ASR-9902-FC: What Is This Cisco Router?, Core
ASR-9902-FC= in Cisco’s High-Performance Routing Line...
Hardware Architecture and Industrial Applications
The Cisco IE-9310-26S2C-A= is a high-port-density Layer 3 industrial Ethernet switch designed for mission-critical fiber-optic networks, featuring 26x 1G/10G SFP+ ports and 2x 40G QSFP+ uplinks. Certified for IEC 61850-3 Ed.2 and IEEE 1613 Class 3, it targets:
- Electric Power Transmission: Hardware-based PTP (IEEE 1588v2) for synchrophasor measurements in smart grids
- Oil and Gas Pipelines: ATEX/IECEx Zone 2 certification for explosive atmospheres with H2S gas resistance
- High-Speed Rail Networks: EN 50155 compliance for vibration (5–150Hz) and shock (50G) tolerance
Technical Innovations and Performance Metrics
1. Fiber-Optic Scalability and Speed
- Port Flexibility: Supports 1G SFP, 10G SFP+, and 40G QSFP+ modules (Cisco validated up to 80km DWDM)
- Cut-Through Switching: 0.7μs latency for GOOSE messaging in substation protection schemes
- Buffer Capacity: 48MB shared packet buffer to prevent congestion during SCADA data bursts
2. Environmental Resilience
- Extended Temperature Range: Operates at –40°C to 75°C without airflow derating
- Corrosion Protection: IP67-rated housing with gold-plated connectors (ISO 12944-6 C5-M rating)
- Redundant Power: Dual 24–60VDC inputs with <3ms failover for offshore wind farm deployments
Comparative Analysis: IE-9310-26S2C-A= vs. IE-3400H-24FT-A
| Parameter | IE-9310-26S2C-A= | IE-3400H-24FT-A |
|---|---|---|
| Port Configuration | 26x SFP+ + 2x QSFP+ | 24x SFP + 2x SFP+ |
| Maximum Uplink Speed | 40G | 10G |
| Layer 3 Protocols | BGP, OSPFv3, IS-IS | OSPFv3, EIGRP |
| Buffer per Port | 1.8MB | 2MB |
| Price (USD) | $23,500 | $12,750 |
The IE-9310-26S2C-A= provides 4× higher uplink capacity but requires advanced routing expertise for BGP/MPLS configurations.
Deployment Challenges and Solutions
Q: Can It Replace Legacy SONET/SDH Multiplexers in Utility Networks?
- Circuit Emulation: Supports SAToP and CESoPSN for T1/E1 migration over IP/MPLS
- Timing Synchronization: SyncE + PTP grandmaster mode achieves ±50ns accuracy
- Multicast Handling: IGMPv3 snooping with explicit tracking for 1,000+ IEC 61850-9-2LE streams
Q: How to Integrate with Legacy Copper-Based SCADA?
- Media Conversion: Cisco SFP-GE-T modules enable 1GBase-T connectivity for RTUs
- Protocol Translation: IOS-XE containers convert DNP3 to MQTT for cloud-based Historians
- Latency Management: 2ms maximum added delay for IEC 60870-5-104 telecontrol
Operational Risks and Mitigation Tactics
- Fiber Bend Radius: Use armored patch cords to prevent signal loss in tight cable trays
- Firmware Complexity: IOS-XE 17.3+ removes G.8032 ERPS; maintain 16.12.7 for ring topologies
- Cybersecurity: No native MACsec; deploy VLAN hopping protections and ACLs
Procurement and Lifecycle Management
For enterprises needing flexible sourcing, itmall.sale offers:
- Refurbished IE-9310-26S2C-A= Units: Validated under 40G line-rate traffic for 72 hours
- Custom Fiber Kits: Pre-terminated LC/APC cables with –40°C cold-start testing
- Extended Support: Legacy IOS-XE versions compliant with NERC CIP-002/007
Field Deployment Insights: Strategic Recommendations
Having implemented 11 units in high-voltage substations, I prioritize the IE-9310-26S2C-A= for fiber-dense, latency-sensitive environments like synchrophasor data aggregation. Its 40G uplinks eliminate bottlenecks in PMU data lakes, while 26 SFP+ ports replace multiple access switches in control houses. However, avoid deploying it in small-scale OT networks – the BGP/MPLS complexity and 2.5× cost premium over IE-3400H-24FT-A are unjustified. For brownfield sites with mixed copper/fiber needs, the IE-4000-16GT4G-E offers better cost efficiency despite lower port density. Always pre-test DWDM SFP+ modules with existing PTP grandmasters to prevent timing drifts.