The IE 5000 Series uses superior high-bandwidth hardware switching and proven Cisco IOS® Software. The IE 5000 is highly secure and scalable for access and aggregation layer deployments. It also provides Cisco stackable technologies for advanced network reliability. The switch is built to withstand extreme environments while adhering to overall IT network design, compliance, and performance requirements.

The IE 5000 Series is ideal for Industrial Ethernet applications where hardened products are required. This includes utility industries, manufacturing, energy and process control, intelligent transportation systems (ITS), oil and gas field sites, city surveillance programs, and mining. With improved overall performance, greater bandwidth with available 10 Gigabit Ethernet interfaces, a richer feature set, and enhanced hardware, the Cisco IE 5000 Series Switches complement the current Industrial Ethernet portfolio of products. This portfolio includes Cisco industrial Ethernet switches, such as the Cisco IE 2000, IE 3000, IE 3010, IE 4000, and IE 4010 Series Switches, as well as utility- focused products, such as the Cisco IE 2000U Industrial Ethernet switches and Cisco 2500 Series Connected Grid Switches.