Cisco NCS 55A2 Chassis Datasheet

The digital landscape is constantly evolving, with advancements in mobile technology and the proliferation of the Internet of Things driving unprecedented growth in IP traffic. Service providers face the challenge of meeting this exponential increase in bandwidth demands while simultaneously reducing operational costs and supporting a diverse range of new applications. The Cisco Network Convergence System (NCS) 5500 Series, and specifically the NCS 55A2 Chassis, is engineered to address these very demands, providing a cost-effective, high-capacity, and flexible platform for next-generation network services. This datasheet delves into the features, specifications, and capabilities of the Cisco NCS 55A2 Series Router, offering a comprehensive look at how this compact yet powerful system can help service providers build agile, efficient, and future-ready networks.

Product Overview

The Cisco NCS 55A2 Series Routers are part of the Cisco Network Convergence System 5500 Series, designed as high-capacity routers for cost-effective delivery of next-generation services in aggregation and core networks. These routers are built with a compact form factor and prioritize low power consumption, making them operationally efficient. A key aspect of the NCS 55A2 chassis is its flexibility, provided by two modular bays and a combination of fixed and modular ports. This design allows for a variety of port types to be supported through the use of Modular Port Adaptors (MPA), in addition to the fixed ports integrated into the chassis. The series also includes industry-leading MACSec encryption support for enhanced security.

The NCS 55A2 Series is built to handle the demands of modern networks, offering a robust and scalable feature set essential for service providers. This includes comprehensive support for Layer 2 VPN (L2VPN) and Layer 3 VPN (L3VPN) services, along with a rich array of mobile features, making it an ideal platform for dense, converged aggregation environments. Advanced capabilities such as sophisticated packet classification, Segment Routing, ultra-wide Equal-Cost Multipath (ECMP), and enhanced programmable network management and telemetry are integrated with the proven features of Cisco IOS XR Software. Furthermore, the NCS 55A2 Series Router supports IP over Dense Wavelength-Division Multiplexing (DWDM) through specific MPAs, enabling network layers to be collapsed by tightly integrating DWDM interfaces with the routing platform. This integration boosts operational efficiency by simplifying management and accelerating service delivery, ultimately reducing both operating expenses and capital costs. The IPoDWDM solution on the NCS 55A2 uses CFP2 Digital Coherent Optics (DCO) form factor transceivers within the MPA.

Cisco NCS 55A2 Chassis Specifications

The Cisco NCS 55A2 Series fixed chassis is available in several models, each designed to meet specific deployment requirements, including standard and temperature-hardened variants. The fixed ports on the chassis include 24 ports operating at 1/10G and 16 ports supporting 1/10/25G speeds. Flexibility is significantly enhanced by the inclusion of two modular bays that accept various Modular Port Adaptors (MPA). The supported MPAs offer diverse port configurations, including 10G, 100G, 200G, 50G, and 400G options, some of which are MACSec capable. It’s important to note that 1G Auto Negotiation is not supported on the 16 ports configured for 1/10/25G speeds.

The chassis itself is a compact unit with physical dimensions of 440mm in width, 88mm in height, and 280mm in depth, weighing approximately 20.5 lbs with two power supplies installed. The MPAs are also compact, measuring 110.69 mm in width, 34.36mm in height, and 174.32 mm in depth, with a weight of about 0.8 lbs. The router utilizes either AC or DC power supplies, with two hot-swappable units providing 1+1 redundancy. Cooling is facilitated by front-to-back airflow with eight hot-swappable fans ensuring redundant system cooling. Power consumption varies by chassis model and MPA configuration, with typical values for the base NCS-55A2-MOD-S chassis at 270W and maximum at 370W. Temperature-hardened versions have slightly higher typical and maximum consumption.

Hardware Architecture

Delving into the hardware architecture, the Cisco NCS 55A2 chassis is designed for high performance and density within a compact footprint. The fixed portion of the chassis provides essential port configurations, offering 24 ports capable of 1G and 10G speeds, and 16 ports supporting 1G, 10G, and 25G speeds. This blend of port types on the base chassis offers immediate connectivity options for various network segments and device types. The true power of the NCS 55A2’s hardware lies in its modularity, featuring two open bays designed to accept Modular Port Adaptors (MPAs). These MPAs significantly extend the router’s versatility by allowing the integration of higher-density and higher-speed interfaces.

The range of supported MPAs is extensive and continually updated, including options like the NC57-MPA-12L-S for 12x 50/25/10G SFP56 ports with MACSec capability, the NC57-MPA-2D4H-S offering flexibility with 2x 400G or 4x 200G QSFP-DD ports, and other MPAs providing 10G, 100G, and 200G interfaces (NC55-MPA-12T-S, NC55-MPA-4H-S, NC55-MPA-1TH2H-S, NC55-MPA-2TH-S). The ability to mix and match these MPAs within the two bays allows network operators to customize port density and types based on specific deployment needs, from high-density 10G aggregation to high-speed 100G and 200G uplinks, and supporting emerging 400G requirements. Some MPA variants, such as the NC55-MPA-4H-HD-S, NC55-MPA-4H-HX-S, and NC55-MPA-2TH-HX-S, are specifically designed with temperature hardening and conformal coating for deployment in more challenging environmental conditions, aligning with NEBS and other industrial standards.

At the core of the chassis’s processing power is the integrated Route Processor. The specific CPU varies slightly depending on the chassis model, with the NCS-55A2-MOD-S models featuring a 6 core CPU running at 2Ghz, while the Scale chassis models (NCS-55A2-MOD-SE-S and NC55A2-MOD-SE-H-S) are equipped with a more powerful 8 core CPU at 2Ghz. Complementing the CPU is 32GB of system memory and a 128GB Solid-State Disk (SSD) drive for software image storage, configuration, logging, and recovery. This processing and storage capacity supports the demanding requirements of modern routing protocols, large routing tables, and the extensive features offered by the Cisco IOS XR Software. The chassis also includes essential management interfaces, including RJ45 ports for console access and management LAN connectivity, and external and embedded USB ports for simplified image and file management.

The overall design of the NCS 55A2 emphasizes operational efficiency and reliability. The use of hot-swappable power supplies (AC or DC) and fan trays ensures continuous operation even during component failures or maintenance. The front-to-back airflow design helps in managing heat dissipation effectively within racks. Performance-wise, the chassis offers up to 900 Gbps of system throughput. Route scale capabilities are tiered based on the chassis model, with Base Chassis models supporting up to 1M FIB entries and Scale Chassis models capable of handling up to 4M FIB entries, providing significant scalability for diverse network sizes and traffic demands. Integrated timing ports with an internal GNSS module (GPS), 1PPS in/out, 10Mhz in/out, and ToD support are also included, essential for mobile backhaul and other timing-sensitive applications.

Software Architecture

At the heart of the Cisco NCS 55A2 Series lies the Cisco IOS XR Software, a carrier-class 64-bit operating system renowned for its operational efficiency, optimized utilization, and service agility. This advanced software platform is specifically designed to meet the stringent demands of service provider networks, providing a robust foundation for delivering a wide range of services and supporting complex network architectures. The software architecture is built with modularity and resilience in mind, ensuring high availability and non-stop forwarding capabilities essential for critical network infrastructure.

Cisco IOS XR offers a comprehensive suite of features that empower network operators with extensive control and visibility. Key functionalities include Layer 2 and Layer 3 VPN services, with support for L2VPN (including IEEE 802.1Q VLAN, Q-in-Q, IEEE 802.1ad, Cisco Bundle Ethernet, LACP, Jumbo frames, L2 ingress ACL, L2 AC-AC cross-connect, EFP, VLAN trunks, and VRRP) and Layer 3 features (IPv4/IPv6 unicast, physical/sub-interfaces, static/dynamic routing protocols like OSPFv2/v3, ISIS/ISISv6, BGP, 32-way ECMP, L3 ingress/egress IPv4/IPv6 ACL, BFD, Jumbo frames, and VRRP). These capabilities provide the flexibility and scalability required to build complex VPN topologies and manage diverse access and aggregation networks.

Furthermore, Cisco IOS XR on the NCS 55A2 Series is highly optimized for modern traffic engineering and service delivery. Support for MPLS is comprehensive, including Label Switching, LDP, MPLS Traffic Engineering, and Ethernet over MPLS (EoMPLS). A prominent feature is the robust support for Segment Routing (SR), enabling simplified, scalable, and programmable traffic engineering. This includes ISIS and OSPF extensions for Segment Routing, BGP egress peering engineering, Segment Routing Traffic Engineering (SR-TE), and Segment Routing Topology Independent Loop Free Alternatives (TI-LFA). These SR capabilities are crucial for building agile and efficient networks that can adapt quickly to changing traffic patterns and service demands.

Beyond routing and forwarding, Cisco IOS XR provides advanced features for multicast, quality of service (QoS), timing, automation, security, and management. Multicast support includes IPv4/IPv6, PIM-SM, PIM-SSM, IGMPv3, MLDv2, PIM-ECMP, mLDP, and P2MP-TE, essential for efficient delivery of multimedia content. QoS features enable hierarchical QoS, ingress classification based on various criteria (CoS, DSCP, IP ACLs, IP precedence), DSCP marking, 8 queues for user traffic, and support for priority queuing, ensuring differentiated service delivery. For timing synchronization, the software supports SyncE, G.8265.1, G.8275.1, G.8275.2, and G.8273.2, critical for mobile and time-sensitive applications.

Automation is a key focus of Cisco IOS XR, with support for Zero-Touch Provisioning (ZTP), iPXE boot, and configuration management through machine-to-machine interfaces like NETCONF/YANG models. This enables streamlined deployment and management of network devices. Security features are extensive, providing comprehensive network protection with ACLs, control-plane and management plane protection, routing authentications, AAA (including TACACS+), SSH, SNMPv3, and RPL support. Management capabilities are broad, utilizing MIBs, XML, JSON, GPB, and SNMP, alongside MPLS OAM (LSP ping/traceroute) and Ethernet OAM for effective network monitoring and troubleshooting. The support for flexible software packaging and machine-to-machine interfaces highlights the platform’s readiness for modern, automated network operations.

Supported Transceiver Modules

The operational flexibility and capability of the Cisco NCS 55A2 series routers are significantly extended by the wide array of supported transceiver modules. These modules, available in various form factors and speeds, allow network operators to connect to diverse network media and reach distances. The fixed ports on the chassis and the Modular Port Adaptors (MPAs) are designed to accept these transceivers, providing connectivity options ranging from 1 Gigabit Ethernet up to 200 Gigabit Ethernet on the fixed ports, and even higher speeds like 400 Gigabit Ethernet with certain MPAs.

For a comprehensive and up-to-date list of compatible transceiver modules, Cisco provides a dedicated online matrix. This resource, accessible at https://tmgmatrix.cisco.com, is the definitive source for verifying supported transceivers for the Cisco NCS 5500 Series, including the NCS 55A2 chassis and its various MPAs. The matrix details compatibility based on the specific router model, software release, interface type, and transceiver form factor (e.g., SFP, SFP+, SFP28, QSFP+, QSFP28, CFP2, QSFP-DD). It is crucial to consult this matrix before selecting and deploying transceivers to ensure compatibility and optimal performance. The matrix also provides important notes, such as the detail that 1G Auto Negotiation is not supported on the 16 fixed 1/10/25G ports of the NCS 55A2, a specification that needs to be considered during network planning and configuration.

The variety of supported transceivers allows the NCS 55A2 to interoperate seamlessly with existing network infrastructure and adapt to future connectivity requirements. This includes support for various optical standards and distances (from short-reach connections within a data center to long-haul links), as well as copper connectivity options. The flexibility provided by the combination of fixed ports, modular bays, and a broad range of supported transceivers makes the NCS 55A2 a versatile platform capable of serving multiple roles within a service provider network, from aggregation to core routing and inter-data center connectivity.

Environmental Specifications and Compliance

The Cisco NCS 55A2 Series Routers are designed to operate reliably in various environmental conditions, with specific models available to support extended temperature ranges for more challenging deployments. Understanding the environmental specifications and regulatory compliance is crucial for proper installation and long-term operation of these routers.

For standard operating environments, the NCS-55A2-MOD-S and NCS-55A2-MOD-SE-S chassis models are specified to operate within a temperature range of 0 to +55°C (up to 6,000 feet altitude) and up to +45°C (at 13,000 feet altitude). The non-operating (storage) temperature range for these models is from –40°C to 70°C (–40°F to 158°F). Operating and storage humidity are both specified as 5% to 95% noncondensing, with the storage humidity also required to meet 5% to 95% at 40°C per NEBS GR-63-Core standards. These specifications ensure reliable performance in typical data center and central office environments.

For deployments in more demanding environments, the NCS-55A2-MOD-HD-S, NCS-55A2-MOD-HX-S, and NC55A2-MOD-SE-H-S models are temperature hardened to support a wider industrial temperature range of –40°C to +70°C (up to 1000 feet), +65°C (up to 6000 feet), and +55°C (up to 13,000 feet). The non-operating temperature and operating/storage humidity specifications are the same as the standard models. For outside plant installations, it is explicitly required that the router be protected against airborne contaminants, dust, moisture, insects, pests, corrosive gases, polluted air, or other reactive elements. This level of protection typically necessitates installation in a fully sealed enclosure, such as IP65 cabinets equipped with heat exchangers that comply with Telecordia GR487. The hardware installation guide provides further detailed guidelines for such deployments.

In terms of regulatory standards compliance, the NCS 55A2 Series adheres to a range of safety and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) regulations. Products are designed to comply with CE Markings according to directives 2004/108/EC and 2006/95/EC. Network Equipment Building Standards (NEBS) compliance includes GR-63-CORE and GR-1089-CORE, with the temperature-hardened models also complying with GR-3108-CORE Class 2, indicating suitability for outside plant environments with appropriate enclosures. Safety standards compliance covers major certifications like UL 60950-1, CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 60950-1, EN 60950-1, IEC 60950-1, AS/NZS 60950-1, and GB4943. For temperature-hardened models, additional safety standards like EN 50121-3-2, EN50155, IEC 62236-3-2, IEC 60571, EN 50121-4, and IEC 62236-4 are met, which are relevant for railway and industrial applications.

EMC standards compliance includes adherence to regulations such as 47CFR Part 15 Class A, CISPR32 Class A, EN55032 Class A, EN 300 386 Class A, and others across various global regions. Temperature-hardened models also comply with relevant EMC standards for railway and industrial environments. EMC immunity is covered by standards like EN55024, CISPR24, EN300386, and others, with temperature-hardened versions meeting additional immunity requirements for demanding electrical environments. The products are also RoHS-6 compliant, with specific exceptions for lead in BGA balls and press-fit connectors. Predicted MTBF (Mean Time Between Failure) values are provided for both the chassis and various MPA types at 40°C, offering insights into the expected reliability of the system components. These extensive environmental and regulatory compliance details underscore the NCS 55A2’s suitability for deployment in a wide range of network environments, emphasizing its robustness and adherence to industry standards.

Regulatory Standards Compliance: Safety and EMC

Ensuring the safety and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) of network equipment is paramount for compliance with international regulations and for reliable operation within diverse environments. The Cisco NCS 55A2 Series Routers are designed and tested to meet a comprehensive set of safety and EMC standards, demonstrating their adherence to stringent industry requirements. Compliance not only ensures product safety but also minimizes potential interference with other electronic devices, crucial in dense network deployments.

For standard operating environments, including models like NCS-55A2-MOD-S and NCS-55A2-MOD-SE-S, the routers comply with essential safety standards such as UL 60950-1 Second Edition, CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 60950-1 Second Edition, EN 60950-1 Second Edition, IEC 60950-1 Second Edition, AS/NZS 60950-1, and GB4943. These certifications cover electrical safety, fire safety, and other potential hazards associated with information technology equipment. EMC standards for these models include compliance with limits for conducted and radiated emissions as defined by regulations like 47CFR Part 15 Class A, CISPR32 Class A, EN55032 Class A, EN 300 386 Class A, ICES-003 Class A, and others relevant to specific regions like TCVN, CNS, VCCI, and KN. Compliance with harmonic current emissions (EN61000-3-2) and voltage fluctuations and flicker (EN61000-3-3) is also achieved. EMC immunity standards, which ensure the device’s ability to operate without degradation in the presence of electromagnetic disturbances, are covered by EN55024, CISPR24, EN300386, KN35, and TCVN 7317.

For temperature-hardened models (NCS-55A2-MOD-HD-S, NCS-55A2-MOD-HX-S, NC55A2-MOD-SE-H-S), which are intended for more demanding industrial and outdoor environments, an expanded set of safety and EMC standards is met. Beyond the standard safety certifications, these models also comply with safety standards relevant to railway applications (EN 50121-3-2, EN50155, IEC 62236-3-2, IEC 60571) and industrial control equipment (EN 50121-4, IEC 62236-4). The EMC standards for emissions on these models are
the same as the standard versions, ensuring they meet Class A limits. However, EMC immunity standards are more extensive for temperature-hardened models, aligning with EN 61000-6-1, EN50121-3-2, EN50155, IEC 62236-3-2, IEC 60571, EN50121-4, IEC 62236-4, CISPR35, EN61000-6-2, EN61131-2, and EN61326-1. These additional immunity standards are crucial for ensuring reliable operation in environments where higher levels of electromagnetic interference might be present, such as near railway lines or in industrial settings. The adherence to these comprehensive safety and EMC standards underscores the robustness and reliability of the Cisco NCS 55A2 Series for deployment in a wide spectrum of network infrastructure locations, from traditional data centers to challenging outdoor and industrial sites.

Ordering Information

Acquiring the Cisco NCS 55A2 Series Routers and their associated components involves navigating through the available ordering options, which include both Flexible Consumption Model and Perpetual Model licensing structures. Understanding these different models and the specific part numbers for the chassis, Modular Port Adaptors (MPAs), software, fans, accessories, and licenses is essential for proper procurement.

The core of the system offering is the chassis itself, available in several variants to suit different environmental needs and performance scales. These include the standard NCS-55A2-MOD-SYS, temperature-hardened versions NCS-55A2-MODH-SYS and NCS-55A2-MODX-SYS (with conformal coating), and Scale chassis versions NCS-55A2-MODS-SYS and NCS-55A2MODSH-SYS (temperature-hardened with conformal coating). To equip these chassis with the desired port density and speed, various MPAs are available with their respective `-FC` (Flexible Consumption) or standard part numbers. The range of MPAs includes options for 10G, 50G, 100G, 200G, and 400G interfaces, some with temperature-hardened and conformal coating options.

Software licensing for the NCS 55A2 Series can be procured under either a Flexible Consumption Model or a Perpetual Model. The Flexible Consumption Model offers subscription-based licensing per 100G bandwidth, providing options for Essentials and Advantage software packages with 3-5 or 5-10 year subscriptions (e.g., ESS-100G-RTU-1, ADN-100G-SIA-3). The Perpetual Model involves purchasing licenses upfront for specific features and capabilities, tied to the base chassis or per 100G bandwidth. This includes bundle licenses, L3VPN, L2VPN, Core and Aggregation, Peering, Advance Data Center, and MACsec licenses (e.g., NC55P-BNDL-A2MDT, NC55P-ADVL3-100T, NC55P-MSEC-55A2). Specific licenses cater to the Scale chassis models as well (e.g., NC55P-BNDL-A2MDS, NC55P-CRAGR-100S). Essential accessories and replacement parts, such as AC and DC power supplies (including temperature-hardened options), fan trays (standard and latch type), accessory kits, and air filter kits, are also available with their distinct part numbers (e.g., NC55-1200W-ACFW, NC55-A2-FAN-FW, NCS-55A2-FLTR-FW).

For a complete list of orderable products and their descriptions, it is best practice to refer to the detailed ordering information tables provided in the official Cisco datasheet. These tables explicitly list the part numbers for Flexible Consumption Model Hardware, Flexible Consumption Model Software Licenses, and Perpetual Model components including Chassis, MPA, Software, Fans, Accessories, and Licenses. For customers interested in acquiring these products with global discount offers, exploring options through platforms like https://itmall.sale can provide competitive pricing and streamline the procurement process.

Product Sustainability

In today’s environmentally conscious landscape, the sustainability of networking equipment is becoming an increasingly important consideration for service providers and enterprises alike. Cisco is committed to product sustainability, and this is reflected in the design and lifecycle management of the NCS 55A2 Series Routers. Information regarding the sustainability aspects of these products is made available to provide transparency and assist customers in making informed decisions.

Cisco provides general information concerning product-material-content laws and regulations, ensuring that materials used in the NCS 55A2 Series comply with relevant guidelines. This includes considerations related to the composition of the hardware components and their associated materials. Furthermore, information regarding electronic waste laws and regulations, including those pertaining to the products themselves, their batteries, and packaging, is available. This facilitates proper disposal and recycling processes at the end of the product’s lifecycle, aligning with initiatives like WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) compliance.

As part of its environmental commitment, Cisco operates a product takeback and reuse program. This program offers a responsible method for customers to return end-of-life equipment to Cisco for proper handling, which may include refurbishment, recycling, or safe disposal of materials. This initiative contributes to reducing electronic waste and promoting a circular economy model within the technology sector. Details about the Cisco Takeback and Reuse Program are provided to encourage participation and environmental responsibility among customers.

For specific inquiries related to the sustainability of Cisco products, including the NCS 55A2 Series, customers can reach out to a dedicated sustainability contact provided by Cisco. This ensures that detailed information and assistance are available regarding the environmental attributes of the products. In addition to material content and end-of-life management, environmental properties such as normal operating temperature ranges for different chassis models, non-operating temperature, operating and storage humidity, altitude limits, power inputs (AC and DC), and air flow direction (front to back) contribute to the product’s overall environmental profile and suitability for various deployment scenarios. These specifications, especially for the temperature-hardened versions, highlight the product’s durability and efficiency even in less-than-ideal conditions. Information on power consumption, detailed in the chassis specifications, is also a key aspect of sustainability, as lower power consumption translates to reduced energy costs and a smaller environmental footprint over the operational life of the device. Predicted MTBF (Mean Time Between Failure) figures also provide an indicator of product longevity and reliability, indirectly contributing to sustainability by minimizing the need for frequent replacements.

Warranty, Service, and Support

Investing in network infrastructure requires confidence not only in the product’s current capabilities but also in the support and maintenance available throughout its lifecycle. Cisco provides comprehensive warranty coverage and a range of service and support options for the NCS 55A2 Series Routers, designed to ensure operational continuity, minimize downtime, and maximize the value of the investment.

The Cisco NCS 55A2 Series comes with a 1-year limited hardware warranty. This warranty provides essential hardware coverage, including hardware replacement. Under the terms of the warranty, hardware replacement is typically processed with a 10-day turnaround time from Cisco’s receipt of a Return Materials Authorization (RMA). This ensures that in the event of a hardware failure covered under the warranty, a replacement unit can be dispatched and received relatively quickly to restore network functionality.

Beyond the standard warranty, Cisco offers a wide portfolio of services explicitly designed to help customers successfully deploy, operate, and optimize their Cisco NCS 55A2 Series Routers. These services are delivered through a combination of skilled personnel, defined processes, proven tools, and a network of qualified partners. The primary focus of these service offerings is to help customers improve operating efficiency, enhance the performance and reliability of their data center networks, and accelerate service delivery.

Cisco Advanced Services provides specialized expertise and an architecture-led approach to assist organizations in aligning their data center infrastructure with their overarching business objectives. By leveraging Advanced Services, customers can achieve long-term value from their network investments through expert planning, design, and implementation support. For ongoing operational support and maintenance, Cisco SMARTnet™ Service is a cornerstone offering. SMARTnet provides direct access to Cisco network experts and a wealth of award-winning online resources at any time, day or night. This service is invaluable for diagnosing and resolving mission-critical problems quickly and efficiently. A key feature of SMARTnet Service is access to the Cisco Smart Call Home service, which enables proactive diagnostics and real-time alerts on the NCS 55A2 Series, often identifying potential issues before they impact network operations.

Cisco’s service offerings span the entire network lifecycle, from initial planning and deployment through ongoing operation, optimization, and technology migration. This comprehensive approach helps customers leverage their network investments more effectively, optimize network performance and reliability, smoothly transition to new technologies, and enhance the skills of their internal IT teams. The availability of diverse service and support options ensures that customers can choose the level of support that best meets their specific operational requirements and business needs, providing peace of mind and maximizing the availability of their critical networking infrastructure.