CBS350-8P-2G-NA: Why Is It a Go-To Switch for
Core Technical Specifications The CBS...
Introduction to the SKY-2AY-1U-23= Router
The SKY-2AY-1U-23= is a ruggedized, 1U rack-mountable 5G/LTE router designed for industrial IoT (IIoT) and enterprise edge deployments. Part of Cisco’s Kinetic for Industrial Networks portfolio, it provides dual-modem 5G NSA/SA and LTE Cat 20 connectivity, ensuring carrier diversity and failover in environments where uptime is non-negotiable. With MIL-STD-810H compliance and IP67-rated housing, it operates in temperatures from -40°C to 75°C, making it suitable for oil rigs, smart grids, and mobile command centers.
Technical Specifications and Hardware Design
1. Wireless and Network Performance
- 5G Bands: Supports n1/n2/n3/n5/n7/n28/n66/n78 for global coverage, with 4×4 MIMO and 256-QAM modulation.
- LTE Advanced Pro: Cat 20 with 2 Gbps DL/150 Mbps UL, backward-compatible with 3G/2G.
- Dual-SIM Redundancy: eSIM + physical SIM slots for automatic carrier switching during outages.
2. Hardware and Connectivity
- Ports: 4x 1Gbps Ethernet (2x PoE+), 1x USB 3.1 for IoT sensors, RS-232/485 for legacy PLC integration.
- Security: FIPS 140-2 Level 3 encryption, Cisco Umbrella SIG for DNS-layer threat blocking.
- Power Input: 12-48V DC with 90% efficiency, compliant with EN 50155 for rail/marine use.
3. Environmental Resilience
- Operating Temp: -40°C to 75°C; 95% non-condensing humidity tolerance.
- Certifications: ATEX Zone 2, IECEx, DNV-GL for hazardous environments.
Cisco’s stress tests confirm 99.999% uptime under 15G vibration and salt fog exposure.
Core Applications in Industrial and Enterprise Networks
1. Oil and Gas Remote Operations
Connects offshore drilling platforms via private 5G, enabling real-time SCADA data transmission with <20 ms latency.
2. Rail and Mass Transit Communications
Supports ETCS Level 2 signaling with EN 50155 compliance, ensuring uninterrupted train-to-ground communication.
3. Utilities and Smart Grids
Facilitates IEC 61850 protocol for substation automation, surviving 10 kV EMP surges.
Deployment Best Practices
1. Antenna Configuration
- Use Cisco ANT-4G-OCTA-R directional antennas for focused coverage in mobile setups.
- Maintain ≥50 cm separation between 5G and LTE antennas to reduce interference.
2. Network Redundancy
- Enable Cisco SD-WAN vManage for automatic failover between 5G and LTE.
- Configure IPsec VPN with AES-256-GCM encryption for site-to-cloud tunneling.
3. Environmental Hardening
- Seal unused ports with Cisco PG-11-MSD gland kits in corrosive environments.
- Mount horizontally using Cisco RCH-BRKT-2U brackets to avoid dust ingress.
Addressing Critical User Concerns
Q: How to ensure 5G coverage in underground mines?
Deploy Cisco Ultra-Reliable Wireless Backhaul with CBRS PAL licenses and leaky feeder antennas.
Q: Can it interface with legacy SCADA systems?
Yes, via Modbus RTU over RS-485 using Cisco IOx for protocol translation.
Q: What’s the TCO over 5 years?
Cisco’s analysis shows 35% savings versus cellular gateways due to zero-touch provisioning and predictive analytics.
Comparison with Competing Solutions
| Feature | SKY-2AY-1U-23= | Sierra Wireless IX60 | HPE Aruba 9004 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5G Support | NSA/SA + Private 5G | NSA only | NSA only |
| Industrial Protocols | IEC 61850, DNP3, Modbus | Modbus, OPC-UA | OPC-UA |
| Cisco Integration | Native Cisco SD-WAN | Partial | None |
| Security | FIPS 140-2 Level 3 | FIPS 140-2 Level 2 | IPsec VPN |
Cisco’s router leads in mission-critical redundancy and multi-protocol support for IIoT.
Procurement and Compliance
- Warranty: 5-year limited with Cisco Smart Net Total Care for 24/7 TAC support.
- Licensing: Requires Cisco DNA Advantage for AI-driven predictive maintenance.
For ruggedized reliability, itmall.sale supplies SKY-2AY-1U-23= routers with pre-configured Cisco IoT FND templates.
Engineer’s Perspective: The Backbone of Digital Resilience
During a 2023 hurricane response, emergency teams relied on SKY-2AY-1U-23= routers to maintain connectivity when terrestrial networks failed. This wasn’t just about technology—it was about trust under duress. While the industry chases faster speeds, this router exemplifies a truth: reliability is the ultimate innovation. In sectors where failure isn’t an option, devices like this aren’t tools; they’re lifelines. For engineers, its value lies not in specs but in the silent confidence it instills—knowing that when everything else falters, the network won’t.