Cisco IE3300 and IE3400 Module & Power Supply Selection Guide
If you are choosing between Cisco IE3300 and IE3400, the fastest way to get the right BOM is to follow this order: choose the base switch first, then the expansion module, then the power supply, and only then confirm the usable PoE budget.
That order matters because both families use redundant DC input, support multiple external DIN-rail PSU options, and do not convert PSU wattage into one-to-one usable PoE power.
For most buyers, the real selection comes down to four questions: how many endpoints need to connect, whether those endpoints need PoE, what kind of expansion path the project needs, and what power is actually available in the cabinet. Once those four points are clear, the shortlist becomes much easier.
This guide focuses specifically on IE3300 and IE3400 BOM configuration. If you’re still deciding between IE families (IE3100, IE3200, IE3500, or IE9300), start with our full Cisco industrial switch lineup overview before continuing.
Six Factors to Check Before Choosing an IEM Module or Power Supply
1. Confirm the endpoint count first
Start with actual devices, not part numbers. Count what needs to connect today, then add realistic growth. That tells you whether a base system is enough or whether you should plan around an expansion module immediately.
2. Check the input power environment
In industrial switch projects, the cabinet power environment matters earlier than many buyers expect. Some sites already have DIN rail space and DC power available, while others only have standard AC power and need an AC-to-DC industrial power supply before the switch can be powered correctly. PoE designs are even more specific, because Cisco’s IE3200, IE3300, and IE3400 DIN-rail platforms require an external 54V DC power supply for PoE operation. If the site power condition is still unclear, it is better to confirm the cabinet power design first and then finalize the switch BOM. For more detail, see our industrial switch power wiring guide.
3. Confirm whether PoE is required and plan the real budget
Do not stop at “PoE yes or no.” Ask what the switch is powering. Phones, cameras, APs, sensors, and higher-power edge devices create very different power plans. On these families, 48VDC is required for PoE and 54VDC is required for PoE+. On the IE3300 multigig platform, 54VDC is also required for PoE+ and 4PPoE.
4. Define the expansion direction early
Decide early whether the cabinet is likely to need more copper ports, more fiber ports, more PoE ports, or multigig ports. That one decision usually narrows the right IEM family very quickly.
5. Plan for future changes, not just the first install
A switch that looks right on day one can become the wrong BOM six months later if you ignore future APs, cameras, additional cabinets, or fiber handoff needs. Modular industrial switches are bought for flexibility. Use that flexibility on purpose.
6. Decide how much redundancy you expect
Both families are designed around dual DC power inputs, so redundancy is not only a network design issue. It is also a cabinet power design issue. If the site requires dual feeds or stronger operational resilience, that should influence the PSU plan from the start.
How to Choose IEM Modules and Power Supplies for Cisco IE3300
Cisco IE3300 base models overview
IE3300 is the more flexible family. It covers both 1G-uplink and 10G-uplink designs, and it is also the family to look at when multigig access or higher PoE capability matters.
| Model | Default Ports | Port Type | PoE Support | Official PoE Budget |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IE-3300-8T2S-E | 8 RJ45 + 2 SFP | 1G copper + 1G fiber uplinks | No | N/A |
| IE-3300-8P2S-E | 8 PoE RJ45 + 2 SFP | 1G copper PoE + 1G fiber uplinks | Yes | Up to 360W with expansion |
| IE-3300-8T2X-E | 8 RJ45 + 2 SFP+ | 1G copper + 1G/10G uplinks | No | N/A |
| IE-3300-8U2X-E | 8 multigig PoE + 2 SFP+ | 1G/2.5G copper + 1G/10G uplinks | Yes | Up to 480W with expansion |
How to choose the right IE3300 power supply
For IE3300, the PSU decision should be made by power environment first and PoE demand second.
In real projects, the practical rule is simple:
- 50W for non-PoE cabinets
- 170W as the realistic entry point for normal PoE edge use
- 240W for stronger PoE headroom
- 480W for high-PoE, multigig PoE, or expansion-heavy cabinets
If the site involves hazardous locations, be careful with the larger PSU options, because that can affect the correct shortlist.
Cisco IE3300 PoE budget planning
This is where many BOMs fail. Usable PoE budget is not the same as PSU wattage.
The practical formula is:
Estimated usable PoE budget = PSU wattage − base switch draw − module draw
Then cap that number at the platform’s official maximum PoE budget.
For IE3300, base-switch power draw is:
- 23W for IE-3300-8T2S
- 32W for IE-3300-8P2S
- 28W for IE-3300-8T2X
- 42W for IE-3300-8U2X
Module draw is:
- 6W for IEM-3300-8T
- 9W for IEM-3300-6T2S
- 12W for IEM-3300-16T
- 14W for IEM-3300-8P
- 16W for IEM-3300-14T2S
- 19W for IEM-3300-8S
- 20W for IEM-3300-4MU
- 21W for IEM-3300-16P
| Model | Power Supply | Estimated PoE Budget | Recommended Scenario |
|---|---|---|---|
| IE-3300-8P2S-E (base only) | 170W | ~138W | Light PoE edge |
| IE-3300-8P2S-E (base only) | 240W | ~208W | Standard PoE cabinet |
| IE-3300-8P2S-E + IEM-3300-8P | 240W | ~194W | Moderate PoE expansion |
| IE-3300-8P2S-E + IEM-3300-16P | 480W | capped at 360W | Dense 24-port PoE deployment |
| IE-3300-8U2X-E (base only) | 240W | ~198W | High-speed PoE edge |
| IE-3300-8U2X-E (base only) | 480W | ~438W | Higher-power multigig PoE |
| IE-3300-8U2X-E + IEM-3300-8P | 480W | ~424W | 10G uplink + expanded PoE |
| IE-3300-8U2X-E + IEM-3300-4MU | 480W | ~418W | Higher-power AP or camera edge |
How to choose the right IE3300 IEM module
IE3300 is the better choice when flexibility matters.
The module direction is usually simple:
- IEM-3300-8T / IEM-3300-16T for more copper
- IEM-3300-8S for more fiber
- IEM-3300-6T2S / IEM-3300-14T2S for mixed copper-fiber access
- IEM-3300-8P / IEM-3300-16P for more PoE
- IEM-3300-4MU for multigig and higher-power edge devices
PoE modules should only be installed in a PoE base switch.
Recommended IE3300 BOMs by Port Count, PoE Need, and Power Environment
These BOMs are arranged for real buying decisions, not catalog reading.
IE3300 BOMs for Non-PoE Copper Access
| Deployment Need | Base Model | IEM Module | Final Port Configuration | Recommended PSU | Power Environment | Why This Combination Works |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small non-PoE cabinet | IE-3300-8T2S-E | None | 8 RJ45 + 2 SFP | PWR-IE50W | AC or high DC | Simple, compact, and cost-controlled |
| More copper access ports | IE-3300-8T2S-E | IEM-3300-8T= | 16 RJ45 + 2 SFP | PWR-IE50W | AC or high DC | Clean upgrade path without moving to a PoE base |
| Dense copper access | IE-3300-8T2S-E | IEM-3300-16T= | 24 RJ45 + 2 SFP | PWR-IE50W or PWR-IE65W | AC, high DC, or low DC | Good for larger control cabinets |
| 10G uplink non-PoE edge | IE-3300-8T2X-E | None | 8 RJ45 + 2 SFP+ | PWR-IE50W | AC or high DC | Best fit when 10G uplink is already required |
| 10G uplink + more copper | IE-3300-8T2X-E | IEM-3300-16T= | 24 RJ45 + 2 SFP+ | PWR-IE50W or PWR-IE65W | AC, high DC, or low DC | More copper density without moving to PoE |
IE3300 BOMs for Fiber Uplink or Mixed Copper-Fiber Access
| Deployment Need | Base Model | IEM Module | Final Port Configuration | Recommended PSU | Power Environment | Why This Combination Works |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiber-heavy industrial access | IE-3300-8T2S-E | IEM-3300-8S= | 8 RJ45 + 10 SFP | 50W or 65W | AC, high DC, or low DC | Ideal when field handoff is mostly fiber |
| Mixed copper-fiber cabinet | IE-3300-8T2S-E | IEM-3300-6T2S= | 14 RJ45 + 4 SFP | 50W or 65W | AC, high DC, or low DC | Balanced choice for smaller industrial cells |
| Larger mixed access cabinet | IE-3300-8T2S-E | IEM-3300-14T2S= | 22 RJ45 + 4 SFP | 50W or 65W | AC, high DC, or low DC | Adds copper without losing fiber flexibility |
| 10G uplink + fiber access | IE-3300-8T2X-E | IEM-3300-8S= | 8 RJ45 + 8 SFP + 2 SFP+ | 50W or 65W | AC, high DC, or low DC | Strong fit for faster uplinks and fiber-heavy edge |
| 10G uplink + mixed access | IE-3300-8T2X-E | IEM-3300-14T2S= | 22 RJ45 + 2 SFP + 2 SFP+ | 50W or 65W | AC, high DC, or low DC | Good for larger mixed cabinets with faster uplinks |
IE3300 BOMs for Standard PoE Industrial Edge Deployments
| Deployment Need | Base Model | IEM Module | Powered Ports | Recommended PSU | Estimated PoE Budget | Power Environment | Why This Combination Works |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic PoE edge | IE-3300-8P2S-E | None | 8 | PWR-IE170W | ~138W | AC, high DC, or low DC | Good for lighter camera, AP, or phone loads |
| Standard PoE cabinet | IE-3300-8P2S-E | None | 8 | PWR-IE240W | ~208W | AC only | Better headroom for real field use |
| PoE base + more non-PoE copper | IE-3300-8P2S-E | IEM-3300-8T= | 8 | PWR-IE170W or PWR-IE240W | lower than base by 6W | AC, high DC, or low DC | Keeps PoE where needed and adds standard access |
| PoE base + mixed access | IE-3300-8P2S-E | IEM-3300-6T2S= | 8 | PWR-IE170W or PWR-IE240W | lower than base by 9W | AC, high DC, or low DC | Good when only the base ports need power |
| High-speed PoE edge | IE-3300-8U2X-E | None | 8 | PWR-IE240W | ~198W | AC only | Best IE3300 starting point for 10G + PoE |
IE3300 BOMs for High-PoE or Expansion-Ready Deployments
| Deployment Need | Base Model | IEM Module | Powered Ports | Recommended PSU | Estimated PoE Budget | Power Environment | Why This Combination Works |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moderate PoE expansion | IE-3300-8P2S-E | IEM-3300-8P= | 16 | PWR-IE240W | ~194W | AC only | Good when port count matters more than per-port power |
| Dense PoE cabinet | IE-3300-8P2S-E | IEM-3300-16P= | 24 | PWR-IE480W | capped at 360W | AC only | Best fit for dense Gigabit PoE/PoE+ cabinets |
| Higher-power AP or camera edge | IE-3300-8P2S-E | IEM-3300-4MU= | 8 base + 4 multigig powered ports | PWR-IE480W | capped at 360W | AC only | Useful when a few devices need more power or bandwidth |
| 10G uplink + expanded PoE | IE-3300-8U2X-E | IEM-3300-8P= | 16 | PWR-IE480W | ~424W | AC only | Strong fit for faster uplinks and more PoE |
| 10G uplink + dense PoE | IE-3300-8U2X-E | IEM-3300-16P= | 24 | PWR-IE480W | ~417W | AC only | Best all-around IE3300 choice for dense PoE with faster uplinks |
| Multigig high-power edge | IE-3300-8U2X-E | IEM-3300-4MU= | 8 base + 4 multigig type-4 capable ports | PWR-IE480W | ~418W | AC only | Best fit for higher-power APs and advanced edge devices |
How to Choose IEM Modules and Power Supplies for Cisco IE3400
Cisco IE3400 base models overview
IE3400 is simpler. It focuses on modular Gigabit industrial access and keeps the base selection narrow: one non-PoE model and one PoE model.
| Model | Default Ports | Port Type | PoE Support | Official PoE Budget |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IE-3400-8T2S-E | 8 RJ45 + 2 SFP | 1G copper + 1G fiber uplinks | No | N/A |
| IE-3400-8P2S-E | 8 PoE RJ45 + 2 SFP | 1G copper PoE + 1G fiber uplinks | Yes | Up to 240W base, 480W with expansion |
How to choose the right IE3400 power supply
The PSU logic is the same as IE3300: power environment first, PoE demand second.
That usually means:
- 50W for non-PoE
- 170W for lighter PoE
- 240W for standard PoE
- 480W for serious PoE expansion
This makes IE3400 easy to position for mainstream modular Gigabit industrial edge deployments.
Cisco IE3400 PoE budget planning
Usable PoE budget still needs to be calculated, not assumed.
IE3400 base-switch draw is:
- 36W for IE-3400-8T2S
- 47W for IE-3400-8P2S
Native module draw is:
- 12W for IEM-3400-8T
- 27W for IEM-3400-8S
- 20W for IEM-3400-8P
A practical reference point is that IE-3400-8P2S plus IEM-3400-8P has a 67W system draw, so with a 480W PSU the maximum PoE budget should be about 413W, not 480W.
| Model | Power Supply | Estimated PoE Budget | Recommended Scenario |
|---|---|---|---|
| IE-3400-8P2S-E (base only) | 170W | ~123W | Light PoE edge |
| IE-3400-8P2S-E (base only) | 240W | ~193W | Standard PoE cabinet |
| IE-3400-8P2S-E + IEM-3400-8P | 240W | ~173W | Moderate native PoE expansion |
| IE-3400-8P2S-E + IEM-3400-8P | 480W | ~413W | High-PoE modular deployment |
| IE-3400-8P2S-E + IEM-3300-16P | 480W | ~412W | Dense 24-port PoE cabinet |
| IE-3400-8P2S-E + IEM-3300-4MU | 480W | ~413W | Higher-power powered endpoints |
How to choose the right IE3400 IEM module
IE3400 has three native module directions:
- IEM-3400-8T for more copper
- IEM-3400-8S for more fiber
- IEM-3400-8P for more PoE
IE3400 can also use IE3300 expansion modules, but if the project values IE3400-native advanced security features, the native IEM-3400 path is usually the cleaner design choice.
Recommended IE3400 BOMs by Port Count, PoE Need, and Power Environment
These tables are organized for procurement use, not just technical reference.
IE3400 BOMs for Non-PoE Copper Access
| Deployment Need | Base Model | IEM Module | Final Port Configuration | Recommended PSU | Power Environment | Why This Combination Works |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small non-PoE cabinet | IE-3400-8T2S-E | None | 8 RJ45 + 2 SFP | 50W | AC or high DC | Cleanest IE3400 entry point |
| Native copper expansion | IE-3400-8T2S-E | IEM-3400-8T= | 16 RJ45 + 2 SFP | 50W or 65W | AC, high DC, or low DC | Best when you want a pure IE3400-native design |
| Dense copper access | IE-3400-8T2S-E | IEM-3300-16T= | 24 RJ45 + 2 SFP | 50W or 65W | AC, high DC, or low DC | Higher port density using supported compatibility |
| More copper with simpler BOM | IE-3400-8T2S-E | IEM-3300-8T= | 16 RJ45 + 2 SFP | 50W or 65W | AC, high DC, or low DC | Practical when IE3400-only advanced features are not required |
IE3400 BOMs for Fiber Uplink or Mixed Copper-Fiber Access
| Deployment Need | Base Model | IEM Module | Final Port Configuration | Recommended PSU | Power Environment | Why This Combination Works |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Native fiber-heavy cabinet | IE-3400-8T2S-E | IEM-3400-8S= | 8 RJ45 + 10 SFP | 50W or 65W | AC, high DC, or low DC | Best native IE3400 route for fiber expansion |
| Mixed copper-fiber access | IE-3400-8T2S-E | IEM-3300-6T2S= | 14 RJ45 + 4 SFP | 50W or 65W | AC, high DC, or low DC | Balanced option for mixed field cabinets |
| Larger mixed cabinet | IE-3400-8T2S-E | IEM-3300-14T2S= | 22 RJ45 + 4 SFP | 50W or 65W | AC, high DC, or low DC | More copper without giving up fiber handoff |
| Fiber-heavy PoE edge | IE-3400-8P2S-E | IEM-3400-8S= | 8 PoE RJ45 + 10 SFP | 170W or 240W | AC, high DC, or low DC | Useful when only base ports need PoE |
IE3400 BOMs for Standard PoE Industrial Edge Deployments
| Deployment Need | Base Model | IEM Module | Powered Ports | Recommended PSU | Estimated PoE Budget | Power Environment | Why This Combination Works |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic PoE edge | IE-3400-8P2S-E | None | 8 | 170W | ~123W | AC, high DC, or low DC | Fine for lighter PoE loads |
| Standard PoE cabinet | IE-3400-8P2S-E | None | 8 | 240W | ~193W | AC only | Better headroom for normal industrial PoE |
| Native mixed edge | IE-3400-8P2S-E | IEM-3400-8T= | 8 | 170W or 240W | lower than base by 12W | AC, high DC, or low DC | Adds copper while keeping native IE3400 expansion |
| PoE base + mixed access | IE-3400-8P2S-E | IEM-3300-6T2S= | 8 | 170W or 240W | lower than base by 9W | AC, high DC, or low DC | Good when only part of the cabinet needs PoE |
IE3400 BOMs for High-PoE or Expansion-Ready Deployments
| Deployment Need | Base Model | IEM Module | Powered Ports | Recommended PSU | Estimated PoE Budget | Power Environment | Why This Combination Works |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Native PoE expansion | IE-3400-8P2S-E | IEM-3400-8P= | 16 | 240W | ~173W | AC only | Good native step-up for moderate expansion |
| High-PoE native modular build | IE-3400-8P2S-E | IEM-3400-8P= | 16 | 480W | ~413W | AC only | Best fit when you want IE3400-native expansion and full headroom |
| Dense PoE cabinet | IE-3400-8P2S-E | IEM-3300-16P= | 24 | 480W | ~412W | AC only | Strong fit for dense 24-port PoE/PoE+ industrial cabinets |
| Higher-power edge devices | IE-3400-8P2S-E | IEM-3300-4MU= | 8 base + 4 multigig powered ports | 480W | ~413W | AC only | Best when a few endpoints need more power or bandwidth |
| 16-port PoE with IE3300 module | IE-3400-8P2S-E | IEM-3300-8P= | 16 | 240W or 480W | ~179W / ~419W | AC only | Useful where module availability or BOM standardization matters |
IE3300 vs IE3400: Which One Makes More Sense?
The simplest way to separate them is this:
Choose IE3300 when 10G uplinks, multigig access, or broader native module flexibility matter.
Choose IE3400 when 1G uplinks are enough and you want a simpler modular Gigabit platform.
IE3300 is usually the better fit when the project points toward IE-3300-8T2X-E or IE-3300-8U2X-E, or when faster uplinks and higher-performance PoE edge roles matter.
IE3400 is usually the cleaner fit when the project is firmly Gigabit and you want to preserve the IE3400-native feature path with IEM-3400 modules.
Power-supply compatibility is straightforward because both families use the same industrial DIN-rail PSU logic. Module compatibility is more nuanced. Supported crossover exists, but if the project depends on IE3400-native advanced features, the native IEM-3400 path is usually the safer choice.
Five Common Mistakes in IE3300 and IE3400 Selection
1. Choosing the switch before counting endpoints
That usually creates the wrong base-platform decision and forces awkward module choices later.
2. Treating the input power type as a minor detail
It is not. The PSU family is split across AC, high-voltage DC, and low-voltage DC conditions. The wrong assumption here breaks the BOM early.
3. Assuming PSU wattage equals usable PoE budget
It does not. The PSU must cover both switch operation and PoE.
4. Assuming IE3300 and IE3400 modules are fully interchangeable
They are not. Supported compatibility exists, but with trade-offs depending on the design goal.
5. Ignoring hazardous-location limits on larger PSUs
This can immediately change the correct shortlist for some industrial sites.
Conclusion
The right buying order stays the same in almost every project: pick the base switch, then the IEM module, then the PSU, and only then confirm the usable PoE budget.
Use IE3300 when faster uplinks, multigig, or broader native module flexibility matter.
Use IE3400 when 1G uplinks are enough and you want a simpler modular Gigabit industrial platform.
Need help choosing the right IE3300 or IE3400 combination for your project? Send your endpoint count, powered-device list, cabinet power condition, and expansion target. That is usually enough to build the correct BOM quickly and avoid overbuying, underpowering, or selecting the wrong module path.
FAQ
Can IE3300 and IE3400 use the same power supplies?
Yes. Both families use the same industrial DIN-rail PSU logic, from 50W to 480W. The real decision point is the site power input and the required PoE budget.
Can IE3300 and IE3400 use the same IEM modules?
Not as a blanket rule. Supported crossover exists, but it should not be treated as full two-way interchangeability in every design.
How do I calculate the real PoE budget?
Start with PSU wattage, subtract the base-switch draw and module draw, then cap the result at the platform’s official maximum PoE budget.
Which IE3300 model is best for 10G industrial uplinks?
Usually IE-3300-8T2X-E for non-PoE 10G edge, or IE-3300-8U2X-E when you also need multigig PoE or a higher PoE ceiling.
Which IE3400 model is best for standard industrial PoE access?
Usually IE-3400-8P2S-E, especially when the project needs modular Gigabit PoE and may later expand to more powered ports.
What should I check first before selecting an expansion module?
Check port count first, then decide whether the added ports should be copper, fiber, PoE, or multigig.
What is the difference between choosing a PSU for AC input and DC input?
Some PSU options are suited to AC or high-voltage DC environments, while others are better for low-voltage DC environments. The power environment has to be correct before PoE sizing makes sense.
Which is better for my project, IE3300 or IE3400?
Choose IE3300 when you need 10G uplinks, multigig, or broader native module flexibility. Choose IE3400 when 1G uplinks are enough and you want a simpler modular Gigabit industrial platform.
