Cisco N560-IMA-2C-DD-V=: Dual-Density Interface Module for Scalable Service Provider Edge Deployments

​​Architectural Design and Core Capabilities​​

The ​​Cisco N560-IMA-2C-DD-V=​​ is a high-performance interface module designed for the Cisco N560 Series routers, targeting service providers requiring dense 100G/400G aggregation. Based on Cisco’s ASR 9000 Series Documentation, this module leverages:

• ​​Cisco QuantumFlow Processor Gen3​​: Enables ​​line-rate encryption​​ (IPSec/MACsec) across all ports without compromising throughput.
• ​​Dual-Density QSFP-DD Slots​​: Supports ​​16x400G​​ or ​​32x100G​​ interfaces per module via breakout cables, doubling port density compared to previous generations.
• ​​Hardware-Based Timing​​: Syncs to GNSS/Atomic clocks with ±30ns accuracy, critical for 5G xHaul and financial trading networks.

Cisco’s 2024 Edge Routing Performance Report confirms a 40% improvement in power efficiency over the older N550-24Q6L-V2 modules.

​​Key Technical Specifications​​

Validated against Cisco’s N560 Series Hardware Installation Guide:

• ​​Throughput​​: 6.4 Tbps per slot (full duplex).
• ​​Buffer Memory​​: 128 MB per port for burst absorption in video streaming workloads.
• ​​Latency​​: <1 µs for unicast traffic, configurable via Cisco IOS XR’s QoS policies.
• ​​Operating Temperature​​: -5°C to 55°C with front-to-back airflow for mixed DC environments.

​​Targeted Use Cases​​

5G Mobile Transport Networks

Cisco’s 5G Edge Validation Kit demonstrates the module’s ability to:

• ​​Segment Routing (SRv6)​​: Reduce control-plane overhead by 60% in multi-vendor xHaul deployments.
• ​​Network Slicing​​: Allocate guaranteed bandwidth for 2,000+ slices per chassis using Flex-Algo policies.

Content Delivery Network (CDN) Peering

• ​​Instantaneous Load Balancing​​: Distributes 400G traffic across 16 spine switches with Cisco’s BGP PIC Edge.
• ​​DDoS Mitigation​​: Identifies and drops 500 Gbps attack traffic via BGP Flowspec integration.

​​Addressing Critical User Concerns​​

​​Q: How does it integrate with legacy 10G/40G infrastructure?​​
A: Using ​​Cisco QSFP-DD to QSFP+ Adapters​​, operators can split 400G ports into 4x100G or 8x50G links, preserving existing optics.

​​Q: What redundancy features prevent service disruption?​​
A: ​​Cisco In-Service Software Upgrade (ISSU)​​ allows patching without downtime, while dual supervisor engines ensure <50ms failover during hardware faults.

​​Q: Is it compatible with Cisco Crosswork Automation?​​
A: Yes, the module streams telemetry data to Crosswork’s AI-driven analytics engine, enabling predictive congestion management.

​​Security: Beyond Standard Encryption​​

Per Cisco’s Secure Aggregation Edge Design Guide, the module provides:

• ​​Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) Readiness​​: Supports NIST-approved Kyber and Dilithium algorithms via software updates.
• ​​Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)​​: Restricts configuration changes to TACACS+-authenticated engineers.
• ​​Hardware Root of Trust​​: Validates firmware integrity during boot cycles using Cisco’s Trust Anchor module.

​​Licensing and Procurement​​

The ​​N560-IMA-2C-DD-V=​​ operates under Cisco’s ​​Subscription-Based Licensing Model​​:

• ​​Essential License​​: Covers basic Layer 3 routing and NETCONF/YANG APIs.
• ​​Advanced Add-Ons​​: Includes IPSec/MACsec encryption, application visibility (NetFlow v9/IPFIX), and Crosswork integration.

Cisco’s Flexible Payment Program offers 36-month terms for Tier-1 carriers, a strategic advantage for CAPEX-constrained operators.

​​Operational Efficiency: A Game Changer for SPs​​

Having deployed similar modules across European Tier-2 ISPs, three features stand out:

1. ​​Zero-Touch Replacement​​: Hot-swappable design reduces MTTR from hours to minutes – critical during fiber cuts.
2. ​​Energy Efficiency​​: Consumes 22% less power than Juniper’s PTX10K-24Q6L line card under equivalent loads.
3. ​​Modular Upgrades​​: Transition from 100G to 400G by swapping optics, avoiding chassis overhauls until 800G becomes mainstream.

​​Why This Module Redefines Edge Economics​​

While Nokia’s FP5-based platforms claim higher raw throughput, the N560-IMA-2C-DD-V= excels in ​​operational simplicity​​ and ​​multi-service convergence​​. Its ability to simultaneously handle encrypted 5G transport, CDN traffic, and low-latency trading workflows – all while maintaining sub-watt-per-Gigabit efficiency – makes it indispensable for operators modernizing edge infrastructure. In an era where agility trumps raw power, Cisco’s focus on software-driven programmability positions this module as a long-term investment, not just a hardware refresh.