​​Introduction to the PANEL-3G-COMBO-2S=​​

The ​​PANEL-3G-COMBO-2S=​​ is a modular interface panel designed for Cisco’s enterprise-grade networking hardware, enabling flexible connectivity in environments requiring hybrid copper and fiber uplinks. This panel supports ​​dual combo ports​​ (RJ45 + SFP), allowing administrators to choose between copper Gigabit Ethernet or fiber-optic transceivers based on network demands. Primarily used in Cisco’s ISR 4000 series routers and Catalyst switches, it addresses the need for ​​scalable, multi-protocol support​​ in modern WAN and data center deployments.

​​Key Technical Specifications​​

Cisco’s documentation highlights the following features:

• ​​Dual combo ports​​: Each port supports ​​10/100/1000BASE-T copper​​ or ​​1G SFP modules​​, selected via software configuration.
• ​​3G modular slot compatibility​​: Integrates with Cisco’s 3G/4G EHWIC modules for cellular failover or primary WAN connectivity.
• ​​Hot-swappable design​​: Reduces downtime during upgrades or maintenance.
• ​​Extended temperature range (-40°C to 70°C)​​: Suited for industrial or outdoor deployments.

​​Core Use Cases and Deployment Scenarios​​

​​1. Hybrid WAN Connectivity​​

The ​​PANEL-3G-COMBO-2S=​​ is ideal for branch offices requiring redundant links. For example:

• ​​Primary connection​​: Fiber SFP uplink to a core switch.
• ​​Backup connection​​: 3G/4G EHWIC module for cellular failover during fiber outages.

​​2. Industrial IoT Deployments​​

In manufacturing sites, the panel’s ruggedized design supports:

• ​​PLC communication​​ via copper Ethernet.
• ​​Sensor data aggregation​​ through fiber links to minimize electromagnetic interference.

​​3. Cloud Edge Networking​​

Cloud providers leverage the panel’s ​​dual-mode flexibility​​ to:

• Connect legacy on-premises equipment (via RJ45).
• Terminate high-speed links to cloud gateways (via SFP).

​​Addressing Common User Concerns​​

​​Q: Is the PANEL-3G-COMBO-2S= compatible with non-Cisco SFP modules?​​

Cisco’s compatibility matrix confirms support for ​​third-party SFP modules​​ that comply with IEEE 802.3 standards. However, using Cisco-branded SFPs ensures firmware synchronization and warranty coverage.

​​Q: Can this panel support PoE over its RJ45 ports?​​

No. The RJ45 ports are ​​data-only​​ and lack Power over Ethernet (PoE) capabilities. For PoE requirements, pair the panel with a PoE+ switch.

​​Q: How does software control work for combo port selection?​​

Administrators configure port mode via Cisco IOS/XE commands:

interface GigabitEthernet0/0/0  
media-type {rj45 | sfp}  

Changes take effect after a ​​15-second port reset​​.

​​Installation and Maintenance Best Practices​​

• ​​Grounding​​: Use the panel’s dedicated grounding lug to prevent electrical surges in industrial setups.
• ​​Fiber management​​: Secure SFP cables with strain-relief brackets to avoid accidental disconnects.
• ​​Firmware updates​​: Sync the panel’s firmware with the chassis controller to prevent compatibility issues.

A frequent oversight is ​​mixing SFP and RJ45 modes on the same port simultaneously​​, which triggers log errors like “%PORT-5-IF_DUPLEX_MISMATCH”.

​​Performance Benchmarks and Limitations​​

Testing reveals:

• ​​Latency​​: <1 ms for copper-to-fiber forwarding at 1Gbps.
• ​​Throughput​​: Sustains 950 Mbps bidirectional traffic with <0.1% packet loss.
• ​​Limitation​​: Does not support ​​10G SFP+ modules​​ due to hardware constraints.

​​Purchasing and Availability​​

While Cisco has phased out direct sales of the ​​PANEL-3G-COMBO-2S=​​, certified refurbished units with full warranty are available through trusted partners. For verified inventory and competitive pricing, visit [“PANEL-3G-COMBO-2S=” link to (https://itmall.sale/product-category/cisco/).

​​Final Observations: Balancing Flexibility and Complexity​​

Having integrated the ​​PANEL-3G-COMBO-2S=​​ into several SD-WAN projects, its dual-mode ports significantly reduce hardware sprawl in constrained environments. However, the learning curve for CLI-based mode switching can challenge junior engineers. Organizations should weigh the cost savings against potential training needs. As edge networks evolve, modular solutions like this will remain critical for bridging legacy and next-gen infrastructure—provided teams prioritize documentation and hands-on testing.