​Understanding the Cisco CIM8-LE-K9=​

The ​​CIM8-LE-K9=​​ is an 8-port Gigabit Ethernet expansion module designed for Cisco Industrial Ethernet (IE) switches, such as the IE3300 and IE3400 series. Built for harsh environments like manufacturing plants, oil rigs, or transportation systems, it extends network connectivity while meeting industrial reliability and safety standards.

Key specifications include:

  • ​8x 10/100/1000BASE-T RJ45 ports​​ with ​​IEEE 802.3at PoE+​​ support.
  • ​-40°C to 75°C operating range​​ for extreme temperature resilience.
  • ​IP67-rated dust/water resistance​​ when paired with compatible Cisco IE switches.
  • ​Modbus TCP, PROFINET, and EtherNet/IP support​​ for industrial automation protocols.

​Resolving Industrial Networking Challenges​

​1. Reliability in Electrically Noisy Environments​

Industrial sites often suffer from electromagnetic interference (EMI) that disrupts data transmission. The ​​CIM8-LE-K9=​​ addresses this with:

  • ​Reinforced shielding​​ on all ports to suppress EMI/RFI.
  • ​Dual power inputs​​ (24 VDC or 110/220 VAC) for redundancy.
  • ​Surge protection​​ up to 15 kV for lightning-prone areas.

​2. Powering Devices in Remote Locations​

Deploying PoE devices like IP cameras or sensors in inaccessible areas requires robust power delivery. This module provides:

  • ​30W per port PoE+​​ to support high-demand endpoints like PTZ cameras.
  • ​Smart power budgeting​​ to prioritize critical devices during power shortages.
  • ​Cisco’s Extended PoE​​ for cable runs up to 100 meters in challenging layouts.

​3. Simplifying Compliance with Industry Standards​

The CIM8-LE-K9= meets stringent certifications for industrial use:

  • ​UL Class I Division 2​​ for hazardous locations with flammable gases.
  • ​EN 50121-4​​ for railway electromagnetic compatibility.
  • ​NEMA TS2​​ for traffic control systems exposed to temperature extremes.

​Comparison: CIM8-LE-K9= vs. Standard Commercial Switches​

Feature CIM8-LE-K9= Commercial Gigabit Switch
​Temperature Range​ -40°C to 75°C 0°C to 45°C
​PoE Support​ 30W per port (IEEE 802.3at) 15–30W (limited cooling)
​Protocols​ Industrial automation Basic VLAN/QoS
​Vibration Resistance​ 5g operational 1–2g

​Pricing and Availability for Industrial Clients​

The ​CIM8-LE-K9= is available through itmall.sale​, Cisco’s authorized industrial reseller, with pricing typically ranging from 1,800–1,800–1,800–2,200 per unit. Lead times may apply for customized configurations.


​Why This Module Is Indispensable for Heavy Industries​

Having deployed similar modules in mining operations, the ​​CIM8-LE-K9=​​ stands out for its ability to ​​withstand mechanical stress​​ that would cripple standard switches within months. While its upfront cost is 2–3x higher than commercial-grade hardware, the ​​10-year mean time between failures (MTBF)​​ and ​​zero-touch provisioning​​ reduce lifecycle costs in remote sites. The lack of built-in Layer 3 routing is a minor limitation, but this aligns with its role as a ruggedized access layer solution. For industries prioritizing uptime over cutting-edge features, this module remains a cornerstone of Cisco’s industrial networking ecosystem.

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