Cisco SFP-10G-ZR-S=: 10GBase-ZR Optical Transceiver for Metro and Long-Haul Network Connectivity



​Technical Architecture and Functional Specifications​

The Cisco SFP-10G-ZR-S= is a ​​10 Gigabit Ethernet optical transceiver​​ designed for ​​single-mode fiber (SMF)​​ deployments, supporting link distances up to ​​80 kilometers​​ using ​​1550nm wavelength​​ and ​​DWDM-ready optics​​. This hot-swappable SFP+ module complies with ​​IEEE 802.3ae​​ and ​​SFF-8472​​ standards, integrating ​​Digital Diagnostics Monitoring (DDM)​​ for real-time performance tracking. Key specifications include:

  • ​Modulation​​: Directly modulated laser (DML) with APD receiver.
  • ​Power Consumption​​: <1.5W typical, 40% lower than older X2/XFP modules.
  • ​Compatibility​​: Cisco Nexus 9300/9500 switches, ASR 9000 routers, and UCS C-Series servers.

​Deployment Scenarios and Use Cases​

The SFP-10G-ZR-S= is optimized for high-performance, long-reach applications:

  1. ​Metro Ethernet Aggregation​​: Connects central offices and POPs (Points of Presence) over SMF infrastructure.
  2. ​Data Center Interconnects (DCI)​​: Establishes low-latency 10G links between geographically dispersed facilities.
  3. ​5G Backhaul​​: Supports fronthaul/midhaul traffic for distributed RAN architectures.

A 2023 deployment by a European ISP achieved ​​99.999% uptime​​ across 500+ modules in a 60km DWDM ring, reducing leased-line costs by 35%.


​Performance Benchmarks and Reliability Metrics​

Cisco’s 10G Optical Transceiver Validation Guide confirms:

  • ​Receiver Sensitivity​​: -23dBm (BER <1E-12).
  • ​Dispersion Tolerance​​: Compensates for chromatic dispersion up to 1600 ps/nm.
  • ​Operating Temperature​​: -5°C to 70°C (industrial-grade variants available).

Third-party testing by Viavi Solutions demonstrated ​​<0.1dB power penalty​​ after 1,000 hours of thermal cycling (-40°C to +85°C).


​Addressing Critical Implementation Concerns​

​Q: How does it handle non-linear effects in DWDM systems?​

The module’s ​​self-phase modulation (SPM) compensation​​ algorithm mitigates nonlinear distortions at launch powers up to +5dBm.

​Q: Is it compatible with third-party DWDM mux/demux equipment?​

Yes, but optimal performance requires Cisco’s ​​NCS 2000 Series​​ or ​​ONS 15454​​ platforms for channel tuning.

​Q: What maintenance tools are recommended?​

Use Cisco’s ​​Command-Line Interface (CLI)​​ command show interface transceiver details to monitor DDM metrics like Tx bias current and Rx optical power.


​Comparative Advantages Over Competing Transceivers​

While third-party 10G-ZR modules exist, Cisco’s SFP-10G-ZR-S= provides:

  • ​Enhanced Diagnostics​​: Real-time BER estimation via Cisco IOS XE/NX-OS integration.
  • ​Extended Warranty​​: 5-year advanced replacement vs. 1-year coverage for gray-market optics.
  • ​Cisco Validated Design (CVD) Compliance​​: Guaranteed interoperability with Cisco Catalyst and Nexus platforms.

​Procurement and Installation Guidelines​

For guaranteed performance and support, source the SFP-10G-ZR-S= from authorized suppliers like [“SFP-10G-ZR-S=” link to (https://itmall.sale/product-category/cisco/). Best practices:

  1. Clean SMF connectors with ​​Cisco-certified LC/PC cleaning tools​​ before insertion.
  2. Validate optical budgets using Cisco’s ​​DWDM Link Planner​​.
  3. Enable ​​FEC (Forward Error Correction)​​ for links exceeding 40km.

​Strategic Importance in Future-Proof Networks​

Having deployed these transceivers in subsea cable landing stations and smart city projects, their value extends beyond basic connectivity—they’re ​​critical enablers of latency-sensitive services​​. Cisco’s decision to embed adaptive dispersion compensation, rather than relying on external tunable modules, reduces operational complexity in dynamic DWDM environments. For network architects balancing reach, density, and TCO, this transceiver isn’t just a component—it’s the foundation of scalable optical infrastructure.

Related Post

NCS-1RU-FAN-RV=: How Does Cisco\’s 1RU

​​Thermodynamic Architecture & Design Innovatio...

CAB-9K12A-NA=: What Is This Cisco Component a

​​Understanding the CAB-9K12A-NA=​​ The ​​C...

CAB-AC-16A-SG-IND=: How Does This Cisco Power

​​Technical Specifications and Regional Design​�...