Cisco IEM-3500-8T: High-Performance 8-Port Gigabit Copper Expansion Module for IE3500 Industrial Switches

The Cisco IEM-3500-8T is an 8-port Gigabit Ethernet copper expansion module designed to enhance the flexibility, port density, and industrial networking capabilities of the Cisco Catalyst IE3500 Rugged Series. Built for harsh operational environments, this expansion module supports advanced security, deterministic industrial communication, and long-life reliability, making it an ideal choice for manufacturing plants, transportation networks, energy systems, and smart city applications.

Overview of the IEM-3500-8T Expansion Module

The IEM-3500-8T adds eight 10/100/1000BASE-T copper ports to any IE3500 modular switch chassis. It integrates seamlessly with the base system using Cisco’s modular design, enabling network designers to scale horizontally without replacing the entire switch.

The expansion module is field-replaceable and hot-swappable, ensuring operational continuity in environments where downtime is costly.

Key Features of the Cisco IEM-3500-8T

• Eight Gigabit Ethernet copper ports (RJ-45)
• Layer 2 industrial switching support
• Rugged design rated for extreme temperatures and vibration
• Full IEEE standards compliance
• Zero-touch provisioning compatibility
• Enhanced industrial security capabilities
• DIN-rail and panel-mount installation (through IE3500 chassis)
• Hot-swappable module design

Technical Specifications

Port Specifications

• Port type: 8 × RJ-45 copper ports
• Speed: 10/100/1000 Mbps auto-negotiation
• Duplex: Full/Half (auto-detect)
• Auto-MDIX: Supported
• Maximum Ethernet distance: 100 meters (Cat 5e/6/6a cables)

Environmental Tolerances

• Operating temperature: –40°C to +75°C (industrial range)
• Storage temperature: –40°C to +85°C
• Humidity: 5% to 95% non-condensing
• Shock and vibration: Compliant with IEC 60068 and EN 300 standards

Power and Consumption

• Module power draw: low-consumption design (exact watts dependent on switch model)
• Power supplied by host IE3500 chassis (no external power source required)

Security Capabilities

• MACsec support (via base switch capabilities)
• Secure boot and image signing
• Access control lists
• 802.1X port-based authentication
• DHCP snooping, dynamic ARP inspection, IP source guard

Compatibility

• Works with Cisco Catalyst IE3500 Rugged Series
• Fully compatible with both standard and extended temperature IE3500 models
• Supports Cisco IOS XE operating system with industrial extensions

Why the IEM-3500-8T Matters for Industrial Networks

Growing industrial environments require high-bandwidth, low-latency connections for IoT sensors, controllers, actuators, and SCADA devices. The IEM-3500-8T expansion module brings more flexibility to network architects by enabling:

• Higher port density without replacing the core switch
• Gigabit-speed connectivity for modern industrial devices
• Scalability to support future OT/IT convergence
• Reliable operations in harsh environmental conditions

The module’s rugged engineering ensures consistent uptime in the presence of electrical noise, physical shocks, and temperature extremes common across industrial sectors.

Deployment Scenarios

Manufacturing Automation: Supports PLCs, robotics, HMIs, and sensors requiring stable Gigabit Ethernet.

Transportation Infrastructure: Suitable for traffic control cabinets, railway systems, and roadside units.

Energy and Utilities: Designed for substation automation and harsh grid environments.

Smart Cities: Connects field devices such as surveillance cameras, environmental sensors, and edge IoT units.

Benefits of Deploying the Cisco IEM-3500-8T

• Increases the lifespan of existing IE3500 switches
• Reduces CAPEX by expanding rather than replacing
• Supports modern Gigabit-speed demand for industrial IoT
• Improves reliability in mission-critical operations
• Strengthens security across the OT network

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What switches are compatible with the IEM-3500-8T?
It is designed specifically for the Cisco Catalyst IE3500 Rugged Series modular industrial switches.

Does the module require its own power source?
No. It draws power directly from the IE3500 chassis and does not need external power.

Can the IEM-3500-8T operate in extreme temperatures?
Yes. It supports industrial temperature ranges from –40°C to +75°C.

Is the module hot-swappable?
Yes, the IEM-3500-8T can be replaced or installed without shutting down the switch.

Does it support industrial security features like 802.1X?
Yes. All Layer 2 security features supported by the IE3500 switch are available on the expansion ports.