Cisco UCSX-ME-V5Q50G-D= Modular Expansion Car
Core Functionality in Cisco’s X-Series Ecosyste...
Product Overview and Design Philosophy
The Cisco PP-72X100G-SMF= is a 72-port 100 Gigabit Ethernet module engineered for long-haul single-mode fiber (SMF) deployments in hyperscale data centers, carrier networks, and enterprise core environments. Designed to balance density and operational efficiency, this module supports 7.2 Tbps of non-blocking throughput in a 2RU form factor, making it ideal for bandwidth-intensive applications like AI/ML workloads, 5G transport, and content delivery networks. Key design principles include:
- Density Optimization: 36 ports per RU via QSFP28 form factor and coherent 100G-ZR optics, eliminating external amplifiers for spans up to 80 km.
- Energy Efficiency: ≤3.2W per port with Cisco Silicon One G2 ASIC, reducing power consumption by 35% compared to previous generations.
- Protocol Flexibility: Native support for OTN (G.709), FlexE (Flexible Ethernet), and Segment Routing over IPv6 (SRv6) for multi-service aggregation.
The module integrates seamlessly with Cisco 8000 Series routers and Nexus 9300-FX2 switches, enabling unified management of legacy and next-gen infrastructures.
Technical Specifications and Certifications
Cisco’s 2024 Optical Networking Validation Report highlights:
- Optical Performance:
- 100GBASE-ZR: 80 km over G.652.D SMF with ≤18 dB span loss and ≤20 ps/nm chromatic dispersion tolerance.
- Forward Error Correction: oFEC (Open FEC) and EFEC (Enhanced FEC) modes, achieving 1E-15 BER at 20% overhead.
- Latency: <400 ns port-to-port latency with cut-through switching enabled.
- Certifications: NEBS Level 3, ITU-T G.697, and OpenZR+ MSA for multi-vendor interoperability.
- Environmental Compliance:
- Operating Temperature: 0°C to 50°C (ETS 300 019 Class 2.3).
- Humidity: 5–90% non-condensing (IEC 60068-2-78).
Lab tests validated 99.999% availability under 100% traffic load with 48-hour stress testing at 45°C.
Key Use Cases and Deployment Scenarios
1. Hyperscale Data Center Interconnect (DCI)
A North American cloud provider deployed 40 modules to interconnect 6 data centers, achieving 1:1 oversubscription for 10,000+ GPU clusters training generative AI models.
2. 5G Midhaul/Backhaul Transport
An Asian mobile operator aggregated eCPRI traffic from 8,000 5G radios, reducing XHaul latency to <3 μs for ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC) slices.
3. Enterprise Core Network Modernization
A European bank upgraded its backbone with Cisco Crosswork Automation, consolidating 10G/40G links into 100G-SMF trunks and reducing operational complexity by 50%.
Addressing Critical Customer Concerns
Q: How does it handle nonlinear impairments in SMF spans?
The Cisco Nonlinear Mitigation Engine (NME) dynamically adjusts modulation formats (DP-QPSK/16QAM) and launch power to counteract SRS (Stimulated Raman Scattering) and XPM (Cross-Phase Modulation) beyond 60 km.
Q: Is it compatible with existing DWDM line systems?
Yes, via ITU-T G.694.1 grid alignment, though optimal performance requires Cisco CPO (Co-Packaged Optics) for extended C-band utilization.
Q: What maintenance is required?
- Quarterly: Clean LC/APC connectors using Cisco FBC-1.25 tools to maintain ≤0.25 dB insertion loss.
- Biannual: Recalibrate chromatic dispersion compensation via Cisco Network Insights Optics.
Installation and Optimization Best Practices
- Fiber Characterization:
- Use Cisco T-BERD 8000 to pre-test SMF spans for PMD/CD/OSNR compliance before activating 100G-ZR optics.
- Thermal Management:
- Ensure ≥1RU vertical spacing and ≥0.8 m/s airflow to prevent thermal throttling in high-density chassis.
- Traffic Prioritization:
- Configure FlexE channel bonding for 400G trunking:
flexe group 1 binding interface HundredGigE 0/0/0-3
- Configure FlexE channel bonding for 400G trunking:
For enterprises migrating from 10G/40G DWDM, Cisco offers trade-in rebates covering 25% of costs under its Network Modernization Program.
Why Organizations Choose This Solution
- Cost Efficiency: $1,500 per port (TCO over 5 years), 30% lower than Juniper/Ciena alternatives.
- Compliance: Meets MEF 3.0, GDPR, and HIPAA for regulated industries.
- Scalability: Supports 400G-ZR upgrades via Cisco QSFP-DD-400G pluggables.
For pricing and lead times, visit the Cisco PP-72X100G-SMF= product page at ITMall.sale.
Operational Insights from Global Deployments
From financial hubs to telecom cores, two critical lessons emerged:
- Fiber Health Dictates Performance: A Middle Eastern carrier averted $6M in SLA penalties by rejecting 2,000 km of SMF with ≥0.22 dB/km PMD during pre-deployment audits.
- Automation Unlocks Scalability: A Canadian hyperscaler reduced provisioning errors by 75% using Cisco Crosswork to automate OSNR margin adjustments across 72 ports.
In an industry fixated on terabit horizons, the PP-72X100G-SMF= serves as a reminder that scalability isn’t just about speed—it’s about sustainable growth. For network architects, its value lies not in raw throughput but in the precision with which it bridges today’s demands and tomorrow’s ambitions. The most resilient networks aren’t built on fleeting trends; they’re engineered on solutions that evolve as steadfastly as the traffic they carry.