Item: Cisco Catalyst IE3300 Rugged Series Switches
Rating: 10
Author: Verified User

Overall Satisfaction with Cisco Catalyst IE3300 Rugged Series Switches

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

The Cisco Catalyst IE3300 Rugged Series Switches is an extension to the IE2000U we currently have which provide us with a redundant connection to the network for some critical OT equipment. It allow us to have the device mounted in the same cabinet as the PLC and IO devices and connection to HMI's that allow the system to run standalone. Using these units with new 9300 switch stack allows us to connect over two switches in the stack to provide redundancy in case we lose a switch in the stack. Utilising the dual built in power supplies also allows to use 2 x 24V power supplies in the cabinet. More of these are planned to be rolled out in the OT environment in the same setup.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Provides easy power options that link with the power supply requirements
Fanless design allows installation in various environments
Running Cisco standard IOS makes upgrades easy
Cisco Catalyst IE3300 Rugged Series Switches allows integration with Cisco/Cyber Vision

Cons

Option for dual purpose SFP/Copper uplink ports

Most Important Features

Reliability
Option to expand if required

Return on Investment

Reliability of Cisco products
Longer term support options
Integration in with Catalyst Center/DNA center

Network Management

At this stage it is not integrated into DNA center however it will be user to record/backup configurations and config changes plus any monitoring.

Network Segmentation

This particular device won't be used with segmentation as the subnet it will be supporting is already segmented.

Scalability

Options to expand are great and offer some flexibility when required.

Alternatives Considered

Cisco was chosen over some cheaper alternatives due to the easy integration and knowledge with existing Cisco products used. This support costs to be reduced using in house expertise and simplifying the environment.

Key Insights

Do you think Cisco Catalyst IE3300 Rugged Series Switches delivers good value for the price?

Not sure

Are you happy with Cisco Catalyst IE3300 Rugged Series Switches's feature set?

Yes

Did Cisco Catalyst IE3300 Rugged Series Switches live up to sales and marketing promises?

Yes

Did implementation of Cisco Catalyst IE3300 Rugged Series Switches go as expected?

Yes

Would you buy Cisco Catalyst IE3300 Rugged Series Switches again?

Yes

Other Software Used

Cisco Catalyst Center, Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE), Cisco Wireless LAN Controllers

Likelihood to Recommend

Ideal for standard OT cabinet environments where DIN mounting is available alone with 12-24V power systems. Many of these have no ventilation so the Cisco Catalyst IE3300 Rugged Series Switches's design is perfect.

Comments

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Cisco Catalyst IE3300 Rugged Series Switches chosen for reliability and flexibility.