Cisco IE-4010-16S12P: A High-Performance Industrial Ethernet Switch for Rugged, High-Density Deployments

The Cisco IE-4010-16S12P is a powerful, ruggedized industrial Ethernet switch designed for harsh environments, high-bandwidth applications, and mission-critical industrial networks. Part of Cisco’s IE4000 family, this model combines 12 Gigabit SFP ports, 12 Gigabit copper PoE+ ports, and 4 Gigabit SFP uplinks, making it suitable for modern OT/IT convergence, industrial automation networks, utilities, transportation, and outdoor deployments.

Engineered for performance, scalability, and reliability, the IE-4010-16S12P supports advanced Layer 2/Layer 3 features, extended temperatures, industry-grade shock and vibration protection, and compliance with industrial protocols.

Overview of the Cisco IE-4010-16S12P

The IE-4010-16S12P is designed to solve the challenges of networks that must operate 24/7 in extreme and mission-critical environments. It delivers:

• High port density in a compact footprint
• Flexible fiber and copper combinations
• Robust PoE+ power for industrial devices
• Advanced security and industrial protocol support
• Extended temperature reliability
• Simplified management and scalability

This switch is ideal for hybrid industrial networks requiring both optical and copper connectivity, along with power delivery for field devices such as cameras, sensors, and wireless access points.

Key Hardware Specifications

• Model: Cisco IE-4010-16S12P
• Total Ports: 28
• Fiber Ports: 12 × 1G SFP
• Copper Ports: 12 × 1G PoE+ (IEEE 802.3at)
• Uplink Ports: 4 × 1G SFP
• Switching Capacity: 128 Gbps
• Forwarding Rate: 95 Mpps
• PoE Budget: Up to 240W (model dependent)
• Temperature Range: –40°C to +75°C
• Mounting: DIN-rail and panel mount
• Power Input: Dual redundant DC inputs
• Housing: Rugged, fanless, industrial-grade metal chassis
• Compliance: IEC, EN, NEMA TS-2, ATEX Zone 2 (varies by SKU)

High-Density SFP Architecture for Flexible Fiber Deployments

The switch includes 12 Gigabit SFP ports, providing exceptional flexibility for long-distance and high-reliability connectivity. This makes the IE-4010-16S12P ideal for:

• Industrial backbone rings
• SCADA networks
• Outdoor and campus fiber expansions
• Redundant fiber-ring architectures (REP, MRP, DLR)

Fiber SFPs allow deployment in areas with high EMI or long cable runs beyond copper limits.

PoE+ Capable Copper Ports for Industrial Power Delivery

The 12 Gigabit copper PoE+ ports provide power and data over a single cable, supporting:

• Industrial IP cameras
• Access control systems
• Wireless APs
• IoT sensors
• Environmental monitoring stations

PoE+ (30W per port) helps reduce cabling complexity, lower installation costs, and power devices in remote or difficult locations.

Advanced Uplink Options with 4 Dedicated SFP Ports

With four additional 1G SFP uplinks, the switch supports:

• Redundant uplink paths
• Hierarchical industrial network designs
• Layered ring topologies
• Segregated uplink traffic for OT and IT networks

This allows scalability without sacrificing access-layer port availability.

Performance and Software Capabilities

The IE-4010-16S12P supports a robust feature set, including:

Layer 2 and Layer 3 Capabilities

• VLANs, Trunking, QinQ
• MST, RSTP, REP, MRP
• Layer 3 static routing
• Policy-based routing
• VRRP and HSRP (license-dependent)

Industrial Protocol Support

• PROFINET
• EtherNet/IP
• Modbus TCP
• CIP Sync and PTP IEEE 1588v2 (for time-sensitive applications)

Security Features

• MACsec (model dependent)
• 802.1X authentication
• Port security
• Secure Boot and image signing
• Advanced Access Control Lists

Management and Diagnostics

• Cisco IOS
• Web UI, CLI, SNMP
• Cisco DNA Center compatibility
• Industrial Device Manager (IDM)
• Support for DHCP snooping, IP device tracking, and real-time monitoring

Rugged Industrial Design for Harsh Environments

The IE-4010-16S12P is built for environments where commercial switches cannot survive. Key rugged characteristics include:

• –40°C to +75°C operational temperature
• Conformal coating options
• Vibration, shock, and surge protection
• Fanless cooling for dust-heavy areas
• DIN-rail or panel mount support
• Redundant power input for uninterrupted operation

This durability ensures consistent performance in oil and gas fields, mines, transportation tunnels, power substations, and outdoor enclosures.

Common Use Cases and Deployment Scenarios

Industrial Automation & Manufacturing

Supports PLC networks, robotics, sensors, cameras, and real-time automation systems.

Utilities & Energy

Ideal for substations, SCADA systems, and smart grid infrastructure.

Transportation

Backbone for rail, traffic control, and roadside IoT networks.

Outdoor & Smart City Infrastructure

Perfect for surveillance, environmental monitoring, and connected lighting.

OT/IT Converged Networks

Provides high-performance switching to integrate operational data with enterprise IT systems.

FAQs

What is the main purpose of the Cisco IE-4010-16S12P?

It is designed for industrial networks requiring high port density, PoE+, and fiber flexibility in harsh environments.

Does this switch support both Layer 2 and Layer 3 features?

Yes, it supports advanced Layer 2 and Layer 3 capabilities, making it suitable for complex industrial network topologies.

How many PoE+ ports does the IE-4010-16S12P include?

It provides 12 Gigabit copper PoE+ ports, capable of delivering 30W per port.

Can the switch operate in extreme temperatures?

Yes. It is rated for –40°C to +75°C, making it ideal for outdoor and industrial conditions.

What uplink options are available?

It includes 4 dedicated 1G SFP uplink ports, separate from the 12 main SFP and 12 PoE+ ports.

For more information you can view the datasheets for CISCO IE4010 here.