Cisco CBS350-8T-E-2G-IN: What Makes It Ideal
Overview of the Cisco CBS350-8T-E-2G-IN Switch...
Defining the P3G2-RCKMNT-23IN= in Cisco’s Rugged Portfolio
The Cisco P3G2-RCKMNT-23IN= is a 23-inch industrial rack mounting kit engineered for environments requiring MIL-STD-810G compliance, such as oil refineries, transportation hubs, and military field deployments. Unlike commercial rack solutions, this kit provides vibration dampening (up to 5 Grms), corrosion-resistant powder coating, and EMI shielding for Cisco Industrial Ethernet 4000 Series switches and routers.
Core specifications:
- Material: 14-gauge cold-rolled steel with zinc-nickel plating
- Load capacity: 40 lbs (18.1 kg) per unit, stackable up to 3 tiers
- Operating range: -40°C to +75°C (-40°F to +167°F)
- Certifications: NEBS Level 3, ETSI EN 300 019-1-4 Class 4.2
Key Differentiators for Industrial Use Cases
Generic 19-inch racks fail in harsh environments due to inadequate grounding and thermal stress. The P3G2-RCKMNT-23IN= addresses these gaps through:
- Galvanic isolation: Prevents ground loops in multi-voltage setups (common in solar/wind farms).
- Tool-less rail adjustment: Accommodates irregularly shaped devices like Cisco IR1101 routers with expansion modules.
- Seismic reinforcement: Lateral bracing reduces sway during earthquakes (tested to IBC 2018 standards).
Cisco’s 2023 Industrial Networking Validated Design Guide cites a 92% reduction in maintenance incidents when using this kit versus third-party alternatives in offshore drilling platforms.
Compatibility and Physical Constraints
This mount kit is purpose-built for specific Cisco hardware:
- Primary: Cisco IE-4010-16S16D-G-E and IE-3400-8P2S-E switches
- Secondary: Cisco IR1101-K9 routers with HWIC-4G-LTE-V2 modules
Critical installation guidelines:
- Allow 4.5 cm clearance on all sides for heat dissipation in enclosed cabinets.
- Use M6 stainless steel bolts (included) – substituting with aluminum fasteners risks shear failure at temperatures below -20°C.
- Avoid mounting UPS systems above the kit – uneven weight distribution can warp rails.
Addressing Common Deployment Questions
Q: Can this kit integrate with non-Cisco 23-inch racks?
Yes, but only if the host rack meets EIA-310-E depth specifications (700 mm minimum). Adapter plates are required for Telco-style 19-inch frames.
Q: Does the EMI shielding interfere with PoE++ (90W) delivery?
No. The Faraday cage design filters frequencies above 1 GHz (e.g., 5G interference) while allowing DC power transmission at 99.3% efficiency (per Cisco TAC lab tests).
Q: How does it handle salt spray corrosion?
The zinc-nickel coating withstands 1,000 hours of ASTM B117 salt fog testing. For coastal sites, apply Cisco-recommended Corrosion Block Grease (P/N: CBG-100) annually.
Procurement and Obsolescence Considerations
Though still supported under Cisco’s Limited Lifetime Warranty, the P3G2-RCKMNT-23IN= is classified as End-of-Sale (EOS) since Q3 2023. Verified refurbished units are accessible via [“P3G2-RCKMNT-23IN=” link to (https://itmall.sale/product-category/cisco/).
When sourcing:
- Confirm the presence of Cisco’s tamper-evident seal on the static-shielded packaging.
- Reject units with scratched QR labels – counterfeits often lack the 12-digit Cisco audit code.
- Validate included hardware: 4x M6 bolts, 2x grounding straps, and a Torx T20 security wrench.
Long-Term Operational Insights
While newer Cisco Catalyst Industrial mounts offer wider temperature ranges, the P3G2-RCKMNT-23IN= remains unmatched for legacy IE-4000 deployments in explosive atmospheres (ATEX Zone 2). Its Achilles’ heel is the fixed 23-inch width – incompatible with modern slim switches. However, field technicians can extend service life by replacing factory-installed rubber grommets every 18 months (using Cisco Service Kit P3G2-GRMKIT-01). Organizations prioritizing backward compatibility over IoT-readiness will find this kit indispensable, but those scaling Industry 4.0 initiatives should transition to Cisco’s modular DIN-rail systems by 2025.