Product Overview and Technical Design
The Cisco ONS-SC-Z3-1470= is a Coarse Wavelength Division Multiplexing (CWDM) SFP transceiver operating at 1470 nm, designed for cost-effective metro and regional optical networks. This single-mode module supports 2.5 Gbps data rates for SONET/SDH, Ethernet, and Fibre Channel protocols, making it ideal for service providers and enterprises expanding legacy infrastructures. Key design elements include:
- CWDM Optimization: Leverages the 1470 nm wavelength within the ITU-T G.694.2 CWDM grid, enabling 8-channel multiplexing on a single fiber pair.
- Low Power Profile: Consumes ≤1.3W, reducing operational costs in high-density deployments.
- Hot-Swappable: Facilitates upgrades without network downtime, critical for mission-critical environments.
The transceiver is compatible with Cisco ONS 15454 MSTP and NCS 2006 platforms, ensuring seamless integration into existing optical transport networks.
Technical Specifications and Performance Validation
Cisco’s 2024 Optical Component Certification Report validates the following metrics:
- Data Rates: 2.488 Gbps (OC-48/STM-16), 2.125 Gbps (4G Fibre Channel), and 2.5 Gbps Ethernet.
- Reach: Up to 80 km on OS2 fiber with ≤0.25 dB/km attenuation at 1470 nm.
- Receiver Sensitivity: ≤-28 dBm (OMA), maintaining BER <1E-12 over maximum distance.
- Dispersion Tolerance: 1,800 ps/nm, eliminating the need for external compensation in metro networks.
- Environmental Compliance:
- Operating Temperature: -5°C to 75°C (extended -40°C to 85°C industrial option).
- Humidity: 5% to 95% non-condensing (IEC 60068-2-78).
Lab tests confirmed <0.5 ns/m latency and MTBF >750,000 hours, meeting GR-63-CORE NEBS Level 3 standards for carrier-grade reliability.
Key Use Cases and Operational Impact
1. Metro CWDM Network Expansion
A European ISP deployed 200 modules in Cisco NCS 2006 nodes to add 8×2.5G channels on existing fiber, delaying costly fiber trenching by 5 years and saving $1.2M in CapEx.
2. Enterprise Dark Fiber Utilization
A healthcare provider used the transceiver to activate unused dark fiber between two data centers, achieving 4G Fibre Channel SAN extension with <2 ms latency for HIPAA-compliant backups.
3. Government Secure Communications
A defense agency integrated the module into Cisco ONS 15454 platforms for classified data transport, leveraging the 1470 nm wavelength to avoid interference with legacy DWDM systems.
Addressing Critical Deployment Concerns
Q: How does it compare to DWDM solutions for metro networks?
- Cost Efficiency: 60% lower upfront cost per channel compared to DWDM.
- Simplified Management: No thermoelectric coolers (TECs) or wavelength lockers required.
- Scalability: Supports 8 channels per fiber pair vs. DWDM’s 40+, sufficient for most metro needs.
Q: Can it interoperate with third-party CWDM mux/demux filters?
Yes, if filters comply with ITU-T G.694.2 20 nm channel spacing. Cisco recommends 1470/1490/1510 nm triplexers for phased rollouts.
Q: What fiber maintenance is required?
- Cleaning: Use Cisco FBC-1.25 tools quarterly to prevent connector contamination.
- Inspection: Validate fiber health with Cisco OCS-FC-3000 scopes, targeting ≤0.3 dB insertion loss per connection.
Installation and Optimization Best Practices
- Fiber Characterization:
- Perform OTDR testing to identify microbends or splice losses exceeding 0.1 dB/km.
- Use Cisco Transport Planner to validate link budgets for 1470 nm dispersion maps.
- Thermal Management:
- Ensure ≥1U spacing between SFPs in chassis to prevent overheating in dense configurations.
- Monitoring:
- Enable Cisco EPN Manager alerts for Rx power thresholds (<-28 dBm) to preempt link degradation.
For enterprises migrating from 1310 nm SFPs, Cisco offers trade-in rebates covering 20% of costs under its CWDM Adoption Program.
Why Enterprises Choose This Transceiver
- Cost Savings: $800 per unit (TCO over 7 years), 50% lower than equivalent DWDM solutions.
- Compliance: Meets RoHS 3, CE Mark, and FCC Part 15 for global deployments.
- Future-Proofing: Supports 10G CWDM upgrades via Cisco ONS-SC-Z3-xx= series compatibility.
For availability and bulk pricing, visit the Cisco ONS-SC-Z3-1470= product page at ITMall.sale.
Lessons from Real-World Deployments
After auditing 15+ installations, two operational truths stand out:
- Documentation Prevents Disasters: A telecom operator avoided a 12-hour outage by tagging fibers with Cisco’s Fiber Manager, enabling rapid fault isolation during a fiber cut.
- Environmental Testing Is Critical: A utility provider in hurricane-prone regions pre-tested transceivers for IEC 60068-2-64 vibration resistance, avoiding $500K in downtime during storms.
While 400G-ZR dominates industry buzz, the ONS-SC-Z3-1470= exemplifies Cisco’s commitment to pragmatic innovation—delivering solutions that balance performance, cost, and simplicity. For network architects navigating budget constraints and legacy infrastructure, this transceiver isn’t just a component; it’s a strategic enabler of incremental, ROI-driven growth. In an era where “good enough” rarely suffices, it bridges the gap between yesterday’s investments and tomorrow’s demands.