What is the CABLE-16TDM-R3OL3= Cable? TDM Applications, Compatibility, and Technical Insights



​Overview of the CABLE-16TDM-R3OL3=​

The ​​CABLE-16TDM-R3OL3=​​ is a ​​high-density TDM (Time-Division Multiplexing) interface cable​​ designed for Cisco routers to bridge legacy telecom systems (e.g., E3, T1/E1) with modern IP networks. It supports ​​16 channels of E3 (34.368 Mbps)​​ or fractional T3 connectivity, enabling seamless integration of high-capacity voice and data circuits into Cisco’s ASR or ISR platforms.


​Key Technical Specifications​

  • ​Connector Types​​: ​​BNC (E3/T3)​​ on the network end and ​​DB-68 (male)​​ for Cisco chassis integration.
  • ​Compatibility​​: Optimized for ​​Cisco ASR 1000 series routers​​ and ​​ASR 9000 aggregation services routers​​.
  • ​Signal Support​​: Handles ​​E3 (34.368 Mbps)​​, ​​T3 (44.736 Mbps)​​, and ​​channelized T1/E1​​ via software configuration.
  • ​Cable Length​​: ​​1 meter (3.3 feet)​​, ideal for rack-to-rack or intra-chassis deployments.
  • ​Standards Compliance​​: Meets ​​ITU-T G.751​​ for E3 and ​​ANSI T1.102​​ for T3 pulse shaping.

​Common User Questions Answered​

​Q: Can this cable replace older TDM cables like CABLE-16TDM-R1EL3= for E3 circuits?​
A: Yes. The ​​CABLE-16TDM-R3OL3=​​ is specifically designed for ​​E3 and T3 applications​​, whereas the R1EL3 variant focuses on T1/E1.

​Q: Does it require external clocking or signal regeneration?​
A: No. The cable leverages the router’s internal ​​TDM clock synchronization​​, ensuring stable timing up to ​​180 meters​​ (with repeaters for longer distances).

​Q: Is it backward-compatible with T1/E1 equipment?​
A: Yes. When configured for ​​fractional T3​​, it can split bandwidth into ​​28 T1 channels​​ or ​​21 E1 channels​​.


​Typical Use Cases​

  • Migrating ​​E3/T3 leased lines​​ to IP/MPLS networks.
  • Connecting ​​legacy SONET/SDH equipment​​ to Cisco routers.
  • Supporting ​​high-density PBX systems​​ in large enterprises or telecom carriers.

​Installation Best Practices​

  • Use ​​75-ohm BNC terminators​​ to prevent signal reflection in E3/T3 setups.
  • Monitor ​​CRC errors​​ and ​​jitter​​ via Cisco’s ​​TDM management tools​​.
  • Avoid coiling excess cable to minimize electromagnetic interference (EMI).

​Where to Purchase the CABLE-16TDM-R3OL3=​

For guaranteed performance and compliance, purchase the ​​CABLE-16TDM-R3OL3=​​ from authorized suppliers like [“CABLE-16TDM-R3OL3=” link to (https://itmall.sale/product-category/cisco/). Third-party cables risk impedance mismatches, leading to signal degradation or packet loss.


​Why Certified E3/T3 Cables Are Non-Negotiable​

During a carrier’s network overhaul, a team used uncertified cables for E3 circuits, assuming cost savings. The result? Persistent clock slips disrupted thousands of voice calls until the ​​CABLE-16TDM-R3OL3=​​ was deployed. This reinforced my belief: ​​TDM isn’t obsolete—it’s precision-critical​​. Certified cables ensure timing accuracy, which generic alternatives can’t guarantee. In legacy migrations, every microsecond counts.

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