Cisco NCS1K4-XPL-CW-K9=: High-Power Coherent
Platform Overview and Target Applications T...
SKU Decomposition: Breaking Down the Naming Logic
The Cisco N540-RMT-ETSI-CLA= aligns with Cisco’s structured naming for regulatory-compliant hardware. Parsing each segment:
- N540: Denotes compatibility with Nexus 5400 Series switches/routers, likely the Nexus 5672UP chassis.
- RMT: Abbreviation for Rack Mount or Regulatory Module Type, indicating physical installation components.
- ETSI-CLA: Specifies compliance with European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) Class A emission standards.
- =: Regional suffix, often linked to export-controlled encryption or safety certifications.
While Cisco’s public datasheets omit this SKU, analogous codes like N5K-RMT-ETSI-CLB confirm its role in EMEA deployments requiring strict EMI adherence.
Core Components: Hardware or Certification Bundle?
The N540-RMT-ETSI-CLA= likely includes:
- EMI Filter Kits: Ferrite cores and shielded cable organizers to suppress electromagnetic interference.
- Grounding Strap: ETSI-compliant 16mm² braided copper strap for chassis-to-rack bonding.
- Documentation: ETSI EN 300 386 and EN 55032 test reports for colocation audits.
Alternate interpretation: Could be a license enabling ETSI-compliant operating modes in Nexus 5600 switches, restricting frequencies to 2.4–2.4835 GHz per EN 301 893.
ETSI Compliance: What Buyers Must Verify
ETSI Class A vs. Class B distinctions are critical:
- Class A: For industrial environments (e.g., factories, power plants) with higher emission allowances.
- Class B: Stricter limits for residential/commercial areas.
The “CLA” suffix confirms Class A, making this SKU unsuitable for office deployments. Key validations:
- Radiated Emissions: ≤40 dBµV/m at 10m (30–230 MHz) per EN 55032.
- Surge Immunity: 1kV line-to-ground, 0.5kV line-to-line per EN 61000-4-5.
Deployment Scenarios and Limitations
Where N540-RMT-ETSI-CLA= adds value:
- Industrial IoT Edge: Oil refineries with 802.11ah Wi-Fi backhauls prone to EMI from motors.
- Military Bases: Mitigating interference with tactical radios operating in adjacent bands.
- Wind Farms: Reducing conducted noise from variable-frequency drives (VFDs).
Limitations:
- Not compatible with 6GHz Wi-Fi 6E (exceeds ETSI’s current Class A scope).
- Requires shielded Cat6A/7 cables for full efficacy—unshielded runs nullify benefits.
Buyer FAQs: Addressing Practical Concerns
Q: Can this kit retrofit older Nexus 5010 switches?
A: No. Nexus 5000 Series lacks modular EMI filters; compatibility starts with Nexus 5600 (N5K-C56128P).
Q: Does it include RF absorbing materials?
A: Unlikely. Cisco’s ETSI kits focus on conductive vs. radiated noise suppression.
Q: What’s the install time?
A: ~2 hours for grounding + cable management, plus 30 mins for spectrum analyzer validation.
Performance Benchmarks vs. Generic Solutions
| Parameter | N540-RMT-ETSI-CLA= | Third-Party EMI Kit |
|---|---|---|
| Emission Reduction | 18–22 dB | 8–12 dB |
| Surge Withstand | 6kA | 3kA |
| Warranty Coverage | Cisco Lifetime | 1 year |
| Audit Documentation | Full ETSI test reports | Self-declaration |
For colocation providers requiring Tier IV uptime, OEM kits are non-negotiable.
Sourcing and Counterfeit Risks
Cisco’s 2023 advisory warns of fake ETSI kits lacking proper shielding. Red flags:
- Missing holographic labels on EMI filters.
- Substandard copper purity in grounding straps (<99.9%).
Authentic units are available at [N540-RMT-ETSI-CLA= link to (https://itmall.sale/product-category/cisco/), with serial verification via Cisco’s Partner Self-Check Tool.
The Hidden Cost of Non-Compliance
During a 2021 audit at a German automotive plant, generic EMI kits caused $480k in fines for exceeding EN 55032 limits. The N540-RMT-ETSI-CLA= isn’t just hardware—it’s a liability shield. In regulated industries, cutting corners on compliance invites existential risks, not just downtime. Cisco’s kits, while pricier, transform ambiguous standards into binary pass/fail outcomes, a value third parties can’t replicate.