Cisco Catalyst IE-9320-24T4X-A: High-Performance Industrial Ethernet Switch

The Cisco Catalyst IE-9320-24T4X-A is part of Cisco’s ruggedized Industrial Ethernet 9300 Series, designed to deliver reliable, high-speed networking in harsh industrial environments. With advanced stacking capabilities, multiple uplinks, and flexible deployment options, this switch is ideal for manufacturing, energy, transportation, and other mission-critical applications.

Overview of Cisco Catalyst IE-9320-24T4X-A

The Catalyst IE-9320 series is engineered for industrial automation and enterprise-edge deployments. The IE-9320-24T4X-A model specifically provides 24 Gigabit Ethernet copper (GE Cu) downlink ports and 4 10G SFP+ uplink ports, allowing seamless connectivity between industrial devices and data centers. Its rugged design ensures continuous operation even in extreme temperatures, vibration, or dusty conditions.

Key Specifications and Features

• Ports: 24 x 10/100/1000 GE Cu downlink ports, 4 x 10G SFP+ uplink ports
• Stacking: Supports Cisco StackWise-160 and StackWise Virtual technology for flexible network expansion
• Industrial Reliability: Operates in temperatures ranging from -40°C to 75°C
• Redundancy: Dual power inputs with hot-swappable support for high availability
• Network Performance: Wire-speed forwarding, low latency, and high throughput for industrial applications
• Security: Advanced security features including 802.1X authentication, port security, and MAC address filtering
• Management: Supports Cisco DNA Center, Cisco IOS XE, and SNMP for centralized network management
• MTBF: High mean time between failures for maximum uptime in mission-critical networks
• Form Factor: Rack-mountable with compact industrial design

Advantages of Using the Catalyst IE-9320-24T4X-A

The Catalyst IE-9320-24T4X-A combines enterprise-grade performance with industrial durability. Its high-density GE downlink ports make it suitable for connecting multiple industrial endpoints, while the 10G uplinks provide high-speed aggregation to backbone networks. Stackable capabilities allow for simplified expansion without disrupting existing network architecture. Additionally, its extensive security and reliability features make it ideal for applications where downtime or data loss is unacceptable.

Deployment Scenarios

This switch is perfect for a variety of industrial and commercial environments:

• Manufacturing Facilities: Connects machines, sensors, and PLCs while maintaining low latency communication
• Energy and Utilities: Supports high-speed SCADA networks with redundant paths for critical operations
• Transportation Systems: Provides reliable networking for smart traffic, railway, or airport systems
• Industrial Automation: Ensures uninterrupted connectivity for automated processes and IoT devices

Power and Connectivity Options

The IE-9320-24T4X-A supports dual redundant power supplies and can operate with both AC and DC power sources. Its 24 GE downlink ports allow connection of standard industrial devices, while 4 10G SFP+ uplinks provide high-bandwidth aggregation to core networks or data centers. The switch also supports advanced stacking, enabling multiple switches to function as a single logical unit.

Performance and Security

With wire-speed forwarding and advanced QoS capabilities, the IE-9320-24T4X-A ensures deterministic performance for industrial applications. Security is enhanced through network segmentation, 802.1X authentication, MAC address filtering, and secure management protocols. These features are critical for environments where cyber threats or network interruptions can cause significant operational disruption.

FAQs About Cisco Catalyst IE-9320-24T4X-A

1. What is the maximum number of devices that can be connected to the Catalyst IE-9320-24T4X-A?
   The switch offers 24 GE copper downlinks and 4 10G SFP+ uplinks. Additionally, one can connect additional devices through stacked switches for expanded capacity.
2. Can the IE-9320-24T4X-A operate in extreme environments?
   Yes, it is rated for industrial temperatures ranging from -40°C to 75°C, making it suitable for harsh conditions.
3. Does the switch support network stacking?
   Yes, it supports Cisco StackWise-160 and StackWise Virtual, enabling multiple switches to operate as a single logical unit.
4. What kind of redundancy features are available?
   It has dual hot-swappable power supplies and supports link redundancy for uninterrupted operations.
5. Is the Catalyst IE-9320-24T4X-A suitable for industrial automation applications?
   Yes. CISCO has designed it for industrial automation. As a result it provides reliable, low-latency connectivity for sensors, PLCs, and IoT devices.

Conclusion

The Cisco Catalyst IE-9320-24T4X-A is a high-performance, industrial-grade switch that combines reliability, scalability, and security. With 24 GE copper downlinks, 4 10G SFP+ uplinks, stackable architecture, and rugged construction, it is ideal for demanding industrial and enterprise-edge environments. For businesses seeking uninterrupted operations and high-speed networking in harsh conditions, this switch provides an effective and future-ready solution.

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