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Core Technical Profile and Target Deployments�...
Functional Role in Cisco’s NCS 1004 Platform
The NCS1K4-AC-BUN is an AC power supply bundle designed for Cisco’s Network Convergence System (NCS) 1004 chassis, a compact DWDM (Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing) platform optimized for metro and regional optical transport. This bundle includes dual 3kW AC power shelves and associated cabling, providing redundant power input for mission-critical deployments. Unlike generic power units, it integrates with Cisco’s Energy Management Framework (EMF), enabling real-time monitoring of power efficiency and thermal conditions.
Cisco positions this bundle as essential for operators prioritizing five-nines (99.999%) availability in environments like hyperscale data center interconnects (DCI) or 5G xHaul (fronthaul/midhaul). For example, a South Korean mobile carrier eliminated unplanned downtime during typhoon season by deploying this bundle with N+1 redundancy across 50 nodes.
Hardware Specifications and Key Components
The NCS1K4-AC-BUN combines high-efficiency power conversion with intelligent load balancing:
- Input Voltage: Supports 200–240V AC at 50/60 Hz, compatible with global grid standards (IEC 60320 C19/C20 connectors).
- Output Capacity: Delivers 3,000W per shelf (6,000W total), sufficient to power a fully loaded NCS 1004 chassis with 14x100G line cards.
- Efficiency: Achieves 94% efficiency under typical load (40–80% utilization), certified as 80 Plus Platinum.
- Redundancy: Supports N+1, N+N, and grid redundancy modes via Cisco’s Power Redundancy Manager (PRM).
Integration with Cisco’s Optical Ecosystem
1. Energy Management Framework (EMF)
The bundle streams telemetry data (voltage, current, temperature) to Cisco Crosswork Network Controller, enabling predictive failure analysis. Operators can set thresholds to trigger alerts when power consumption deviates by ±10% from baseline.
2. Compatibility with NCS 1004 Line Cards
Validated to support high-density modules like NCS1K4-24S-1C= (24x100G) and NCS1K4-2.4T-LC2C (2.4Tbps), ensuring stable operation even during peak traffic spikes.
3. Thermal Optimization
Integrates with the NCS 1004’s variable-speed fans, dynamically adjusting airflow based on power shelf temperature. A lab test showed a 15% reduction in cooling costs compared to fixed-speed cooling systems.
Deployment Scenarios and Limitations
1. Hyperscale DCI (Data Center Interconnect)
In a 2023 deployment for a U.S. cloud provider, the bundle powered 400G ZR+ coherent optics across 1,200 km, maintaining <0.1% power fluctuation during 100% load tests.
2. Mobile Fronthaul for 5G Open RAN
Supports eCPRI (enhanced Common Public Radio Interface) timing requirements by minimizing ripple noise (<50mVpp) on DC outputs. Operators must avoid sharing circuits with HVAC systems to prevent jitter exceeding ±100 ns.
3. Limitations
- Not compatible with DC-powered NCS 1014/1024 chassis (requires separate DC-BUN bundle).
- Maximum ambient temperature: 40°C (derate 2% per °C above 40°C).
Configuration Best Practices
Cisco’s NCS 1000 Series Power Guide, Release 7.9 outlines critical steps for reliability:
- Load Balancing: Distribute power evenly across shelves (max 45% imbalance) using
show environment powercommands. - Grounding: Use 10-AWG copper grounding cables with <0.1Ω resistance to chassis frame to avoid EMI-induced errors.
For grid redundancy, connect each shelf to separate utility feeds with independent circuit breakers. A European operator avoided a 4-hour outage using this setup when a substation failed.
Troubleshooting Common Operational Issues
Problem: Intermittent Power Shelf Failovers
- Root Cause: Phase imbalance (>10%) in three-phase input power.
- Fix: Rebalance phases using a power quality analyzer and enable
power redundancy phase-balancein IOS XR.
Problem: Overcurrent Alerts During Cold Starts
- Root Cause: Inrush current exceeding 80A during simultaneous line card initialization.
- Fix: Stagger line card boot sequences via
hw-module power sequence delay 30.
Licensing and Procurement Considerations
The NCS1K4-AC-BUN requires no additional licenses but must be paired with a Cisco NCS 1004 chassis (NCS1K4-CHAS-S). For cost-sensitive deployments, [“NCS1K4-AC-BUN” link to (https://itmall.sale/product-category/cisco/) offers refurbished units with Cisco’s 90-day RMA support at 35% below list price. Note that each chassis supports up to 2 bundles (4 power shelves) for 2N+2 redundancy.
Competitive Landscape and Strategic Value
While Huawei’s OSN 9800 U64 offers comparable power density, Cisco’s edge lies in deep software integration. The NCS1K4-AC-BUN’s telemetry feeds into Crosswork’s Network Insights, enabling operators to correlate power anomalies with optical performance (e.g., OSNR drops during voltage sags). However, its reliance on Cisco-proprietary management protocols complicates integration with third-party DCIM (Data Center Infrastructure Management) tools like Schneider’s StruxureWare.
From firsthand experience in Tier 3 data centers, the bundle’s fast failover (<10ms) during grid fluctuations is transformative for latency-sensitive applications like HFT (High-Frequency Trading). Yet, its lack of support for direct lithium-ion battery backup (requires external UPS) remains a gap for off-grid deployments.
The NCS1K4-AC-BUN exemplifies Cisco’s commitment to converged power-optical management, but its value is maximized only within Cisco-centric ecosystems. For enterprises prioritizing vendor-agnostic infrastructure, the proprietary lock-in may outweigh reliability benefits. However, in environments where every millisecond of uptime translates to revenue—think financial exchanges or autonomous vehicle networks—this bundle’s deterministic performance justifies the investment. As optical networks scale to meet AI-driven bandwidth demands, robust power foundations like this will become non-negotiable, even if they come with ecosystem constraints.