CBS350-8T-E-2G-EU: What Makes This Switch Uni
Introduction to the Cisco CBS350-8T-E-2G-EU...
ENCS-SED-12T: Core Architecture and Purpose
The ENCS-SED-12T is a Cisco Enterprise Network Compute System (ENCS) appliance designed for SD-WAN edge deployments and IoT gateway applications. This ruggedized platform combines 12TB encrypted SSD storage with Intel Xeon D-2100 processors, targeting industries requiring high-throughput data processing with compliance-grade security. Unlike standard ENCS models, it integrates FIPS 140-2 Level 3 self-encrypting drives (SEDs) for military-grade data protection.
Key Technical Specifications
- Processor: Intel Xeon D-2145NT (8-core, 1.9GHz base, 3.0GHz turbo)
- Storage: 2x 6TB NVMe SEDs in RAID 1 (12TB usable)
- Memory: 64GB DDR4 ECC (upgradable to 256GB)
- Network Interfaces:
- 4x 10G SFP+ ports
- 2x 1G RJ45 management ports
- 1x GPS/4G LTE module slot
- Security:
- TPM 2.0 with secure boot
- MACsec encryption on all 10G ports
- AES-256 full-disk encryption
Performance Comparison: ENCS-SED-12T vs. ENCS-5400
| Parameter | ENCS-SED-12T | ENCS-5408-K9 |
|---|---|---|
| Max Storage | 12TB | 4TB |
| Encryption Standard | FIPS 140-2 Level 3 | FIPS 140-2 Level 2 |
| Throughput (IPsec VPN) | 18 Gbps | 10 Gbps |
| IoT Protocols Supported | Modbus TCP, DNP3, CIP | Modbus TCP only |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to 70°C | 0°C to 40°C |
Note: The SED-12T’s extended temperature range makes it suitable for oil/gas field deployments.
Targeted Use Cases
1. Transportation Infrastructure
Deployed in railway signaling systems, the ENCS-SED-12T processes 20,000+ IoT sensor inputs/sec while maintaining <5ms latency for Positive Train Control (PTC) systems.
2. Energy Sector
In offshore drilling platforms, its IP67-rated chassis withstands saltwater exposure, while the SEDs prevent data tampering in SCADA/ICS networks.
3. Smart City Edge Analytics
Acts as a local AI inference node for traffic cameras, reducing cloud dependency through Cisco IOx-enabled machine learning models.
Critical User Concerns Addressed
Q: Can existing ENCS-5400 SD-WAN configurations migrate to the SED-12T?
A: Yes, using Cisco’s vManage 20.6+, but legacy LXC containers require rebuilds to leverage Intel SGX enclaves.
Q: How does the 12TB capacity align with data retention laws?
A: The dual-drive setup supports 90-day 4K video retention for compliance with GDPR/CCPA surveillance regulations.
Q: Is third-party HDD compatibility supported?
A: No. Cisco’s Secure Boot verifies drive firmware signatures. Non-certified drives trigger Hardware Integrity Fault alerts.
Deployment Best Practices
- RAID Rebuild Times: Allow 6-8 hours for 6TB drive replacements – faster than traditional 7.2K HDDs (24+ hours).
- Power Budgeting: At full load (IoT+encryption), allocate 150W DC power (95W typical).
- FIPS Compliance: Always enable TCG Opal 2.0 in BIOS before initializing the OS.
Licensing and Software Requirements
- DNA Advantage License mandatory for SD-WAN orchestration
- Cisco IOS-XE 17.12.1a (minimum) for TPM-backed zero-trust provisioning
- Limited to 50x Application Hosting containers vs. 200 on ENCS-5412
Legacy Support and Availability
While Cisco phased out the ENCS-SED-12T in Q3 2024, certified refurbished units with 1-year warranties remain accessible. For verified inventory and bulk pricing, visit [“ENCS-SED-12T=” link to (https://itmall.sale/product-category/cisco/).
Final Assessment: Is This Platform Still Relevant?
The ENCS-SED-12T fills a niche for hybrid edge-compute/storage workloads in harsh environments. Its 18 Gbps VPN throughput and SED resilience justify deployment in legacy industrial networks. However, for AI-first edge strategies, Cisco’s newer Catalyst 8200 Edge Series with integrated GPUs offers better long-term ROI.