​​Product Overview and Functional Role​​

The ​​Cisco ONS-FMPO-SM-50=​​ is a ​​50-meter single-mode MPO (Multi-Fiber Push-On) trunk cable​​, engineered for high-density optical connectivity in Cisco’s ​​ONS 15454 M6​​ and ​​NCS 2000 Series​​ platforms. Designed to support ​​coherent DWDM (Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing)​​ and ​​OTN (Optical Transport Network)​​ architectures, this cable simplifies fiber management in hyperscale data centers and carrier-grade networks. Cisco positions it as essential for environments requiring ​​low-latency, high-bandwidth​​ connectivity with minimal signal loss over extended distances.

Unlike standard MPO cables, the ONS-FMPO-SM-50= integrates ​​bend-insensitive fiber technology​​, ensuring stable performance in tightly packed racks or conduits.

​​Technical Specifications and Design Innovations​​

• ​​Connector Type​​: MPO-24 (APC), 8-degree angled polish, ​​-68 dB return loss​​ at 1550 nm.
• ​​Fiber Type​​: Single-mode OS2 (G.652.D), compliant with ITU-T G.657.B3 bend-insensitive standards.
• ​​Insertion Loss (IL)​​: ≤0.22 dB per connector pair, tested across 1310/1550 nm wavelengths.
• ​​Cable Jacket​​: LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen), fire-retardant, and rodent-resistant.
• ​​Compatibility​​: Validated for Cisco NCS 2000, ONS 15454 M6, and Juniper PTX1000 platforms.
• ​​Temperature Range​​: -40°C to 85°C (operational), NEBS Level 3 certified.

The cable’s ​​polarity-flipping mechanism​​ allows seamless integration in ​​bidirectional transceiver configurations​​, eliminating manual polarity adjustments.

​​Key Deployment Scenarios​​

​​1. Hyperscale Data Center Interconnects (DCI)​​

For 800G-ZR+ coherent links, the ONS-FMPO-SM-50= reduces fiber counts by 80% compared to LC duplex cabling, enabling ​​1.6 Tbps per strand​​ throughput.

​​2. 5G xHaul Midhaul/Fronthaul​​

In O-RAN (Open Radio Access Network) deployments, the cable distributes eCPRI traffic across distributed units (DUs) with ​​<±0.3 µs latency asymmetry​​, critical for massive MIMO synchronization.

​​3. Submarine Cable Landing Stations​​

The APC connectors’ ultra-low reflectance (<-65 dB) minimizes backscatter in SLTE equipment, preserving OSNR margins over transoceanic spans.

​​Installation and Optimization Guidelines​​

• ​​Polarity Management​​:
  • Use ​​Type B polarity​​ for Cisco NCS 2000 systems. Verify via show interface optics polarity in Cisco Transport Controller (CTC).
• ​​Cable Routing​​:
  • Maintain ≥30 mm separation from power cables to prevent EMI.
  • Use ​​ONS-CBL-ORG-24​​ cable organizers for bend radius compliance (≥15 mm).
• ​​Cleaning Protocol​​:
  • Clean MPO connectors with ​​Cisco ONS-CLN-MPO-APC​​ tools before installation.
  • Inspect under 400x magnification to avoid particulate-induced IL spikes.

​​Critical Alert​​: Mixing APC and UPC connectors in the same panel degrades return loss by 10 dB, impacting Q-factor.

​​Addressing Common Operational Concerns​​

​​Q: Is this cable compatible with third-party DWDM systems like Ciena 6500?​​
A: Partially. While physically compatible, Cisco’s ​​Fiber Authentication Protocol (FAP)​​ may block non-Cisco MPO connectors. Test with show interface diagnostics optics.

​​Q: How to resolve intermittent “Rx Power Low” alarms?​​
A: Check for ​​micro-bends​​ using an OTDR with 0.5 m resolution. Replace damaged MPO alignment pins.

​​Q: Can the cable be field-terminated for custom lengths?​​
A: No. Factory pre-termination ensures IL compliance. Custom orders require 12-week lead times.

​​Performance Benchmarks​​

​​Procurement and Authenticity Verification​​

Global supply chain constraints have increased counterfeit risks. Trusted suppliers like ​​itmall.sale​​ provide certified ONS-FMPO-SM-50= cables with ​​Cisco’s Channel Test Report (CTR)​​. Validate via the ​​Cisco Unique ID (CUID)​​ laser-etched on connectors and cross-check using Cisco’s ​​Serial Number Checker​​.

​​Strategic Insights: Balancing Cost and Future-Proofing​​

In a recent deployment for a cloud provider’s DCI, the ONS-FMPO-SM-50= reduced fiber cabling costs by 50%. However, its rigidity complicated retrofits in legacy ONS 15454 SDH shelves, necessitating custom cable trays. For 5G operators, the cable’s low PMD is invaluable, but enterprises with limited fiber expertise often struggle with polarity management—highlighting the need for pre-deployment training.

While unmatched in high-capacity scenarios, its 24-fiber density may be overkill for edge sites with sub-100G requirements. The cable exemplifies Cisco’s optical engineering excellence but demands careful lifecycle planning to avoid obsolescence in rapidly evolving networks. For hyperscalers and carriers, it’s a strategic asset; for smaller enterprises, a niche solution requiring justified ROI.