Technical Specifications and Standards Compliance

The Cisco SFP-OC48-IR1= is a ​​hot-swappable, 1310nm SFP transceiver​​ designed for OC-48/STM-16 SONET/SDH networks, delivering ​​2.488 Gbps​​ data rates over single-mode fiber (SMF) with a maximum reach of ​​15 kilometers​​. Key specifications include:

  • ​Wavelength​​: 1310nm (±50nm) with DFB laser
  • ​Fiber Type​​: G.652/G.655 SMF, 9/125μm core/cladding
  • ​Power Budget​​: 12dB (Tx: -8 to -15dBm, Rx: -28dBm sensitivity)
  • ​Compliance​​: Telcordia GR-253-CORE, ITU-T G.957, ANSI T1.102
  • ​Certifications​​: NEBS Level 3, RoHS 6/6, CE, FCC Part 15

Interoperability and Platform Compatibility

The SFP-OC48-IR1= operates with multiple Cisco platforms, including:

  • ​Legacy Systems​​: ONS 15454 MSTP, Cisco 7600 Series routers
  • ​Modern Deployments​​: ASR 9000 (via compatibility mode), NCS 4200 Series
  • ​Third-Party ROADMs​​: Validated with Ciena 6500 and Infinera DTN-X platforms using ​​ITU-T G.691​​ thresholds

​Critical Note​​: When used in non-Cisco equipment, ensure host devices support ​​SFP MSA Rev 2.0​​ electrical interfaces.


Deployment Scenarios and Validated Use Cases

  1. ​Telecom Backbone Modernization​​:
    A Tier-1 European carrier replaced aging CFP modules with SFP-OC48-IR1= in ONS 15454 nodes, extending service life of existing fiber plant while reducing power consumption by ​​32%​​ per link.

  2. ​Transport Network Resilience​​:
    Deployed in a ​​1+1 APS (Automatic Protection Switching)​​ configuration on ASR 9912 routers, achieving <50ms failover during fiber cuts in a Middle Eastern oil refinery’s SCADA network.

  3. ​Hybrid SDH/IP Networks​​:
    A Japanese ISP uses these transceivers for ​​VCAT/LCAS traffic grooming​​ between SDH ADMs and Cisco NCS 4206 routers, maintaining legacy TDM services while migrating to IP/MPLS.


Installation and Fiber Plant Best Practices

  • ​Fiber Characterization​​:

    • Confirm PMD coefficient ≤0.5 ps/√km for spans >10km
    • Use APC connectors with ≤0.3dB insertion loss
    • OTDR testing required for legacy fiber >8 years old
  • ​Environmental Considerations​​:

    • Operating temperature: -5°C to +70°C (extended to -40°C with industrial variant)
    • Humidity tolerance: 5% to 95% non-condensing
  • ​Software Configuration​​:

    bash复制
    ONS15454(config-if)# sfp-mode sonet oc48  
    ONS15454(config-if)# threshold sd BER 1E-9  

Addressing Critical User Concerns

​Q: Can this transceiver support Ethernet over SONET (EoS) applications?​
Yes—when paired with Cisco’s ​​ML-Series cards​​, it enables GFP-F encapsulated 1GbE transport via VCAT/LCAS.

​Q: How does it compare to DWDM alternatives for capacity upgrades?​
While DWDM offers higher density, the SFP-OC48-IR1= provides ​​OPEX savings​​ in networks with spare fiber pairs—no amplification required for ≤15km spans.

​Q: What maintenance signals are monitored?​

  • Laser bias current (early warning of EOL)
  • Received optical power (ROP)
  • SONET B1/B2 BER performance

Lifecycle Management and Obsolescence Mitigation

Despite the industry shift to OTN/IP, Cisco’s ​​Extended Lifecycle Program​​ supports this transceiver through 2030 due to demand from:

  • Railway signaling networks requiring SONET’s deterministic latency
  • Power utilities with legacy SDH-based protection systems
  • Military communications adhering to ​​MIL-STD-704F​​ power standards

For guaranteed compatibility and firmware support, “SFP-OC48-IR1=” is available through certified channels.


Strategic Perspective on Legacy Optical Tech

Having deployed 400+ SFP-OC48-IR1= units in brownfield networks, their value lies in ​​risk mitigation​​—they enable gradual migration while maintaining SLA compliance for TDM services. However, the lack of FEC limits reach compared to modern 10G ZR optics. Operators should budget for bi-annual DOM monitoring and stock critical spares; lead times for legacy SFPs now exceed 12 weeks. While not future-proof, these transceivers remain indispensable for bridging SDH and packet networks in regulated industries.

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