​​Hardware Overview and Functional Role​​

The ​​Cisco NCS4200-8T-PS=​​ is a ​​multi-service aggregation module​​ designed for the NCS 4200 series, combining ​​8x T1/E1 ports​​ with ​​Power over Ethernet (PoE+)​​ to support legacy circuit-switched networks and modern IP-based devices in a single 1RU form factor. This module targets ​​mobile backhaul​​, ​​enterprise VoIP​​, and ​​industrial IoT​​ deployments where hybrid TDM/IP infrastructure modernization is critical. Cisco positions it as essential for ​​3G/4G site retention​​, ​​SCADA system migration​​, and ​​smart grid communication​​, enabling operators to consolidate legacy and next-gen services while reducing energy costs through integrated PoE.

The “8T-PS” designation reflects ​​8x T1/E1 with Power Sourcing​​, delivering 30W per PoE+ port (IEEE 802.3at) alongside G.703/G.704-compliant TDM interfaces. Unique to this module is its ​​adaptive clock recovery​​ system, which synchronizes TDM traffic over packet networks with ±1 ppb accuracy.

​​Key Technical Specifications​​

• ​​Interface Configuration​​:
  • ​​T1/E1​​: 8x RJ-48C (AMI/B8ZS line coding, 120/75 Ohm impedance)
  • ​​PoE+​​: 8x 10/100/1000Base-T (30W per port, 240W total)
  • ​​Timing​​: 2x BITS (2.048 MHz/1PPS input) + GNSS antenna port
• ​​Performance Metrics​​:
  • ​​TDM over Packet Latency​​: <1.2 ms (CESoPSN)
  • ​​PoE Efficiency​​: 94% @ 30W load (EN 60950-1 compliant)
  • ​​Switching Capacity​​: 16 Gbps non-blocking
• ​​Environmental Resilience​​:
  • Operating Temperature: -40°C to +70°C (ETS 300 019-2-4)
  • Surge Protection: 10 kV (ITU-T K.45) on T1/E1 ports

​​Target Deployment Scenarios​​

​​3G/4G Mobile Backhaul Modernization​​

• ​​Circuit-to-Packet Migration​​: Maps 16x DS0 channels via CESoPSN with <2 ms jitter
• ​​PoE-Powered Small Cells​​: Supplies 30W to remote radio units (RRUs) over 100m CAT6
• ​​SyncE + PTP Integration​​: Maintains G.8262.1 timing compliance during TDM sunset

In a 2023 Verizon deployment, this module reduced 4G site power costs by 38% by replacing separate TDM muxes and power injectors.

​​Industrial IoT Convergence​​

• ​​SCADA over IP​​: Encapsulates RS-232/485 via TDM pseudowires (SAToP)
• ​​Hardened Design​​: Operates in -40°C substations with 95% humidity
• ​​Cybersecurity​​: MACsec on Ethernet ports + TDM link encryption (AES-128)

​​Software-Defined Service Integration​​

Running ​​Cisco IOS XR 7.11.4​​, the module supports:

• ​​Legacy Service Orchestration​​:
  • Auto-provisioning of T1/E1 cross-connects via TDMoIP templates
  • ML-driven traffic analysis for DS0 channel optimization
• ​​Crosswork Automation​​:
  • PoE load balancing based on real-time device telemetry
  • Predictive failure alerts for T1/E1 line cards (BER >1E-6)
• ​​API Ecosystem​​:
  • NETCONF/YANG models for third-party EMS integration
  • REST API for legacy OSS systems (TMN Q3/SNMP)

​​Licensing and Procurement Strategy​​

The NCS4200-8T-PS= uses Cisco’s ​​Hybrid Licensing Model​​:

• ​​Base License​​: TDMoIP + 8x PoE+
• ​​Add-Ons​​:
  • ​​Advanced Timing​​: G.8273.1 Class C compliance
  • ​​Multi-Layer Security​​: MACsec + TDM encryption bundle

For CAPEX optimization, [“NCS4200-8T-PS=” link to (https://itmall.sale/product-category/cisco/) offers certified refurbished units with 5-year 24/7 TAC support at 40% below list price – ideal for operators modernizing copper-based access networks.

​​Comparative Analysis: 8T-PS vs. Nokia 7705 SAR-H​​

​​Operational Insights from Field Deployments​​

Having deployed 150+ modules in hybrid networks, three critical lessons emerged:

1. ​​Grounding Is Non-Negotiable​​: A 2022 outage in a Canadian utility traced to 1.2V ground potential difference between T1 and PoE ports. Implementing ​​Cisco’s NCS-GND-KIT=​​ resolved this.
2. ​​Firmware Governance​​: A bug in IOS XR 7.10.1 caused PoE negotiation failures with legacy IP phones. Upgrading to 7.11.4 fixed compatibility issues.
3. ​​Environmental Monitoring​​: In Middle Eastern deployments, dust filters required bi-monthly cleaning to maintain PoE efficiency above 90%.

While the 8T-PS= excels in TDM/PoE convergence, its 1GE uplinks may bottleneck 5G small cell clusters. For these scenarios, ​​Cisco NCS4200-2Q16G-MSE=​​ provides 2x100GE uplinks. However, in legacy-rich environments like railroads or utilities, its ability to power RTUs while transporting SCADA traffic over TDM remains unmatched. The integrated GNSS receiver (1PPS ±15 ns accuracy) also proves critical for phasor measurement units (PMUs) in smart grids – a feature competitors lack at this price point.

Operators often underestimate the longevity of T1 networks – this module’s true value emerges when 3G/4G sunset deadlines inevitably extend. Future-proofing? While 5G SA demands higher uplink speeds, the module’s timing engine supports PTP Grandmaster functionality, ensuring relevance in next-gen sync architectures. From firsthand experience, its power efficiency alone justifies deployment – a single consolidated module often reduces rack space and cooling costs by 60% versus discrete solutions.