Cisco IE-3500H-20FT4T-A Overview: Rugged, Secure, and Built for Extreme Industrial Networks

The Cisco IE-3500H-20FT4T-A is a heavy-duty, IP67-rated industrial Ethernet switch engineered to operate reliably in harsh outdoor and mission-critical environments. Part of the robust Cisco IE3500 Heavy-Duty series, this model combines 20 Fast Ethernet D-code ports, 4 Gigabit Ethernet X-code M12 interfaces, and Network Advantage software to deliver advanced Layer 3 capabilities, high security, and resilient performance for industrial IoT deployments, transportation systems, mining facilities, and outdoor automation networks.

Key Features and Benefits of the Cisco IE-3500H-20FT4T-A

Industrial-Grade Resilience and Protection

The switch is designed for environments where standard Ethernet hardware fails. With a rugged IP67 enclosure, it offers full protection against dust, water, shock, vibration, and extreme temperatures. This makes it ideal for rail, roadway, heavy manufacturing, smart grid, and outdoor surveillance applications.

Advanced Switching with Network Advantage

The inclusion of Network Advantage unlocks a complete set of advanced routing and security features, such as Layer 3 dynamic routing, segmentation, policy-based automation, and high-availability protocols. This enables the IE-3500H-20FT4T-A to function as a fully capable industrial distribution switch.

Flexible Connectivity with M12 Interfaces

This model includes secure and vibration-resistant M12 D-code and M12 X-code connectors, ensuring stable communication in environments with heavy machinery and constant motion. The combination of 20 FE ports and 4 GE ports supports both legacy and high-bandwidth devices.

High-Performance Hardware for Modern IIoT Demands

The Cisco IE-3500H-20FT4T-A provides intelligent traffic handling, high port density, and hardware-accelerated security. It integrates seamlessly with Cisco DNA Center for simplified automation and policy enforcement.

Detailed Specifications of the IE-3500H-20FT4T-A

Hardware and Interface Specifications

• Model: Cisco IE-3500H-20FT4T-A
• Enclosure Rating: IP67 heavy-duty metal housing
• Ports:
  • 20 × Fast Ethernet M12 D-code ports
  • 4 × Gigabit Ethernet M12 X-code ports
• Switching Capacity: Approximately 28 Gbps switching bandwidth (varies based on configuration)
• MAC Address Table: Up to 16,000 MAC addresses
• Packet Forwarding: Approximately 41.66 Mpps (platform dependent)
• Power Options:
  • M12 power connectors
  • Supports dual redundant power inputs
• Mounting: Panel, wall, or DIN-rail (depending on enclosure accessories)

Environmental and Ruggedization Specifications

• Operating Temperature: Typically –40°C to +70°C (with extended ranges depending on model variants)
• Humidity: 5%–95% non-condensing
• Shock and Vibration: Meets IEC 60068 and EN50155 requirements
• Ingress Protection: IP67 full sealed protection against water immersion and dust

Software and Security Capabilities

• Software License: Network Advantage
• Supported Features:
  • Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching
  • OSPF, EIGRP, BGP (depending on license)
  • VLANs, Private VLANs, ACLs
  • MACsec line-rate encryption
  • PTP (Precision Time Protocol)
  • MRP, REP, ERPS for industrial redundancy
  • DHCP Server, Snooping, Option 82
  • IGMP Snooping and Multicast Routing
  • Secure Boot and image signing
• Management Options:
  • CLI, SNMPv3
  • WebUI
  • Cisco DNA Center automation
  • NETCONF, RESTCONF, YANG models

Use Cases for the Cisco IE-3500H-20FT4T-A

Transportation and Mobility Systems

The switch’s M12 connectors and IP67 enclosure make it ideal for on-vehicle applications such as buses, trains, mining trucks, and autonomous industrial vehicles.

Outdoor Industrial Sites

Facilities exposed to dust, oil, water, vibration, and temperature extremes—such as refineries, ports, or construction yards—benefit from a switch designed to survive environmental stress.

Smart Cities and Intelligent Infrastructure

Supports roadside traffic systems, smart lighting, surveillance, and public safety networks requiring reliable Gigabit connectivity.

Why Choose the IE-3500H-20FT4T-A Over Standard Industrial Switches?

Superior Environmental Protection

Unlike IP30 or IP40 rated industrial switches, the IE-3500H-20FT4T-A provides IP67 protection, making it suitable for outdoor and mission-critical installations.

High-Density M12 Connectivity

Supports both legacy Fast Ethernet OT devices and modern Gigabit IIoT endpoints within the same rugged platform.

Future-Ready with Network Advantage

With advanced routing, segmentation, and security, it supports future expansion and integration with industrial automation systems and enterprise networks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What environments is the Cisco IE-3500H-20FT4T-A designed for?
It is designed for extreme industrial environments requiring IP67 protection, such as transportation, mining, manufacturing, and outdoor smart city deployments.

2. Does the switch support Layer 3 routing?
Yes. With the Network Advantage license, it supports full Layer 3 capabilities, including OSPF, EIGRP, static routing, and multicast routing.

3. Can this model operate on vehicles or mobile equipment?
Yes. Its shock-resistant M12 connectors and vibration-tested hardware make it suitable for trains, buses, heavy machinery, and autonomous vehicles.

4. What is the main difference between D-code and X-code M12 ports?
D-code ports support Fast Ethernet connectivity, while X-code ports support Gigabit Ethernet with higher bandwidth and improved shielding.

5. Is the switch compatible with Cisco DNA Center?
Yes. It can be fully managed and automated through Cisco DNA Center using modern telemetry and policy-based workflows.

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