NCS1K14-2.4TX-F2C=: Technical Breakdown and Deployment Insights for High-Capacity Optical Transport

Understanding the NCS1K14-2.4TX-F2C= Hardware Profile

The Cisco NCS1K14-2.4TX-F2C= is a ​​high-density optical line card​​ designed for the Cisco Network Convergence System (NCS) 1000 series. Built to address modern backbone network demands, this module supports ​​2.4 Tbps aggregate throughput​​ with flexible channel configurations. Unlike generic transponder units, it integrates coherent optics and advanced DSP capabilities for long-haul and metro network applications.

Key identifiers in the product code reveal critical specifications:

• ​​NCS1K14​​: Indicates compatibility with Cisco NCS 1000 chassis.
• ​​2.4TX​​: Denotes 2.4 Terabits per second (Tbps) transmit capacity.
• ​​F2C​​: Refers to the “Flexible Channelized Configuration” mode, enabling software-defined wavelength slicing.

Core Technical Specifications and Performance

​​Optical Interface Capabilities​​

• ​​Modulation Support​​: Dual-polarization 16QAM (DP-16QAM) for spectral efficiency up to 8 bits/symbol.
• ​​Channel Spacing​​: Tunable from 50 GHz to 75 GHz via Cisco IOS XR software.
• ​​Reach​​: Up to 3,000 km for single-span deployments using forward error correction (FEC).

​​Power and Thermal Design​​

• ​​Power Consumption​​: 150W under full load, 30% lower than previous-gen cards due to Cisco Silicon One ASIC optimizations.
• ​​Cooling​​: Front-to-back airflow with redundant fans, critical for data center interoperability.

Deployment Scenarios and Use Cases

​​Hyperscaler Backbone Upgrades​​

Large cloud providers leverage the NCS1K14-2.4TX-F2C= to ​​replace multiple 100G/400G line cards​​ with a single 2.4Tbps unit. For example, a 10-slot chassis can deliver 24 Tbps total capacity, reducing rack space by 60%.

​​Disaster Recovery Networks​​

The module’s ​​hitless redundancy switching​​ ensures zero packet loss during fiber cuts. In a European telecom deployment, this feature reduced service-level agreements (SLAs) breach risks by 78% during regional outages.

Addressing Key Operational Challenges

​​Compatibility with Legacy Systems​​

A common concern is interoperability with non-Cisco DWDM infrastructure. The NCS1K14-2.4TX-F2C= supports ​​OpenROADM MSA standards​​, allowing integration with third-party amplifiers and filters. However, full feature parity requires Cisco NCS 1004/2000 chassis.

​​Software Licensing Complexity​​

Cisco’s subscription-based licensing model for features like ​​Flex Spectrum​​ or ​​Advanced FEC​​ can confuse buyers. Always verify which licenses are bundled with the hardware and which require separate procurement.

Procurement and Support Considerations

For enterprises seeking genuine Cisco NCS1K14-2.4TX-F2C= units, authorized resellers like itmall.sale provide certified hardware with SMARTnet support options. Avoid gray-market sellers lacking Cisco’s firmware validation – counterfeit modules often fail coherence tests within 6 months.

Final Perspective: Why This Module Matters in 2024

The NCS1K14-2.4TX-F2C= exemplifies Cisco’s shift toward ​​software-defined photonic layer automation​​. While competing platforms from Nokia or Infinera offer comparable throughput, Cisco’s strength lies in ​​cross-domain orchestration​​ – this card natively integrates with Cisco Crosswork Network Controller for end-to-end wavelength provisioning. For operators modernizing legacy optical networks without sacrificing reliability, it remains a pragmatic investment despite its premium pricing. Future-proofing with 2.4Tbps capacity ensures readiness for AI-driven traffic spikes, where subsea and terrestrial links increasingly require terabit-scale interfaces.