long-Term Reliability

A fully sealed, shock-resistant design ensures consistent operation for years without maintenance.

Network Scalability

Gigabit performance across all ports supports real-time data, video, and control applications.

Lower Total Cost of Ownership

The heavy-duty enclosure eliminates the need for external environmental housings or air-conditioned cabinets.

Simplified Deployment

M12 connectors ensure secure locking mechanisms, making installations quick and resilient.

FAQs

1. What makes the IE-3505H-16T-E different from regular Cisco IE3500 switches?
This model includes a fully sealed IP67 enclosure and M12 X-Code ports designed for harsh, high-vibration environments, which standard IE3500 models are not built for.

2. Does the IE-3505H-16T-E support Power over Ethernet (PoE)?
No, this specific model does not include PoE output. Other IE3500 variants may support PoE depending on configuration.

3. Is the switch manageable with Cisco DNA Center?
Yes. As part of the IE3500 family running IOS XE, it supports DNA Center for automation, monitoring, and assurance.

4. Can it operate in extreme temperatures?
Yes. The switch supports a rugged temperature range from –40°C to +75°C, ensuring stable performance outdoors and in industrial plants.

5. What connectors does the switch use?
The IE-3505H-16T-E uses M12 X-Code connectors for all Ethernet ports, providing secure, vibration-resistant connections ideal for transportation and heavy industry.

For more information you can view the datasheets for CISCO IE3500H here.