​​Product Overview and Core Functionality​​

The Cisco ONS-FMPO-SM-80= is a ​​single-mode fiber MPO (Multi-Fiber Push-On) trunk cable​​ engineered for ​​80-kilometer DWDM (Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing)​​ deployments in Cisco’s Optical Networking System (ONS). Featuring ​​12-fiber MPO connectors​​ and a ​​low-loss design​​, this assembly interconnects Cisco’s NCS 2000 series transponders, ROADMs (Reconfigurable Optical Add-Drop Multiplexers), and amplifiers in long-haul and metro networks. Its primary role is to simplify high-capacity optical links while minimizing signal degradation in C-band (1530–1565 nm) coherent transmission systems.

Key operational advantages include:

• ​​Ultra-low attenuation​​: ≤0.22 dB/km at 1550 nm.
• ​​High-density cabling​​: Replaces 12 individual LC connections with one MPO trunk.
• ​​Polarity management​​: Pre-configured Type B polarity for straight-through cross-connects.

​​Technical Specifications and Optical Performance​​

The ONS-FMPO-SM-80= uses ​​ITU-T G.652.D compliant single-mode fiber​​ with a ​​blue LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) jacket​​ for fire safety in enclosed spaces. The connectors utilize ​​Angled Physical Contact (APC) polishing​​, achieving return loss ≤-65 dB to minimize reflections in coherent systems.

​​Critical performance metrics​​:

• ​​Maximum tensile load​​: 200 N during installation.
• ​​Bend radius​​: 30 mm (operational), 15 mm (under load).
• ​​Operating temperature​​: -40°C to 75°C (non-condensing).
• ​​Chromatic dispersion tolerance​​: ±1000 ps/nm for 100G/200G QPSK signals.

The cable supports ​​Flex Spectrum technology​​, enabling operators to allocate non-standard channel widths (e.g., 37.5 GHz) for hyperscale DCI applications.

​​Deployment Scenarios and Network Architectures​​

​​1. Long-Haul Terrestrial Networks​​

Telecom carriers use the ONS-FMPO-SM-80= to span distances between amplifier sites in >1000 km routes. For example, a North American operator achieved ​​99.999% uptime​​ over 18 months by replacing legacy ribbon cables with this assembly in their Cisco NCS 2006 backbone.

​​2. Hyperscale Data Center Interconnect (DCI)​​

Cloud providers leverage the cable’s ​​low polarization-dependent loss (PDL <0.1 dB)​​ to maintain OSNR (Optical Signal-to-Noise Ratio) in 400G-ZR coherent links. Its ​​pre-terminated design​​ reduces installation time by 70% compared to field-spliced solutions.

​​Integration with Cisco NCS 2000 and NCS 1004 Platforms​​

The assembly is validated for:

• ​​NCS 2015 Shelf​​: For ROADM-based mesh networks requiring CDC-F (Colorless, Directionless, Contentionless-Flexible) capabilities.
• ​​NCS 1004​​: In space-constrained edge POPs (Points of Presence).

​​Installation best practices​​:

• Use ​​MPO cleaning tools​​ (e.g., Cisco QSFP-MPO-CLEANER) before mating connectors.
• Avoid coiling excess cable near high-power EDFA amplifiers to prevent nonlinear effects.
• Pair with ​​ONS-XC-10G=​​ multiplexers for OTU2/OTU4 aggregation.

​​Addressing Critical Operational Challenges​​

​​Q: How does this cable mitigate PMD (Polarization Mode Dispersion) in older fiber plants?​​
The ONS-FMPO-SM-80=’s ​​low PMD coefficient (<0.05 ps/√km)​​ ensures compatibility with legacy G.652 fibers, while Cisco’s NCS software dynamically compensates residual PMD using adaptive DSP algorithms.

​​Q: Can it be used in subsea cable landing stations?​​
No. The assembly lacks the hermetically sealed connectors and armor required for submerged environments. Cisco recommends ​​ONS-FMPO-SM-SUB=​​ variants for subsea applications.

​​Procurement and Lifecycle Management​​

The ONS-FMPO-SM-80= is available in pre-terminated lengths from 2m to 80m. For enterprises consolidating DWDM spares, ​​ONS-FMPO-SM-80= at ITmall.sale​​ offers volume discounts and same-day shipping for urgent deployments.

​​Implementation Observations​​

While the ONS-FMPO-SM-80= excels in reducing fiber complexity, its rigid trunk design complicates rerouting in dynamic colocation facilities. Teams must balance the cost savings of MPO density against the risk of service-impacting breaks during maintenance—a single severed ribbon fiber disrupts 12 wavelengths. For networks prioritizing future 800G upgrades, this cable’s G.652.D compliance ensures backward compatibility, but operators should pre-deploy Raman amplification to offset higher power budgets. In controlled environments with documented fiber maps, however, it remains an indispensable tool for scaling optical capacity without CapEx inflation.