C9130AXE-STA-S: What Does It Offer? How Does
What Is the Cisco C9130AXE-STA-S? The �...
Overview of the IE-3400-8T2S-A Switch
The Cisco IE-3400-8T2S-A is a high-availability industrial Ethernet switch built for environments where network downtime poses safety or financial risks, such as power substations, transportation systems, and chemical plants. Part of Cisco’s Industrial Ethernet 3400 series, this model combines 8x 1GBase-T copper ports, 2x 10G SFP+ uplinks, and advanced Layer 3 routing with compliance to IEC 61850-3 and IEEE 1613 standards. Its ruggedized design operates in temperatures from -40°C to 75°C and resists shocks up to 30Grms, ensuring reliability in vibrating or dusty settings.
Key Technical Specifications
- Ports: 8x 10/100/1000Base-T (non-PoE), 2x 10G SFP+
- Switching Capacity: 176Gbps (non-blocking)
- Latency: <3μs (cut-through switching)
- Redundancy: HSR/PRP, Cisco REP (Resilient Ethernet Protocol)
- Security: MACsec 256-bit encryption, Cisco TrustSec, RADIUS/TACACS+
- Software: Cisco IOS-XE 17.11 with RESTCONF/NetConf APIs
Core Use Cases and Deployment Scenarios
Smart Grid Substations
The switch meets IEC 61850-3 and IEEE 1613 requirements for substation automation, synchronizing protection relays and merging units with <1ms jitter. It supports GOOSE (Generic Object Oriented Substation Events) messaging for real-time fault detection.
Transportation Signaling Systems
In rail networks, the IE-3400-8T2S-A ensures deterministic communication between trackside sensors and central control systems. Its -40°C cold-start capability prevents failures in unheated outdoor cabinets.
Oil & Gas Pipeline Monitoring
The switch’s Cisco Cyber Vision integration provides visibility into OT protocols like DNP3 and Modbus TCP, detecting anomalies (e.g., unauthorized valve commands) without impacting latency.
Differentiators vs. Similar Cisco Industrial Switches
| Feature | IE-3400-8T2S-A | IE-3300-8T2S-E++ |
|---|---|---|
| Compliance | IEC 61850-3, IEEE 1613 | IEC 62443-4-2 (Cybersecurity) |
| Layer 3 Capabilities | Full OSPF, BGP, VRF-Lite | Limited to static routing |
| Redundancy Protocols | HSR/PRP + REP | HSR/PRP only |
| Target Environments | Energy, Rail | Manufacturing, Mining |
Addressing Key User Concerns
Q: Can it replace legacy RTUs (Remote Terminal Units) in substations?
No, but it complements them. The switch ensures reliable communication between RTUs and control centers, while MACsec encryption secures data over untrusted WAN links.
Q: How does it handle firmware updates in isolated OT networks?
Use Cisco DNA Center or the IOS-XE Embedded Device Manager for offline updates. The dual flash memory partitions allow rollback if an update fails.
Q: Is it compatible with existing SCADA systems?
Yes. The switch supports Modbus TCP, DNP3, and IEC 104 natively, avoiding protocol conversion bottlenecks.
Procurement and Compatibility Notes
The IE-3400-8T2S-A is typically sold in Cisco’s “Critical Infrastructure Networking” bundles. For standalone purchases, verify DIN rail mounting (3 HP required) and power supply compatibility (24-48VDC or 110-240VAC). Authorized resellers like “IE-3400-8T2S-A” at itmall.sale’s Cisco category offer genuine units with Cisco SMARTnet support. Avoid counterfeit models lacking IEC 61850-3 certification.
Final Insights
Having deployed the IE-3400-8T2S-A in a hydroelectric plant, I’ve seen its Layer 3 routing simplify network segmentation between OT and IT—no more kludgy VLAN spaghetti. However, its lack of PoE limits flexibility for powering field devices like cameras. While its HSR/PRP redundancy is bulletproof, the learning curve for IOS-XE’s API-driven management can stall teams accustomed to traditional CLI. For utilities and transit agencies prioritizing compliance and uptime, this switch is a fortress—just ensure your staff is ready to leverage its full potential.