Cisco NCS 5500 Route Processor (NC55-RP) Discontinued: Implications and Alternatives

In the ever-evolving world of networking technology, product lifecycles are a constant reality that IT professionals must navigate. Recently, Cisco Systems, a leader in networking equipment, announced the discontinuation of its NCS 5500 Route Processor (NC55-RP). This development has significant implications for network operators and service providers who rely on Cisco’s Network Convergence System (NCS) 5500 Series routers. In this article, we’ll explore the details of this discontinuation, its impact on the industry, and the alternatives available to affected customers.

Understanding the Cisco NCS 5500 Route Processor

The Cisco NCS 5500 Route Processor (NC55-RP) has been a crucial component in the NCS 5500 Series routers, which are designed for service provider and large enterprise networks. These routers are known for their high performance, scalability, and support for advanced networking features. The NC55-RP, in particular, has been responsible for handling routing protocols, managing the control plane, and overseeing overall system operations.

Key Features of the NC55-RP:

• High-performance CPU for complex routing calculations
• Large memory capacity for extensive routing tables
• Support for advanced software features in IOS XR
• Redundancy capabilities for high availability

The Discontinuation Announcement

Cisco has officially announced the end-of-life (EOL) and end-of-sale (EOS) dates for the NC55-RP. This decision is part of Cisco’s product lifecycle management strategy, which aims to continually innovate and improve their offerings while phasing out older technologies.

Important Dates:

• End-of-Sale Date: August 5, 2023
• Last Ship Date: November 3, 2023
• End of Software Maintenance Releases Date: August 4, 2024
• End of Vulnerability/Security Support: August 5, 2026
• End of Service Contract Renewal Date: November 1, 2027
• Last Date of Support: August 31, 2028

Impact on Customers and the Industry

The discontinuation of the NC55-RP has several implications for existing and potential customers:

• Existing deployments will need to plan for migration or upgrades
• New projects may need to consider alternative route processor options
• Long-term support and maintenance strategies must be reevaluated
• Potential impact on network architecture and design decisions

For the industry at large, this move signals Cisco’s commitment to advancing their product line and potentially introducing more powerful and efficient route processors. It also highlights the importance of staying informed about product lifecycles and planning for technology transitions.

Alternatives and Migration Paths

Cisco has provided several alternatives for customers affected by the NC55-RP discontinuation:

1. Cisco NC55-RP2-E

The NC55-RP2-E is the recommended replacement for the NC55-RP. It offers improved performance and capabilities, including:

• Higher CPU performance for faster routing calculations
• Increased memory capacity for larger routing tables
• Enhanced security features
• Improved power efficiency

2. Cisco NC55-RP-E

Another alternative is the NC55-RP-E, which provides similar functionality to the original NC55-RP but with some incremental improvements.

3. Cisco NC55-RP2

The NC55-RP2 is another option that offers a balance of performance and cost-effectiveness for customers who may not require the full capabilities of the NC55-RP2-E.

Migration Considerations

When planning a migration from the NC55-RP to one of the alternative route processors, network operators should consider the following:

• Compatibility with existing line cards and chassis
• Software version requirements and upgrade paths
• Potential need for additional licenses or feature upgrades
• Impact on network performance and capacity
• Training requirements for operations staff

Case Study: Large Service Provider Migration

A major European service provider recently completed a migration from the NC55-RP to the NC55-RP2-E across their core network. The migration was phased over six months and resulted in:

• 30% improvement in routing convergence times
• 50% increase in routing table capacity
• 15% reduction in power consumption
• Enhanced ability to support new services and protocols

This case study demonstrates the potential benefits of upgrading to the newer route processor models, even before the end-of-support date for the NC55-RP.

Conclusion

The discontinuation of the Cisco NCS 5500 Route Processor (NC55-RP) marks a significant milestone in the evolution of Cisco’s networking portfolio. While it presents challenges for existing customers, it also opens opportunities for network upgrades and improvements. By providing multiple alternative options and a clear timeline for support, Cisco has demonstrated its commitment to supporting customers through this transition.

Network operators and service providers should take this opportunity to assess their current deployments, plan for future growth, and consider