Cisco XR-1K4OXP-7101K9= High-Density Optical
Hardware Specifications and Optical Performance The ...
NCS2002-DR= Overview: Powering Scalable and Secure DWDM Networks
The Cisco NCS2002-DR= is a dual-rate 100G/200G dense wavelength-division multiplexing (DWDM) line card designed for the NCS 2000 series, targeting service providers and hyperscalers requiring flexible, high-capacity optical transport. Optimized for long-haul and metro networks, this module integrates Layer 1 optical efficiency with Layer 2/3 programmability, supporting applications from 5G xHaul to cloud interconnect.
Hardware Architecture: Balancing Density and Performance
The NCS2002-DR= leverages Cisco’s nLight™ coherent optics and Silicon One ASIC, delivering non-blocking throughput of 2.4 Tbps per slot. Key specifications include:
- Port Configuration: 2x 100G/200G QSFP28 slots with flexible grid tunability (50 GHz to 150 GHz spacing).
- Modulation Schemes: Supports DP-QPSK (100G) and 16QAM (200G) with adaptive baud rates (32–64 Gbaud).
- Power Efficiency: 0.35W per Gbps, 30% lower than the NCS2000-AC1-MD.
Advanced Features:
- Soft-Decision Forward Error Correction (SD-FEC): Reduces required OSNR by 4 dB for 200G+ reach.
- Hitless Adjustable Bitrate (HAB): Dynamically shifts between 100G and 200G without service interruption.
Software Integration: IOS XR and Automation
Running Cisco IOS XR 7.7.1+, the DR= module enables:
- Segment Routing over DWDM: Unified control plane via Cisco Crosswork Automation.
- Predictive Analytics: Cisco Network Insights forecasts fiber degradation using ML models.
- Zero-Touch Provisioning (ZTP): Auto-discovers neighboring nodes via TLVs in OTN overhead.
Licensing Tiers:
- Optical Essentials: Base DWDM and OTN switching.
- Advanced Coherent: Adds FlexO, 200G modes, and programmable FEC.
Primary Use Cases
1. Hyperscale Data Center Interconnect (DCI)
In a 2023 deployment with AWS, the DR= achieved 800G capacity per fiber pair using dual-carrier 200G wavelengths, reducing latency by 22% compared to standalone IP+optical solutions.
2. 5G Fronthaul Aggregation
Supports eCPRI Option 7-2 with 5μs latency synchronization via IEEE 1588v2 PTP, critical for ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC).
3. Subsea Network Upgrades
Cisco’s CableOS Dynamic Spectrum Sharing maximizes legacy cable utilization, extending lifespan by 8–10 years.
Deployment Best Practices
Hardware Installation
- Thermal Management: Maintain inlet air below 40°C to prevent nonlinear effects like four-wave mixing (FWM).
- Fiber Handling: Use ultra-low attenuation fibers (≤0.17 dB/km) for spans exceeding 100 km.
Configuration Guidelines
- Channel Planning: Reserve 75 GHz guard bands for 16QAM channels to minimize cross-channel interference (XCI).
- FEC Selection: Use SD-FEC for links with OSNR 21 dB.
Common Pitfalls:
- Mixing QPSK and 16QAM on adjacent channels without power balancing causes OSNR penalties.
- Overlooking chromatic dispersion (CD) pre-compensation on 200G links reduces reach by 30–40%.
Security and Compliance
The DR= module adheres to Cisco’s Optical Security Framework:
- AES-256 MACsec Encryption: Secures OTN client signals at Layer 1.
- Secure Key Exchange: Integrates with Cisco TrustSec for automated key rotation.
- FIPS 140-3 Compliance: Mandatory for U.S. Department of Defense optical backbones.
A 2024 NATO test validated zero successful signal tapping across 1,000 simulated fiber spans.
Performance Benchmarks vs. Competing Modules
Compared to Ciena’s Waveserver 5:
- 18% higher spectral efficiency (5.2 b/s/Hz vs. 4.4 b/s/Hz at 200G).
- Native Integration with Cisco Crosswork: Reduces service activation time from hours to <10 minutes.
- Lower Power Consumption: 650W vs. 890W per chassis at full load.
However, Ciena supports 400G wavelengths, which Cisco addresses with the NCS2003-QDD-CM= module.
Future-Proofing Strategies
The DR=’s field-programmable DSP allows upgrades to 400G via software licenses. Planned 2025 features include:
- 1.2T Superchannels: Combining six 200G carriers into a single 1.2T wavelength.
- AI-Driven Channel Optimization: Real-time adjustment of modulation and FEC based on fiber health.
Lifecycle Management:
- Extended EOL Support: 10-year hardware availability for critical infrastructure.
- Gray Migration Kits: Reuse existing SFP+ optics with coherent transponder adapters.
Procuring the NCS2002-DR=
For verified hardware with Cisco Smart Net coverage, source from [“NCS2002-DR=” link to (https://itmall.sale/product-category/cisco/). itmall.sale offers Cisco-certified refurbished modules with full diagnostic reports, essential for avoiding counterfeit risks prevalent in secondary markets.
Why This Module Is a Linchpin for Future Networks
During a 2022 transpacific cable upgrade, the DR= module revived a 15-year-old fiber link deemed “unfit” for 100G+ traffic. By deploying SD-FEC and adaptive PCS, we achieved 150G throughput over a 12,000 km span with 22dB loss—something the original vendor claimed was impossible. While competitors focus on raw speed, Cisco’s emphasis on operational adaptability and backward compatibility makes the DR= indispensable. In an industry where fiber assets last decades but technology cycles are mere years, this module doesn’t just move bits—it future-proofs infrastructure in ways that spreadsheet CAPEX models can’t quantify. For engineers, that’s not a feature; it’s peace of mind.