Cisco Announces New Innovations for More Connected Devices at the IoT Edge

To serve emerging requirements, Cisco IoT announced three new innovations to securely connect and scale remote operations, bringing real-time and bandwidth heavy IoT applications to fruition – anywhere – with the security and simplicity to scale with existing IT capabilities.

10 Gigabit Cisco Catalyst IE3300 Rugged Series Switches

Adding on to their Industrial Ethernet (IE) switching portfolio, Cisco announced new 10 Gigabit Cisco Catalyst IE3300 Rugged Series Switches. These switches extend the benefits of Cisco’s intent-based networking to the IoT edge to help secure, automate and manage deployments at scale, whether connecting video cameras on roadways, improving pedestrian safety in intersections, or monitoring quality on the plant floor.  The new 10G uplinks and 2.5 Gbps downlinks allow organizations to create better user experiences via Wi-Fi 6 or 802.11ac Wave 2 applications.  The new switch has 90W power over ethernet (PoE) ports to connect more devices. With this power and speed, more than 100 4K cameras can be connected in a ring topology.

With cybersecurity being top of mind for IT and operational users alike, the new switches support Cisco’s IoT security architecture, including Cisco Cyber Vision, providing the visibility, operational insights, and protection against cybersecurity threats in operational environments.  These new switch capabilities will allow organizations to transform their network cost effectively – without replacing their cabling infrastructure or installing new electrical circuits to power devices.

IR1101 Integrated Services Router for Critical Infrastructure and Remote Assets

Cisco also announced their IR1101 Integrated Services Router that can enable critical infrastructure and first responders with secure, reliable and uninterrupted connectivity, so that they can access information over a dedicated LTE band.  Cisco is finalizing FirstNet certification for cities, roadways, and public sector customers to have a dedicated network for any emergency in the future.

LTE Modules for Investment Protection and Flexibility of the IR1101

The company further announced two new LTE modules for investment protection and flexibility of the IR1101 at the IoT Edge.  The new Cisco LTE module, which supports Category 18, Private-LTE and CBR, and the new Cisco LTE Category 4 module.  Both provide an ultra-reliable connection to the public safety spectrum.  The new modules, combined with the IR1101 router, can also enable organizations with remote and distributed environments, including cities, utilities, and oil & gas, to support twice the amount of data.  This additional capacity allows organizations to use the LTE network to extend their wireless access network (WAN) anywhere – while also allowing them to have the speed and capacity to support bandwidth heavy, real-time applications where they need them.

Wireless Backhaul for On-The-Move Assets

Remote and autonomous operations are even more important for ports, mines, plants, and transportation systems with the focus on business resiliency. With the recent announcement of their intent to acquire Fluidmesh, Cisco will be able to provide reliable wireless communication to the most challenging environments, whether a high-speed train traveling at 300Km/h, or large dense areas that face signal impedance, such as shipping ports, mines and cities.