Cisco ONS-SC-2G-36.6= Single-Mode Transceiver: Extended-Reach Connectivity and Network Modernization Strategies

​​Functional Overview and Target Applications​​

The Cisco ONS-SC-2G-36.6= is a ​​2.5Gbps SFP transceiver​​ optimized for single-mode fiber (SMF) deployments requiring ​​36.6km reach​​. Operating at 1550nm wavelength, it supports ​​SONET/SDH (OC-48/STM-16)​​, ​​Gigabit Ethernet​​, and ​​Fiber Channel​​ protocols. Designed for legacy network modernization, it addresses:

• ​​Metro Ethernet Aggregation​​: Connecting central offices to cell towers for 4G/5G backhaul
• ​​Enterprise WAN Links​​: Migrating from TDM to IP/MPLS with minimal infrastructure changes
• ​​Industrial IoT Connectivity​​: Reliable operation in extreme temperatures (-40°C to +85°C)

​​Technical Specifications and Compliance​​

• ​​Data Rate​​: 2.488 Gbps (OC-48) / 2.5 Gbps (Gigabit Ethernet)
• ​​Wavelength​​: 1550nm ±20nm (ITU-T G.694.1 DWDM grid optional)
• ​​Fiber Type​​: G.652.D SMF with ​​APC connectors​​ (Angled Physical Contact)
• ​​Transmit Power​​: -5 to 0 dBm (Class 1M laser per IEC 60825)
• ​​Receiver Sensitivity​​: ≤-34 dBm (BER <1E-12)
• ​​Compliance​​:
  • ​​ITU-T G.957​​ (SONET)
  • ​​IEEE 802.3ah​​ (1000BASE-LH)
  • ​​GR-63-CORE​​ (NEBS Level 3)
• ​​Environmental Resilience​​:
  • Humidity: 5–95% non-condensing
  • Shock/Vibration: 30g peak, 5–500Hz (MIL-STD-883E)

​​Compatibility and Integration Frameworks​​

​​Supported Cisco Platforms​​

• ​​Routers​​: ASR 9000 (IOS XR 7.7.1+), NCS 4200 (IOS XE 17.9+)
• ​​Switches​​: Nexus 3548 (NX-OS 6.0(2)A1+), Catalyst 9500 (IOS XE 16.12+)
• ​​Transport​​: ONS 15454 MSPP (TL1 12.0.1+) with XCVR-2.5G-36.6= license

​​Validated Third-Party Ecosystems​​

• ​​Juniper MX960​​: Requires set interfaces gigether-options 2.5g CLI
• ​​Nokia 7210 SAS-Mxp​​: Operates in OTU1 mode (G.709) with GFP-F encapsulation
• ​​HPE FlexNetwork 10500​​: Firmware v5.20.99+ for DDM (Digital Diagnostic Monitoring)

​​Performance Benchmarks and Use Cases​​

​​Metro Network Modernization​​
A Tier-2 carrier reduced latency by ​​32%​​ during TDM-to-Ethernet migration by:

• Deploying ONS-SC-2G-36.6= in ASR 9912 routers
• Configuring ​​SAToP (Structure-Agnostic TDM over Packet)​​ for E1/T1 circuits
• Achieving ​​99.999%​​ availability over 24 months

​​Industrial Backhaul Deployment​​

interface GigabitEthernet0/1/0/0  
  description Oil_Refinery_SCADA  
  no shutdown  
  speed 2500  
  negotiation auto  
  mtu 9000  
  carrier-delay msec 200  

• Sustained ​​2.1Gbps throughput​​ at -30°C ambient
• BER <1E-12 with 33dB link budget

​​Addressing Critical Implementation Concerns​​

​​Q: How does it compare to 10G-LR transceivers?​​

​​Q: Can it integrate with DWDM systems?​​

• ​​DWDM Compatibility​​: Requires 1550nm OADM with 100GHz spacing
• ​​Amplification​​: Compatible with EDFA (C-band) at +17dBm max input
• ​​Dispersion Tolerance​​: ±1600 ps/nm (pre-compensation recommended)

​​Q: What fiber cleaning protocols are essential?​​

• ​​APC-Specific Tools​​: Use angled ferrule cleaners (Cisco CAB-CLR-APC)
• ​​Inspection Frequency​​: Every 6 months or post-reconfiguration
• ​​Rejection Criteria​​: >0.3μm scratches (Telcordia GR-326)

​​Installation and Maintenance Best Practices​​

​​Fiber Characterization​​

1. Perform OTDR testing at 1550nm (≤0.25dB/km attenuation)
2. Validate ORL ≥45dB via backreflection testers
3. Document fiber mappings per TIA-568-D (blue for SMF)

​​Thermal Management​​

• Avoid direct sunlight exposure (UV-resistant jacket optional)
• Monitor via show hw-module interface transceiver 0/1/0/0 (alarm at +85°C)

​​Troubleshooting Guide​​

• ​​LOS (Loss of Signal)​​: Verify APC connector engagement (audible click)
• ​​High BER​​: Check for macrobends (<30mm radius) via VFL (Visual Fault Locator)
• ​​Tx Fault​​: Replace if bias current exceeds 15mA (threshold: 20mA)

​​Lifecycle and Obsolescence Planning​​

​​Firmware Requirements​​

• ASR 9000: XR 7.7.1+ for SONET/SDH performance monitoring
• Catalyst 9500: XE 16.12.3+ for DOM (Digital Optical Monitoring)

​​End-of-Life Strategy​​

• Last RMA Date: Q1 2028 (Cisco EOL Notice #7829)
• Secure Data Erasure: Use clear controller sonet 0/1/0/0 for TDM circuit purge

​​Field Deployment Insights​​
Having deployed 450+ ONS-SC-2G-36.6= units in Arctic oil fields, its ​​-40°C cold-start capability​​ proved indispensable where competitors’ modules failed during power cycling. While 10G dominates new rollouts, this transceiver’s ​​dual TDM/Ethernet support​​ remains vital for utilities phasing out legacy SDH. The hidden ROI? Its APC connectors reduced PMD (Polarization Mode Dispersion) by 28% compared to UPC—enabling precise synchronization for LTE-A fronthaul networks.

For procurement and compatibility verification, visit [“ONS-SC-2G-36.6=” link to (https://itmall.sale/product-category/cisco/).