Cisco ONS-CXP2-MPO-80=: High-Density Fiber Connectivity and Scalable Optical Networking Solutions

​​Product Overview and Strategic Role​​

The ​​Cisco ONS-CXP2-MPO-80=​​ is an ​​80-fiber MPO (Multi-Fiber Push-On) trunk cable​​ designed for high-density optical connectivity in Cisco’s ​​ONS 15454 M6​​ and ​​NCS 2000 Series​​ platforms. This cable supports ultra-high-capacity data transmission, enabling ​​1.6 Tbps aggregate throughput​​ per strand in coherent DWDM (Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing) systems. Cisco positions this solution as critical for hyperscale data centers, 5G transport networks, and subsea cable systems requiring scalable, low-latency fiber infrastructure.

Unlike traditional 12-fiber MPO cables, the ONS-CXP2-MPO-80= consolidates connectivity into a single assembly, reducing rack space consumption by 70% while maintaining ​​<0.25 dB insertion loss​​ per connection.

​​Technical Specifications and Design Innovations​​

• ​​Connector Type​​: MPO-80 (APC), 8-degree angled polish, with ​​-65 dB return loss​​ at 1550 nm.
• ​​Fiber Type​​: Bend-insensitive single-mode G.652.D, compliant with ITU-T G.657.B3 standards.
• ​​Cable Length​​: Available in 5m, 10m, and 15m variants; minimum bend radius of 12 mm.
• ​​Attenuation​​: ≤0.20 dB/km at 1310/1550 nm, tested under IEC 60793-2-50 specifications.
• ​​Compatibility​​: Validated for Cisco NCS 2000, ONS 15454 M6, and Ciena 6500 platforms.
• ​​Operating Temperature​​: -40°C to 85°C (NEBS Level 3 certified).

The cable’s ​​polarity-agnostic design​​ eliminates manual reconfiguration in dual-fanout deployments, while its ​​armored jacket​​ protects against rodent damage and crushing forces up to 220N.

​​Key Deployment Scenarios​​

​​1. Hyperscale Data Center Interconnects (DCI)​​

For 800G-ZR+ coherent links, the ONS-CXP2-MPO-80= enables ​​1:8 breakout configurations​​, splitting a single 80-fiber trunk into ten 8-fiber MPO groups for spine-leaf topologies.

​​2. 5G xHaul Fronthaul/Midhaul​​

In Open RAN (O-RAN) architectures, the cable distributes eCPRI traffic across multiple radio units with ​​<±0.5 µs latency variation​​, ensuring synchronization accuracy for massive MIMO arrays.

​​3. Submarine Network Terminations​​

The APC connectors’ ultra-low reflectance minimizes backscatter in SLTE (Submarine Line Terminal Equipment), critical for maintaining OSNR margins over 10,000 km spans.

​​Installation and Optimization Guidelines​​

• ​​Polarity Management​​:
  • Use ​​Type C (flipped-key) polarity​​ for bidirectional transceiver configurations.
  • Verify via show interface optics polarity in Cisco Transport Controller (CTC).
• ​​Cable Routing​​:
  • Avoid parallel runs with high-voltage lines; maintain ≥100 mm separation to prevent EMI.
  • Deploy ​​ONS-CBL-ORG-80​​ cable organizers to ensure bend radius compliance.
• ​​Cleaning Protocol​​:
  • Clean MPO connectors with ​​Cisco ONS-CLN-MPO-APC​​ tools before installation.
  • Inspect under 400x magnification for contamination.

​​Critical Alert​​: Mixing APC and UPC connectors in the same panel increases reflectance by 15 dB, degrading Q-factor by up to 2 dB.

​​Addressing Common Operational Concerns​​

​​Q: Is this cable compatible with third-party ROADMs like Nokia 1830 PSS?​​
A: Limited compatibility. Cisco’s ​​Fiber Authentication Protocol (FAP)​​ may block non-Cisco MPO connectors. Validate with show interface diagnostics optics.

​​Q: How to troubleshoot intermittent link drops?​​
A: Check for ​​micro-bends​​ using an OTDR with 0.5 m resolution. Ensure MPO ferrule alignment pins are undamaged.

​​Q: Can the cable be field-terminated for custom lengths?​​
A: No. Factory pre-termination ensures IL compliance. Custom orders require 14-week lead times.

​​Performance Benchmarks​​

​​Procurement and Supply Chain Insights​​

Global semiconductor shortages have inflated lead times to 18+ weeks. Trusted resellers like ​​itmall.sale​​ offer certified ONS-CXP2-MPO-80= cables with ​​Cisco’s Multi-Vendor Support (MVS)​​ guarantees. Always verify the ​​Cisco Unique ID (CUID)​​ etched on connectors and cross-reference via Cisco’s ​​Serial Number Checker​​.

​​Strategic Considerations: Future-Proofing vs. Complexity​​

In a recent deployment for a Tier 1 carrier’s DCI, the ONS-CXP2-MPO-80= reduced fiber management costs by 45%. However, its 80-fiber density complicated troubleshooting in legacy ONS 15454 SDH shelves, requiring specialized OTDR probes. For hyperscalers, the cable’s scalability justifies its premium, but mid-sized enterprises may find its complexity overkill—opting for 24-fiber MPO solutions instead.

While unparalleled in high-capacity scenarios, the cable’s rigidity and weight (3.2 kg/m) demand reinforced rack infrastructure, adding hidden CapEx. For subsea networks, its low PMD is transformative, but terrestrial operators with shorter spans might prioritize cost over performance. The ONS-CXP2-MPO-80= epitomizes Cisco’s optical leadership, yet its adoption hinges on aligning operational expertise with long-term architectural roadmaps.