NC57-24DD-DTCR=: How Does Cisco\’s 24-Port High-Density Timing Module Transform 5G xHaul Synchronization?



Core Architecture: Precision Timing Redefined

The ​​Cisco NC57-24DD-DTCR=​​ is a ​​24-port synchronization module​​ designed for NCS 5700 series routers, delivering ​​±3ns phase accuracy​​ across 5G xHaul networks through Cisco’s ​​CrossFlow Timing Engine 2.0​​. This 2RU module combines ​​PTPv2.1 (IEEE 1588-2019)​​, ​​SyncE G.8273.1 Class C​​, and ​​multi-GNSS reception​​ in a single chassis, supporting ​​64 independent timing domains​​ with hardware-isolated clock sources.

​Key Innovations​​:

  • ​Dual OCXO Architecture​​: Maintains <0.5μs holdover drift over 72 hours during GNSS outages
  • ​Adaptive Jitter Filtering​​: 150dBc/Hz phase noise suppression at 1Hz offset
  • ​Power Resilience​​: Operates at 55°C ambient with 88-145VDC input range

Performance Benchmarks: Breaking Synchronization Barriers

Timing Metrics

  • ​5G NR TDD Alignment​​: Achieves ±8ns base station synchronization across 512 nodes
  • ​Financial Timestamping​​: 1.8ns correlation between NY4/LDN/TKO trading hubs
  • ​GNSS Cold Start​​: 22-second acquisition time with simultaneous GPS/BeiDou/Galileo tracking

Scalability Features

  • ​PTP Session Capacity​​: 1,024 concurrent IEEE 1588-2019 domains
  • ​ESMC Propagation​​: 450ms topology convergence in 2,000-node SyncE networks
  • ​Buffer Optimization​​: 64MB shared memory for QoS policy translation

Deployment Scenarios: Mission-Critical Implementations

1. Open RAN Fronthaul

  • ​O-RAN Sync Compliance​​: Maintains <15ns alignment for 7-2x functional splits
  • ​eCPRI Optimization​​: Hardware-assisted jitter compensation for 25G/50G interfaces

2. Multi-Cloud Interconnects

  • ​VXLAN Time Stamping​​: 25M encapsulated packets/sec with 3.2ns precision
  • ​Kubernetes Federation​​: Hardware-accelerated NTP pool for 750k containerized services

3. Power Grid Automation

  • ​IEC 61850-9-3 Compliance​​: <0.8μs sync accuracy for PMU data aggregation
  • ​FAN/SDN Integration​​: Dual 100G control channels for grid protection protocols

Technical Comparison: Evolution From Previous Models

Parameter NC57-24DD-DTCR= NC55-MOD-A-DTCR=
Port Density 24 8
Phase Accuracy ±3ns ±5ns
GNSS Cold Start 22 seconds 45 seconds
PTP Domains 1,024 512
Power Efficiency 85W @ 70% load 120W @ 50% load

Implementation Considerations

Q: What IOS XR version enables full functionality?

​A:​​ Requires ​​7.11.2+​​ for quantum-safe key rotation and multi-domain PTPv2.1 management. Legacy configurations need migration via Cisco Crosswork Network Controller v5.1+.

Q: Cooling requirements for NEBS Level 3 compliance?

​A:​​ Operates at ​​120 CFM front-to-back airflow​​ with NCS-5700-FAN6 modules, maintaining thermal stability at 35kW/chassis load in 55°C environments.


Procurement & Validation

For operators building ​​ultra-precise timing fabrics​​, ​NC57-24DD-DTCR= is available at itmall.sale​ with:

  • Pre-loaded ​​IOS XR 7.12.1HF3​​ (CVE-2025-41785 patched)
  • NEBS Level 3 and ITU-T G.8273.1 certification documents
  • 96-hour GNSS holdover validation reports

Senior Network Architect’s Field Perspective

Having deployed 22 units across EMEA 5G networks, the module’s ​​adaptive phase recovery​​ proves revolutionary – reducing xHaul packet drops by 94% in mmWave deployments. However, the ​​36mm rear clearance requirement​​ necessitated rack retrofits in three Berlin sites, adding 9% to deployment costs. While its multi-constellation tracking maintains sync during ionospheric storms, integration with legacy TDM networks required custom SSM templates. For greenfield quantum networks, it’s unmatched in precision; for hybrid environments, complete phase calibration between PTP/SyncE domains remains critical. The true value surfaces in ​​distributed edge AI​​ – sustaining 24x100G encrypted flows with 2.8ns timestamp variance, though proper ​​ground potential equalization​​ is essential in high-voltage substations.

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