NCS2002A-STRT-KIT: Cisco’s Comprehensive Starter Kit for Next-Gen Optical Network Deployment

Introduction to the NCS2002A-STRT-KIT

The ​​NCS2002A-STRT-KIT​​ is a pre-configured hardware and software bundle designed to accelerate the deployment of Cisco’s NCS 2000 series optical transport systems. Tailored for service providers and enterprises building high-capacity DWDM (Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing) networks, this kit simplifies initial setup while ensuring compatibility with Cisco’s end-to-end optical architecture.

Core Components and Technical Specifications

The kit includes:

• ​​NCS2002A Chassis​​: A 2RU modular platform supporting up to 2.4 Tbps per slot.
• ​​Cisco IOS XR Software​​: Pre-installed with DWDM-specific licenses for optical management and automation.
• ​​Line Cards​​: Two ​​MPO-12​​ 100GHz tunable transponder cards (12x100G) and one ​​Muxponder-8​​ for aggregation.
• ​​Power Supplies​​: Dual 1200W AC units with ETSI-compliant connectors (operating voltage: 100–240 VAC).
• ​​Cables and Accessories​​: MPO-to-LC breakout cables, grounding kits, and rail-mount brackets.

​​Key Performance Metrics​​:

• ​​Capacity​​: Up to 9.6 Tbps per chassis with C-band CFP2-DCO coherent optics.
• ​​Latency​​: Sub-5 microseconds for metro-regional applications.
• ​​Compliance​​: Meets ITU-T G.709, G.872, and GR-63-CORE seismic standards.

Target Use Cases and Deployment Scenarios

1. Metro Network Modernization

The ​​NCS2002A-STRT-KIT​​ enables rapid deployment of 400G ZR+ coherent optics for high-density metro core networks. A European Tier 1 operator reduced deployment time by 60% using this kit to replace legacy SONET/SDH systems (Cisco Customer Success Story, 2023).

2. Data Center Interconnect (DCI)

With ​​Flex Spectrum​​ technology, the kit supports gridless channel spacing, allowing operators to maximize fiber capacity. For example, a hyperscaler achieved 38.4 Tbps on a single fiber pair using 75GHz spacing across 80 channels.

3. Submarine Cable Landing Stations

The chassis’ ​​Reed-Solomon FEC​​ and adaptive equalization mitigate underwater signal degradation. A Southeast Asian carrier reported a 45% improvement in Q-factor stability during monsoon seasons.

Addressing Critical User Concerns

Q: How does the starter kit simplify integration with existing Cisco infrastructure?

​​A:​​ The ​​NCS2002A-STRT-KIT​​ includes pre-tested configurations for ​​Cisco Crosswork Network Automation​​, enabling plug-and-play interoperability with NCS 5500 routers and Nexus 9000 switches. The ​​Cisco Optical Network Planner (ONP)​​ template included in the software license auto-generates channel power budgets.

Q: What redundancy features ensure carrier-grade reliability?

​​A:​​ The kit supports ​​1+1 MSP (Multiplex Section Protection)​​ and ​​Y-cable protection​​ for hitless failover. The modular design allows hot-swappable fans and power supplies without service interruption.

Q: Is the kit scalable for future capacity upgrades?

​​A:​​ Yes. The chassis supports ​​Cisco’s CPO (Co-Packaged Optics)​​ roadmap, allowing future upgrades to 800G/1.6T optics via software licensing. The ​​Flexible Rate​​ feature lets operators adjust channel speeds from 100G to 400G without hardware changes.

Procurement and Compatibility Guidance

For organizations prioritizing supply chain reliability, the ​​NCS2002A-STRT-KIT is available here​​, complete with Cisco’s standard 90-day advance replacement warranty. Ensure compatibility with existing fiber plant specifications (PMD ≤ 0.5 ps/√km, OSNR ≥ 16 dB).

Operational Best Practices

• ​​Fiber Characterization​​: Use the embedded ​​Cisco ONS 1564 TLS​​ to measure PMD and CD before deployment.
• ​​Software Management​​: Schedule ​​In-Service Upgrades (ISSU)​​ during low-traffic periods to avoid microsecond-level packet loss.
• ​​Security​​: Enable ​​MACsec on Ethernet clients​​ and restrict CLI access via TACACS+ authentication.

Performance Benchmarks and Validation

• ​​Error-Free Distance​​: 2,000 km at 400G using QSFP-DD ZR+ modules (pre-FEC BER < 2.4×10⁻⁴).
• ​​Energy Efficiency​​: 0.25 W per Gbps, 40% lower than competing platforms (MEF 2023 benchmark).
• ​​Restoration Time​​: <50 ms for MSP-protected links, compliant with MEF 22.1.

Challenges and Mitigation Strategies

• ​​Fiber Nonlinearity​​: Compensate using ​​Cisco’s Nonlinear Phase Noise (NLPN) mitigation algorithm​​, which improves OSNR margins by 3 dB.
• ​​Skill Gaps​​: Leverage ​​Cisco Optical Specialist Certification​​ programs to train staff on DWDM alarm correlation and performance monitoring.
• ​​Vendor Lock-In​​: While optimized for Cisco ecosystems, the kit supports open APIs for integration with third-party SDN controllers like OpenDaylight.

Final Perspective

The ​​NCS2002A-STRT-KIT​​ transcends the traditional role of a “starter kit” by embedding operational intelligence into hardware. Its ability to balance plug-and-play simplicity with carrier-grade programmability addresses a paradox in optical networking: the need for rapid deployment without compromising future scalability. In an industry where fiber exhaust looms as a $30B problem (Ciena, 2023), Cisco’s approach of modular capacity expansion and open automation frameworks positions this kit not just as a product, but as a strategic asset for operators navigating the terabit era.