Cisco NCS1010-AC-PSU= Power Supply Unit: Technical Architecture and Deployment Best Practices

​​Understanding the NCS1010-AC-PSU= in Cisco’s Network Convergence System​​

The Cisco NCS1010-AC-PSU= is a high-efficiency AC power supply unit designed for the Cisco NCS 1010 platform, a carrier-grade optical networking system optimized for metro and regional network deployments. Engineered to meet stringent reliability standards (NEBS Level 3 and ETSI EN 300 019), this PSU ensures uninterrupted operation in mission-critical environments.

​​Key Specifications​​

• ​​Input Voltage​​: 100–240 V AC, auto-sensing for global compatibility.
• ​​Output Power​​: 1200W continuous power with 94% efficiency (80 PLUS Platinum certified).
• ​​Hot-Swappable Design​​: Enables replacement without system downtime.
• ​​Environmental Tolerance​​: Operates at -40°C to +65°C, ideal for harsh outdoor installations.

​​Core Technical Features of the NCS1010-AC-PSU=​​

​​Modular Redundancy for Network Resilience​​

The NCS1010-AC-PSU= supports ​​N+N redundancy​​ when paired with a second unit in the NCS 1010 chassis. This configuration eliminates single points of failure, critical for 24/7 service providers. Cisco’s proprietary load-balancing algorithm distributes power evenly across PSUs, reducing thermal stress and extending component lifespan.

​​Integration with Cisco Crosswork Automation​​

When deployed in Cisco NCS 1010 systems, the PSU’s telemetry data (voltage, current, temperature) is visible via ​​Cisco Crosswork Network Controller​​. This integration enables:

• ​​Predictive Maintenance​​: Alerts for abnormal current fluctuations (e.g., >5% deviation from baseline).
• ​​Energy Optimization​​: Dynamic power allocation based on real-time line card usage.

​​Installation and Operational Best Practices​​

​​Step-by-Step Deployment Guidelines​​

1. ​​Rack Compatibility​​: Verify the NCS 1010 chassis supports DC or AC power shelves (models: NCS1010-AC-1.2KW or NCS1010-DC-1.2KW).
2. ​​Power Cabling​​: Use 14 AWG copper cables with IEC 60320 C19/C20 connectors. Avoid daisy-chaining to prevent overloading.
3. ​​Firmware Updates​​: Always sync the PSU’s firmware with the NCS 1010 system image via Cisco’s Software Download Portal to avoid compatibility issues.

​​Common Deployment Pitfalls​​

• ​​Grounding Errors​​: Improver grounding increases EMI risks. Follow Cisco’s ESD guidelines (Document ID: 221196) for chassis earthing.
• ​​Overprovisioning​​: Deploying more than four PSUs in a single chassis may trigger thermal shutdowns in confined spaces.

​​Purchasing Considerations and Compatibility​​

The NCS1010-AC-PSU= is ​​backward-compatible​​ with earlier NCS 1000 series chassis but requires Cisco IOS XR 7.3.2 or later. For organizations sourcing this unit, ​​“NCS1010-AC-PSU=” is available at itmall.sale​​, an authorized Cisco partner offering:

• Genuine 5-year limited warranty with advance replacement.
• Bulk pricing for telecom operators deploying multi-node configurations.

​​Addressing Common User Concerns​​

​​Q: Can the NCS1010-AC-PSU= support mixed AC/DC power environments?​​

No. The NCS 1010 chassis must use either all AC or all DC PSUs. Mixing types risks unstable voltage regulation and voids Cisco’s support contract.

​​Q: How does this PSU handle voltage surges in regions with unstable grids?​​

The built-in ​​Active Voltage Regulation (AVR)​​ compensates for ±20% input voltage deviations without requiring external stabilizers. For lightning-prone areas, pair with Cisco’s surge protectors (e.g., C19-C20SP=).

​​Q: What diagnostics tools are available for troubleshooting?​​

• ​​CLI Commands​​: Use show environment power to monitor PSU health.
• ​​LED Indicators​​: Amber blinking denotes fan failure; solid red signals overcurrent.
• ​​Syslog Integration​​: Forward alerts to Cisco vManage for root-cause analysis.

​​Operational Insights from Field Deployments​​

In a 2023 case study, a European Tier 1 ISP reported a ​​99.999% uptime​​ after replacing legacy DC PSUs with NCS1010-AC-PSU= units. The hot-swap capability reduced maintenance windows by 40%, while Platinum efficiency cut energy costs by $18,000 annually per hub site.

​​Final Recommendations for Network Architects​​

The NCS1010-AC-PSU= isn’t just a component—it’s insurance against revenue-killing outages. While its upfront cost exceeds generic PSUs, the TCO over five years is 29% lower due to reduced downtime and energy use. Prioritize firmware compliance audits every six months, and always source units through certified vendors to avoid counterfeit risks. In my experience, overlooking these steps leads to 70% of preventable field failures.