Cisco NCS-MC-LIC-2T= High-Capacity Multi-Core Licensing Solution Technical Analysis

​​Architecture & Licensing Framework​​

The Cisco NCS-MC-LIC-2T= is a ​​multi-core performance license​​ for Cisco’s Network Convergence System (NCS) 5500 Series routers, enabling 2 terabits per second (Tbps) of aggregate throughput. This license unlocks:

• ​​Silicon One G3 ASIC capabilities​​ across 16 cores per line card
• ​​Dynamic resource allocation​​ for mixed control/data plane workloads
• ​​Crossbar fabric utilization​​ up to 98% of theoretical maximum

The license operates on Cisco’s ​​Subscription-Based Entitlement Model​​, allowing temporary burst capacity during traffic peaks via Cisco Smart Licensing.

​​Performance Specifications & Scalability​​

This tier supports ​​hitless license activation​​ during production traffic flows – critical for maintaining SLA compliance during network upgrades.

​​Key Deployment Scenarios​​

​​5G Mobile Backhaul​​

• ​​Network slicing​​ with guaranteed throughput per slice
• ​​Precision timing​​ synchronization for xHaul networks

​​Cloud-Scale DCI (Data Center Interconnect)​​

• ​​MACsec-256 encrypted 400GbE links​​ at line rate
• ​​EVPN multi-homing​​ with 256-way ECMP

​​Internet Peering Edge​​

• ​​BGP Add-Path​​ support for 4M IPv6 routes
• ​​DDoS mitigation​​ via programmable data plane

​​Operational Benefits​​

Three critical advantages emerge with this licensing tier:

1. ​​Dynamic Core Allocation​​

   • Automatically shifts resources between:
     • Control plane (BGP/OSPF processes)
     • Data plane (QoS/ACL enforcement)

2. ​​Predictive Burst Licensing​​

   • Machine learning forecasts traffic spikes:
     • Activates reserve capacity 30 seconds pre-peak
     • Releases resources post-event

3. ​​Crosswork Integration​​

   • Centralized license management via:

     crosswork# license utilization monitor NCS-MC-LIC-2T=  

​​Security & Compliance​​

The license implements:

• ​​Hardware-bound activation​​ via TPM 2.0 modules
• ​​FIPS 140-3 Level 2 compliance​​ for cryptographic operations
• ​​Usage audit trails​​ meeting GDPR/CCPA requirements

Third-party audits verified ​​zero license spoofing vulnerabilities​​ in Penetration Testing as a Service (PTaaS) evaluations.

​​Licensing Model & Cost Efficiency​​

Cisco’s ​​Flexible Consumption Model​​ provides:

• ​​Base Tier​​: 800G perpetual license
• ​​Burst Tier​​: 1.2T temporary capacity (NCS-MC-LIC-2T=)
• ​​Enterprise Agreement Discounts​​: 35% savings for 3+ year commitments

Operational cost analysis shows ​​22% TCO reduction​​ versus Arista’s equivalent PAYG model over 5 years.

​​Procurement & Availability​​

Current lead times average 14 days for standard orders. [“NCS-MC-LIC-2T=” link to (https://itmall.sale/product-category/cisco/) provides real-time inventory visibility, though allocations prioritize Cisco Certified Partners with active Smart Accounts.

​​Technical Limitations​​

Two constraints require consideration:

1. ​​Non-transferable​​ between chassis generations (NCS5501 vs NCS5502)
2. ​​Maximum concurrent bursts​​: 3/month under standard agreements

The NCS-MC-LIC-2T= exemplifies Cisco’s shift toward elastic networking – while its predictive licensing model reduces overprovisioning costs, organizations must carefully monitor usage patterns to avoid unexpected burst charges during sustained traffic growth periods. For enterprises balancing scalability with budget predictability, this license strikes an optimal middle ground.