Cisco IE-9310-16P8S4X-E: Rugged, High-Performance Industrial Switching for Mission-Critical Networks

The Cisco Catalyst IE-9310-16P8S4X-E is a next-generation, ruggedized industrial Ethernet switch engineered to deliver high-bandwidth, high-availability connectivity in harsh environments. Equipped with 16 GE PoE+ downlink ports, 8 SFP fiber ports, and 4 high-speed 1/10G SFP+ uplink interfaces, this model provides the scalability, speed, and reliability required for Industry 4.0, smart manufacturing, utilities, transportation, and outdoor industrial deployments.

Designed on Cisco’s powerful Catalyst IE9300 architecture, the IE-9310-16P8S4X-E brings enterprise-grade switching, advanced security, and real-time industrial protocols into environments where durability and uptime are non-negotiable.

Key Features of the Cisco IE-9310-16P8S4X-E

High-Density Industrial PoE+

This switch offers 16 Gigabit Ethernet PoE+ copper ports, ideal for powering industrial IP cameras, wireless access points, sensors, and automation equipment. With robust PoE budgeting, it eliminates the need for external power injectors, simplifying field deployment.

Flexible Fiber and High-Speed Uplink Options

The combination of downlinks and uplinks makes it suitable for both access-layer and aggregation-layer roles:

• 8 SFP Gigabit downlink ports
• 4 SFP+ uplink ports supporting 1G/10G speeds

This mixture enables long-distance fiber runs, high-capacity uplinks, and redundancy for mission-critical network topologies.

Built for Harsh Industrial Conditions

The IE-9310-16P8S4X-E is purpose-built to survive extreme environments, including manufacturing floors, wayside rail cabinets, substations, outdoor enclosures, and energy facilities. Ruggedized hardware and industrial-grade components ensure reliable operation where commercial switches cannot survive.

Intelligent Network Management and Automation

The switch supports Cisco’s industrial network management ecosystem including:

• Cisco DNA Center automation
• Cisco Cyber Vision visibility and security
• Zero-touch provisioning (ZTP)
• Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) capabilities
• Support for industrial protocols such as PROFINET, CIP, and Modbus/TCP

This makes it easier for OT and IT teams to manage and scale large industrial deployments.

Technical Specifications: Cisco IE-9310-16P8S4X-E

Software Features

Ruggedization & Environmental Ratings

• Operating Temperature Range: Extended industrial temperature support (varies by power configuration)
• Ingress Protection: High-resilience metal enclosure suitable for dusty or humid environments
• Vibration & Shock: Compliant with industry standards for rail, manufacturing, and utility installations

Software & Security Capabilities

• Cisco IOS XE operating system
• MACsec link-level encryption (depending on license/software)
• Secure Boot and image signing
• IEC 62443-compliant security architecture
• Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching features
• VRRP, MST, RSTP, and advanced redundancy protocols
• DHCP Snooping, Dynamic ARP Inspection, and Port Security

Why Choose the IE-9310-16P8S4X-E for Industrial Networks?

Enterprise-Grade Performance in Industrial Conditions

You get Catalyst-class switching, deterministic performance, and long-distance fiber connectivity combined with rugged hardware built to withstand environmental extremes.

Investment Protection and Scalability

The combination of PoE+, Gigabit fiber, and 10G uplinks supports current and future bandwidth-heavy applications such as automation, AI-driven analytics, and HD video surveillance.

Simplified Deployment for OT/IT Teams

Whether integrating with SCADA, connecting cameras, or building redundant fiber rings, this switch supports automation tools and diagnostics that reduce downtime and simplify field engineering.

Ideal Use Cases

Smart Manufacturing

Connect automation controllers, drives, sensors, vision systems, and access control with PoE+ and fiber backbones.

Intelligent Transportation Systems

Perfect for roadside cabinets, tunnels, toll plazas, and traffic monitoring deployments.

Power Generation & Utilities

Engineered for substations, renewable energy sites, and distribution networks.

Oil, Gas & Mining

Rugged enough for remote outdoor environments with extreme temperatures and vibration.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What makes the IE-9310-16P8S4X-E different from other IE9300 models?
This model uniquely combines 16 PoE+ ports, 8 SFP ports, and 4 high-speed 10G SFP+ uplinks, offering one of the most versatile port combinations in the IE9300 family.

2. Can this switch operate in extreme temperatures?
Yes, the IE9300 series is designed for wide temperature ranges and industrial-grade conditions, depending on the specific power configuration.

3. Does the switch support Layer 3 routing?
Yes, the IE-9310-16P8S4X-E supports advanced Layer 3 routing features through Cisco IOS XE, including static routing, dynamic routing, and redundancy protocols.

4. Is it suitable for PoE-powered surveillance deployments?
Absolutely. With 16 PoE+ ports, it can power cameras, sensors, and access control devices without external power injectors.

5. Does it support 10-gigabit uplinks?
Yes. The switch includes four 1/10G SFP+ uplinks, enabling high-speed aggregation and backbone connectivity.

For more information you can view the datasheets for CISCO IE9300 here.