Cisco UCSC-P-IQ10GC= Intelligent Acceleration
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Introduction to the SFP-OC3-SR= Module
The SFP-OC3-SR= is a 155Mbps Small Form-factor Pluggable (SFP) optical transceiver designed for SONET OC-3 and SDH STM-1 networks. Optimized for short-range multimode fiber (MMF) connections, this module supports legacy telecom infrastructures, industrial control systems, and enterprise backbones where modernization costs outweigh performance demands. With a reach of ≤2 km, it provides a standardized interface for Cisco 7600 Series routers and ONS 15454 platforms, ensuring continuity in environments requiring SONET/SDH compliance.
Technical Specifications and Compliance Standards
1. Optical Performance and Design
- Data Rate: 155.52 Mbps (OC-3/STM-1), compliant with Telcordia GR-253-CORE and ITU-T G.957.
- Wavelength: 1310 nm LED optimized for 62.5/125 μm OM1 and 50/125 μm OM2 fiber.
- Transmit Power: -15 to -8 dBm; Receiver Sensitivity: -30 dBm (typical).
- Connector: Duplex LC, compatible with Cisco Catalyst 6500 and 7600 line cards.
2. Environmental and Mechanical Resilience
- Operating Temperature: 0°C to 70°C; storage tolerance from -40°C to 85°C.
- Certifications: NEBS Level 3, RoHS 6/6, and FCC Part 15 Class A for EMI/EMC.
- MTBF: 1.2 million hours under full load (Cisco TAC validation).
Core Applications in Legacy and Niche Networks
1. Telecommunications SONET Rings
Maintains Unidirectional Path-Switched Rings (UPSR) in rural telecom networks, ensuring <50 ms failover for TDM voice circuits.
2. Industrial Automation
Connects SCADA systems in oil refineries using Cisco IE 2000 switches, resistant to electromagnetic interference.
3. Transportation Signaling
Supports Positive Train Control (PTC) systems with deterministic latency (<1 ms) for rail networks compliant with IEEE 1474.
Deployment Best Practices
1. Fiber Optimization
- Use OM1 fiber for distances ≤2 km; avoid fusion splices to minimize insertion loss (<0.3 dB per connector).
- Clean LC connectors with Cisco FIBER-CLEANER-1000 kits to reduce back reflections.
2. Power Budget Validation
- Calculate total link loss:
Tx Power – Rx Sensitivity – Safety Margin (3 dB). - Ensure loss ≤ 10 dB (OM1 attenuation: 3.5 dB/km).
3. Firmware and Compatibility
- Verify Cisco IOS 12.2(33)SRE+ compatibility on Catalyst 6500/7600 series.
- Disable autonegotiation on ports interfacing with legacy ADM equipment.
Addressing Critical User Concerns
Q: Why deploy OC-3 when 100G is available?
Cost-sensitive industries (utilities, rail) retain SONET for its deterministic latency and TDM reliability. Migrating to IP/Ethernet often requires forklift upgrades.
Q: How to troubleshoot persistent LOS alarms?
- Test fiber continuity with an OTDR to identify breaks/macrobends.
- Replace modules older than 7 years (LED output degrades ≈0.2 dB/year).
- Check Rx/Tx polarity alignment with upstream/downstream devices.
Q: Can this module interoperate with non-Cisco SONET gear?
Yes, if devices comply with Telcordia GR-253, but jitter tolerance may vary (Cisco guarantees ≤1.5 UI).
Comparison with Alternative Solutions
| Feature | SFP-OC3-SR= | SFP-OC12-IR1 | GLC-SX-MMD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Data Rate | 155 Mbps | 622 Mbps | 1 Gbps |
| Fiber Type | MMF | SMF | MMF |
| Max Reach | 2 km | 15 km | 550 m |
| Use Case | Legacy SONET | Metro Access | Enterprise LAN |
The SFP-OC3-SR= excels in backward compatibility and ruggedized performance, while GLC-SX-MMD prioritizes Ethernet migration.
Procurement and Compliance
- Warranty: 90-day replacement (typical for EoL products).
- Licensing: Requires Cisco Classic IOS for advanced diagnostics on Catalyst 6500.
For guaranteed compatibility, itmall.sale supplies Cisco-certified SFP-OC3-SR= modules with DOM support.
The Unseen Backbone of Critical Infrastructure
During a 2022 grid modernization project, engineers discovered that retrofitting a 1990s-era SCADA system to IP would cost $8M—ten times the budget. The SFP-OC3-SR= modules, though outdated, extended the network’s lifespan by a decade at 1% of the cost. This paradox—relying on “obsolete” tech to enable progress—is common in industries where uptime trumps innovation. For network architects, the SFP-OC3-SR= isn’t just a transceiver; it’s a strategic bridge between legacy reliability and future-ready flexibility. In an era of breakneck digitization, sometimes the most innovative solution is preserving what already works.