ONS-SC-2G-40.5=: Technical Specifications, Deployment Use Cases, and Operational Best Practices

Introduction to the Cisco ONS-SC-2G-40.5= Optical Module

The ​​ONS-SC-2G-40.5=​​ is a high-performance Small Form-Factor Pluggable (SFP) transceiver designed for Cisco’s Optical Networking System (ONS) platforms, including the ONS 15454 and NCS 2000 series. Optimized for ​​2.5 Gigabit SONET/SDH networks​​, this module supports ​​40.5 km reach​​ over single-mode fiber (SMF), making it ideal for metropolitan area networks (MANs) and enterprise backbone connectivity. Its ability to balance cost-efficiency with carrier-grade reliability positions it as a critical component in legacy and hybrid optical infrastructures.

Technical Specifications and Design Features

​​Optical Performance Metrics​​

• ​​Data Rate​​: ​​2.488 Gbps​​ (OC-48/STM-16), compliant with ITU-T G.957 and Telcordia GR-253-CORE standards.
• ​​Wavelength​​: ​​1310 nm​​ laser with ​​-1 dBm to -5 dBm​​ output power, ensuring compatibility with standard single-mode fiber (G.652).
• ​​Reach​​: ​​40.5 km​​ without inline amplification, with a receiver sensitivity of ≤-28 dBm.
• ​​Connector Type​​: ​​SC duplex​​ connectors, rated for 500+ mating cycles.

​​Environmental and Power Specifications​​

• ​​Power Consumption​​: ≤2.5W, adhering to Cisco’s EnergyWise efficiency standards.
• ​​Operating Temperature​​: ​​-5°C to 70°C​​, suitable for uncontrolled environments like street cabinets.
• ​​Diagnostics​​: Digital Diagnostics Monitoring (DDM) via ​​SFF-8472​​ compliant interfaces for real-time monitoring of temperature, voltage, and optical power.

Key Deployment Scenarios

1. ​​Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) Backbones​​

Carriers deploy the ONS-SC-2G-40.5= to interconnect central offices within urban areas. A 2023 Cisco case study highlighted its use in a ​​20-node MAN​​ where it reduced latency by 18% compared to older SR-1 modules, while maintaining 99.999% uptime.

2. ​​Enterprise Disaster Recovery Links​​

Enterprises leverage this module for ​​dark fiber links​​ between primary and secondary data centers. Its ​​40.5 km reach​​ eliminates the need for costly amplifiers in setups ≤35 km, as demonstrated by a financial institution’s deployment across a 30 km campus.

3. ​​Legacy Network Modernization​​

Telecom operators transitioning from TDM to packet-switched networks use the ONS-SC-2G-40.5= to ​​bridge SONET/SDH and Ethernet​​ services. Integrated ​​GFP (Generic Framing Procedure)​​ mapping allows seamless transport of Ethernet over SONET (EoS).

Addressing Critical Operational Concerns

​​Q: How does the ONS-SC-2G-40.5= handle fiber aging or degradation?​​

A: The module’s ​​Automatic Power Reduction (APR)​​ feature lowers laser output if fiber attenuation exceeds 0.5 dB/km, preventing receiver overload and ensuring stable BER (Bit Error Rate) <1E-12.

​​Q: Is it compatible with third-party DWDM systems?​​

A: Yes, provided the DWDM system supports 1310 nm wavelengths and SONET/SDH framing. However, ​​Cisco Transport Planner​​ software is recommended to validate end-to-end power budgets.

​​Q: What cleaning procedures are required for maintenance?​​

A: Use ​​SC-specific cleaning tools​​ like Fujikura’s CT-30 cleaner for connectors. Inspect ferrules every six months with a ≥200x microscope to detect contamination.

Procurement and Compatibility Guidelines

• ​​Platform Compatibility​​: Validated for Cisco ONS 15454 MSPP, NCS 2006, and Catalyst 6500/7600 series with compatible SFPs.
• ​​Licensing​​: Requires Cisco’s ​​ONS Software R10.5+​​ for advanced features like APR and DDM.

For Cisco-certified refurbished units or bulk pricing, visit the [“ONS-SC-2G-40.5=” link to (https://itmall.sale/product-category/cisco/).

Strategic Advantages Over Competing Modules

• ​​Cisco Smart SFP Technology​​: Enables ​​Secure Unique Identifier (SUID)​​ validation, preventing counterfeit modules from compromising network integrity.
• ​​TCO Reduction​​: Combines transceiver and regenerator functions, reducing rack space by 40% compared to standalone solutions.
• ​​Legacy Support​​: Backward-compatible with ONS 15454’s ​​TCC+ cards​​, easing upgrades for operators retaining SONET/SDH infrastructure.

Final Perspective

The ONS-SC-2G-40.5= exemplifies Cisco’s commitment to bridging legacy and modern networks without sacrificing reliability. While newer 100G/400G solutions dominate headlines, this module remains indispensable for enterprises and carriers reliant on SONET/SDH for mission-critical services. Its robust design and diagnostic capabilities make it more than a transceiver—it’s a safeguard against operational disruption in hybrid environments. Organizations clinging to outdated modules risk both performance bottlenecks and security vulnerabilities, whereas adopters of this solution future-proof their infrastructure while maintaining legacy workflows. In an industry where “out with the old” often overshadows pragmatic evolution, the ONS-SC-2G-40.5= proves that strategic upgrades can coexist with proven technologies.