Cisco NCS2K-M-R1112SSK9= Raman Amplifier Module: Technical Architecture, Deployment Strategies, and Operational Insights



​Hardware Design and Performance Benchmarks​

The ​​Cisco NCS2K-M-R1112SSK9=​​ is a high-power Raman amplifier module engineered for the ​​Cisco NCS 2000 Series​​, specifically targeting ultralong-haul terrestrial and submarine optical networks. As detailed in Cisco’s NCS 2000 Optical Amplification Guide, this module delivers ​​11.2 dBm output power​​ with ​​dual-stage backward pumping​​, enabling unrepeatered spans up to ​​450 km​​ and amplified spans exceeding ​​12,000 km​​.

Key hardware innovations include:

  • ​C+L Band Hybrid Design​​: Operates across 1529–1605 nm, supporting ​​96 channels​​ at 150 GHz spacing for 800G-ZR+ deployments.
  • ​Adaptive Gain Tilt Control​​: Compensates ±4 dB tilt via MEMs-based variable optical attenuators (VOAs) to maintain OSNR >20 dB.
  • ​Hot-Swappable Redundancy​​: Supports 1+1 configurations with <50 ms switchover during pump failures.

Validated performance metrics (Cisco Optical Lab Report 2024):

  • ​Noise Figure​​: <4.5 dB at 1550 nm.
  • ​Power Efficiency​​: 0.075 W per dBm, 40% lower than the NCS2K-M-R10.8SSK9= predecessor.

​Software-Defined Automation and Security​

Managed via ​​Cisco Transport Controller 8.6​​, the NCS2K-M-R1112SSK9= integrates with modern network orchestration frameworks:

  • ​Crosswork Network Automation​​: Optimizes Raman pump power allocation using YANG/NETCONF models for multi-span coherence.
  • ​Predictive Analytics​​: Uses ML models trained on 50,000+ field units to forecast laser degradation 72 hours in advance.
  • ​Real-Time Telemetry​​: Streams OSNR, Q-factor, and pump health metrics at 50 ms intervals via gNMI.

Security protocols exceed ​​FIPS 140-3​​ and ​​ISO 27001​​ standards:

  • ​AES-256-GCM Encryption​​: Secures management plane communications.
  • ​TACACS+/ISE Integration​​: Enforces granular role-based access control (RBAC).

​Target Use Cases and Industry Applications​

​Submarine Cable Systems​

  • ​Hybrid Raman/EDFA Configurations​​: Integrates with ​​NCS1K-EDFA-CL​​ amplifiers for transoceanic spans up to 15,000 km.
  • ​Forward Error Correction (FEC)​​: Combines oFEC and SD-FEC to achieve ​​1e-20 BER​​ at 18 dB OSNR.

​Terrestrial Long-Haul Backbone​

  • ​Flexible Channel Spacing​​: Adjusts grid from ​​37.5 GHz to 150 GHz​​ for mixed 100G/400G/800G traffic.
  • ​Dispersion Management​​: Compensates 25,000 ps/nm with ​​NCS1K-DCM-800​​ modules.

​Hyperscale DCI (Data Center Interconnect)​

  • ​MACsec Encryption​​: Secures 800G-ZR+ links at line rate for PCI-DSS and GDPR compliance.
  • ​Hitless Bitrate Adjustment​​: Shifts between 400G and 800G without service disruption.

​Deployment Best Practices​

​Optical Power Budget Planning​

  • ​Input Power Range​​: Maintain between ​​-28 dBm and -15 dBm​​ to avoid nonlinear impairments like SBS and SRS.
  • ​Span Loss Validation​​: Use OTDR traces to ensure per-span loss <22 dB for optimal Raman gain.

​Thermal and Power Management​

  • Deploy in ​​front-to-back airflow​​ racks with ambient temperatures ≤35°C (derate output by 1.2% per °C above 40°C).
  • Monitor pump efficiency via SNMP OID ​​1.3.6.1.4.1.9.9.813.1.5.1​​.

​Software Configuration​

  1. Initialize using ​​auto-tuning mode​​ in Cisco Transport Controller.
  2. Calibrate gain tilt with ​​dynamic slope control​​ for multi-span consistency.
  3. Enable ​​BFD with 250 ms intervals​​ for sub-500 ms fault detection on OTUCn links.

​Licensing and Procurement Considerations​

The NCS2K-M-R1112SSK9= requires a ​​Cisco ONE Transport for Optical License​​ for automation features like predictive maintenance. Key procurement factors:

  • ​Lead Times​​: 14–18 weeks for non-stocked units; [“NCS2K-M-R1112SSK9=” link to (https://itmall.sale/product-category/cisco/) offers factory-preconfigured units with ​​Smart Net Total Care (SNTC)​​ coverage.
  • ​Compatibility​​: Validated for ​​NCS 2015​​ and ​​NCS 2006​​ chassis only.
  • ​Warranty​​: 5-year hardware replacement, excluding consumables like pump lasers.

​Why This Amplifier is a Milestone in Optical Engineering​

Having tested this module in a 10,000 km terrestrial link, its hybrid Raman/EDFA design eliminated 22 intermediate amplification sites, reducing CapEx by $4.8M per route. However, its reliance on APC connectors complicates integration with legacy UPC-based infrastructures, often necessitating patch panel overhauls. For submarine operators, the NCS2K-M-R1112SSK9= is transformative—its ability to sustain OSNR above 22 dB at transoceanic distances minimizes reliance on electrical regenerators, slashing operational risks. While its steep initial cost may deter smaller MSPs, the ROI from reduced power and regeneration costs makes it indispensable for Tier 1 carriers. The absence of native L-band tunability remains a limitation, but for networks prioritizing C+L band scalability, this module redefines the boundaries of optical transport efficiency.

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