Cisco Wins 2020 Industrial IoT Innovation Award for Catalyst IW6300 Heavy‑Duty Access Points

The Cisco IoT portfolio is advancing industrial connectivity to the edge with intent‑based networking that is flexible, secure, scalable, and award‑winning.

We are proud to have been named “Industrial IoT Innovation of the Year” in the 2020 IoT Breakthrough Awards for our Cisco Catalyst IW6300 Heavy‑Duty Series Access Points, which extend the IoT edge to new frontiers across manufacturing, oil and gas, mining, food processing, and more.

These access points are purpose‑built for hazardous locations. Unlike traditional APs, which often fall short of regulatory standards and require costly customizations, the IW6300 is IP67 rated, Class I, Division 2 certified, and engineered to withstand dust, water, and extreme conditions. It delivers reliable Wi‑Fi in mines, refineries, factory floors, and chemical plants, enabling real‑time monitoring, asset tracking, and remote device control from a safe, central location.

Imagine a refinery manager receiving a critical pressure alert on her tablet. With a few taps she shuts the intake, dispatches nearby workers, and, via location‑aware tech, coordinates a rapid response. The team can even video‑call an off‑site expert to guide a swift replacement, minimizing downtime and protecting staff.

These scenarios are possible because the Catalyst IW6300 provides pervasive wireless connectivity, including mesh backhaul, and supports industry‑specific protocols such as WirelessHART and ISA.100. It integrates seamlessly with Cisco’s Intent‑Based Networking, translating business intent into automated network policies and simplifying deployment across campuses and branches.

At Cisco Live 2020 in Barcelona, we will showcase how our IoT solutions—spanning connectivity, security, management, and application enablement—are transforming industries and accelerating digital transformation from edge to cloud.