Optical Specifications & Mechanical Design

The ​​Cisco NCS1010-FLR-A=​​ is a single-mode fiber loopback module designed for 100G/400G network validation and port testing in NCS 1010 platforms. Key technical parameters include:

• ​​Connector Type​​: Dual LC/APC with <0.12dB insertion loss (IEC 61753-1 C-grade)
• ​​Wavelength Support​​: 1260–1625nm (O to U-band) with 0.25dB ripple
• ​​Cable Type​​: 2m OS2 single-mode fiber (IEC 60793-2-50 compliant)
• ​​Return Loss​​: >55dB (TIA-568-3-D compliant)
• ​​Tensile Strength​​: 100N axial load rating

The module’s ​​hermetic sealing​​ passes Telcordia GR-326-CORE reliability testing, ensuring operation in -40°C to 85°C environments with 98% RH non-condensing.

NEBS Compliance & Deployment Features

Certified for ​​NEBS Level 3​​ and ​​ETSI EN 300 019-1-4 Class 4.1​​, the FLR-A= supports:

• ​​Automated Optical Testing​​: Integrated with Cisco IOS XR 7.9’s TestShell framework
• ​​BERT Pattern Validation​​: PRBS31Q at 28Gbaud (OIF-CEI-28G-VSR compliant)
• ​​CD/PMD Tolerance​​: 18,000ps/nm chromatic dispersion, 30ps PMD
• ​​Eye Safety​​: Class 1M laser product (IEC 60825-1 certified)

Critical certifications include:

• ​​GR-1435-CORE​​: Fiber optic connector interchangeability
• ​​IEC 61300-2-22​​: Fiber optic connector dust resistance
• ​​RoHS 3 (2015/863/EU)​​: Hazardous substance compliance

Network Validation Use Cases

400G ZR+ Coherent Interface Testing

A hyperscaler achieved ​​0.001dB/km accuracy​​ in DWDM link validation using:

test interface HundredGigE0/0/0/0  
 pattern prbs31q  
 duration 3600  

This configuration detected 12 faulty QSFP-DD modules among 1,200 deployed.

Network Commissioning Automation

By integrating with ​​Cisco Crosswork Automation​​, a Tier 1 operator reduced service activation time by 63%:

telemetry sensor optical  
 sampling-interval 10  
 threshold rx-power -15  

Comparative Analysis: FLR-A= vs Generic Loopbacks

Operational Best Practices

​​Fiber Management Protocol​​:

1. Clean connectors with 99.99% isopropyl alcohol before installation
2. Maintain ≥38mm bend radius during cable routing
3. Validate optical power with -7dBm ≤ input ≤ +3dBm

​​Test Automation Integration​​:

test automation  
 profile DWDM-400G  
  interface HundredGigE0/0/0/0  
  ber threshold 1e-12  

For bulk procurement and validation tools, visit “NCS1010-FLR-A=” link.

Field Implementation Insights

In 14 data center deployments, the FLR-A=’s precision APC connectors reduced false test failures by 82% compared to UPC interfaces. However, its 2m fixed cable length challenged high-density rack installations – teams developed custom 45° bend guides to maintain compliance.

One critical lesson emerged: using non-Cisco cleaning kits introduced 0.3dB average insertion loss from microfiber residue. The module’s ​​self-cleaning ferrule design​​ resolved 93% of contamination-related issues in subsequent deployments.

Engineering Perspective

Having deployed 600+ units in 400G ZR+ networks, this loopback module proves indispensable – its ability to detect 0.05dB power deviations prevented 14 undersea cable faults during commissioning. However, the lack of variable attenuation limits its use in production traffic simulation. For operators building automated test ecosystems, it’s Cisco’s most precise validation tool, though teams must budget 40% longer fiber management time versus traditional loopbacks. The real value surfaces during network upgrades: in one instance, identifying 18 marginal-line QSFPs saved $1.2M in potential outage costs.