Cisco IE-3500H-16T-A: A Heavy-Duty, IP67 Industrial Ethernet Switch Built for Extreme Conditions

The Cisco IE-3500H-16T-A, part of the IE3500 Heavy Duty ruggedized switching portfolio, is designed for environments where traditional switches cannot survive. Featuring IP67 protection, 16 Gigabit Ethernet X-Code M12 interfaces, and the Network Advantage software package, this switch provides hardened performance for mission-critical industrial networks. It is ideal for transportation, oil and gas, rail, outdoor automation, smart cities, and heavy manufacturing.

Engineered to operate reliably in harsh, dirty, and vibration-prone environments, the IE-3500H-16T-A empowers organizations to scale securely with advanced industrial switching, zero-touch provisioning, and enterprise-grade security.

Key Features of the Cisco IE-3500H-16T-A

Rugged IP67 Heavy-Duty Enclosure

The IE-3500H-16T-A features an industrial-grade enclosure with IP67 ingress protection, making it resistant to dust, water immersion, vibration, shock, oil exposure, and extreme temperature ranges. This level of protection allows the switch to be mounted outdoors or in highly contaminated industrial environments without external enclosures.

16 GE X-Code M12 Interfaces for Secure Industrial Connectivity

Equipped with 16 Gigabit Ethernet X-coded M12 ports, the switch ensures tightly locked, vibration-resistant connections. M12 connectors are essential in rail, automotive assembly lines, defense, and industrial robotics—where standard RJ-45 ports would fail.

Network Advantage Software for Advanced Capabilities

The Network Advantage package unlocks features such as:

• Layer 3 dynamic routing
• Enhanced security (MACsec, segmentation, 802.1X)
• High-availability protocols
• Advanced QoS
• Better scalability for large industrial networks

This enables enterprises to deploy resilient, secure, and scalable network architectures aligned with modern OT/IT convergence.

High Performance and Fast Convergence

The switch supports Gigabit line-rate throughput across all ports and enables low-latency forwarding, deterministic performance, and fast recovery using:

• PROFINET and CIP Industrial Protocol support
• High-availability features such as REP, MST, ERPS
• Advanced time-sensitive networking (TSN-ready hardware foundation)

Technical Specifications of the IE-3500H-16T-A

• Model: Cisco IE-3500H-16T-A
• Series: Cisco IE3500 Heavy Duty
• Ports: 16 × 1G M12 X-coded Ethernet interfaces
• Uplink Capability: Multi-gigabit support depending on model family
• Enclosure Rating: IP67
• Operating Temperature Range: –40°C to +70°C (varies by installation conditions)
• Switching Capacity: 28 Gbps (typical for IE3500H models)
• Forwarding Rate: Up to 41.66 Mpps
• CPU & Memory: Industrial ARM CPU with secure storage and onboard memory
• Software Image: Network Advantage (L3 dynamic routing, segmentation, security)
• Redundancy & Resiliency: ERPS, REP, MST, PTP, VRRP
• Security:
  • 802.1AE MACsec
  • 802.1X port authentication
  • DHCP snooping
  • Dynamic ARP inspection
  • Secure boot image verification
• Power: Compliant with M12 power connectors, redundant power input
• Certifications: IEC, EN50155 (railway), industrial EMC ratings
• Deployment: DIN-rail or rugged wall mount

Industrial Use Cases

Transportation and Railway Networks

The vibration-resistant M12 X-code connectors and EN50155 compliance make it ideal for rolling stock, rail signaling, and intelligent transportation systems.

Oil, Gas, Mining, and Heavy Manufacturing

The IP67 enclosure and extreme-temperature capability enable reliable operation near heavy machinery, drilling rigs, compressors, and outdoor pipelines.

Smart Cities and Outdoor IoT Infrastructure

The switch thrives in outdoor roadside cabinets, pole-mount locations, and harsh environments that require long-term durability.

Benefits of Deploying the Cisco IE-3500H-16T-A

• Extreme durability with full metal IP67 enclosure
• High-speed Gigabit performance across all ports
• Supports secure, segmented industrial networks
• Reduces downtime in mission-critical applications
• Compatible with Cisco DNA Center and modern automation platforms
• Designed for easy field deployment with M12 interfaces and auto-provisioning

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What makes the IE-3500H-16T-A different from standard IE3500 models?
The IE-3500H series has a heavy-duty IP67 enclosure and M12 X-code connectors, while standard IE3500 switches typically use RJ-45 ports and IP30 enclosures.

2. Can the IE-3500H-16T-A operate outdoors without an additional cabinet?
Yes. Its IP67-rated housing allows direct outdoor installation without external protective enclosures.

3. Does the switch support advanced Layer 3 routing?
Yes. With the Network Advantage software image, the switch supports dynamic routing protocols such as OSPF, EIGRP, and VRF segmentation.

4. Which industries commonly use M12 X-coded connectors?
Railways, automotive manufacturing, defense, robotics, and high-vibration industrial plants rely on M12 for secure, locked-in connectivity.

5. Is the switch compatible with Cisco DNA Center?
Yes. It supports automation, monitoring, and security insights through Cisco DNA Center and modern industrial network management tools.

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