Cisco UCSC-RAILB-C4200=: Heavy-Duty Rail Kit
Mechanical Design & Load Capacity The UCSC-RA...
Overview of Cisco C-SM-16P4M2X=
The Cisco C-SM-16P4M2X= is a high-density service module designed for Cisco ASR 9000 Series routers, enabling scalable aggregation and transport of IP/MPLS traffic. Tailored for service providers and large enterprises, this module supports 16x10G ports and 4x100G uplinks, making it ideal for high-bandwidth applications like 5G backhaul, cloud interconnect, and video streaming infrastructure. Its “M2X” designation reflects enhanced performance for Layer 2/Layer 3 VPNs and multicast routing.
Key Technical Features and Deployment Scenarios
Hardware specifications:
- Port density: 16 SFP+ ports (10G) and 4 QSFP28 ports (100G).
- Forwarding capacity: 1.6 Tbps, with support for advanced features like EVPN, segment routing, and QoS.
- Power efficiency: Optimized for energy savings in data center environments.
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Primary use cases:
- Mobile service providers: Backhauling 5G traffic across distributed radio access networks (RAN).
- Cloud providers: Interconnecting hybrid cloud workloads with secure MPLS VPNs.
- Media companies: Delivering ultra-low-latency video streams via multicast replication.
C-SM-16P4M2X= vs. Competing Modules: Performance Advantages
| Feature | C-SM-16P4M2X= | Legacy 10G Modules |
|---|---|---|
| Uplink Capacity | 4x100G (future-proof) | 2x40G (limited scalability) |
| Protocol Support | EVPN, SRv6, BGP-LU | Basic MPLS, BGP |
| Energy Draw | 150W under full load | 220W+ for similar throughput |
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Why choose this module?
- Scalability: Accommodates exponential traffic growth without hardware swaps.
- Multi-service flexibility: Simultaneously handles enterprise VPNs, IoT data, and residential broadband.
Addressing Critical Deployment Questions
Q: Is the C-SM-16P4M2X= compatible with older ASR 9000 chassis?
Yes, but it requires a RSP880-LT router processor for full functionality. Older RSPs may limit throughput.
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Q: How does it handle network congestion?
The module leverages Cisco IOS XR’s hierarchical QoS to prioritize mission-critical traffic (e.g., VoIP, healthcare data) while deprioritizing bulk transfers.
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Q: What redundancy options exist?
N+1 power supply redundancy and hot-swappable line cards minimize downtime during maintenance or failures.
Purchasing and Support Considerations
For organizations seeking reliable sourcing, partners like itmall.sale offer genuine Cisco hardware with verified warranties. Ensure firmware is updated to IOS XR 7.7.1 or later to unlock full feature sets.
Final Perspective
The C-SM-16P4M2X= exemplifies Cisco’s focus on bridging current infrastructure demands with tomorrow’s needs. While hyperscalers might lean toward fully virtualized solutions, this module remains indispensable for operators needing granular control over physical traffic flows. Its balance of density, efficiency, and programmability positions it as a long-term asset in evolving networks.