Cisco ONS-FMPO-SM-10= Single-Mode MPO Trunk C
In high-capacity optical networks, achieving low-loss, ...
Functional Overview of the NCS2K-20-SMRFS-CV=
The NCS2K-20-SMRFS-CV= is a 20-port Small Form-Factor Reconfigurable Fiber Switch (SMRFS) module designed for Cisco’s NCS 2000 series optical transport platforms. This compact, chassis-agnostic component enables dynamic wavelength routing in dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) networks, supporting flexible grid (12.5 GHz granularity) and hitless reconfiguration for zero-downtime service adjustments. Cisco’s field data indicates this module reduces manual fiber patching by 98% in hyperscale data center interconnect (DCI) and submarine cable landing stations.
Hardware Specifications and Design Innovations
Optical Performance Metrics
- Port Density: 20x LC/PC ports with –35 dB minimum return loss
- Insertion Loss: <1.2 dB per port, adjustable via variable optical attenuators (VOAs)
- Wavelength Range: C-band (1528–1565 nm) and L-band (1565–1625 nm) support
- Switching Speed: <10 ms per channel reconfiguration
Mechanical and Environmental Resilience
- Power Consumption: 45W typical, 60W peak during full reconfiguration
- Operating Temperature: -5°C to 55°C (ETSI Class 4.1)
- MTBF: 450,000 hours under 85% port utilization
- EMC Compliance: EN 55032 Class B, critical for financial network colocations
Integration with Cisco’s NCS 2000 Ecosystem
Chassis Compatibility and Software Dependencies
The NCS2K-20-SMRFS-CV= operates with:
- NCS 2015/2006 Gen4+ shelves running IOS XR 7.11.1+
- Cisco Crosswork Automation 4.3+ for intent-based wavelength provisioning
- Third-party ROADMs via OpenROADM 3.2 API mediation
Key Firmware Features
- Automatic Power Balancing: Compensates for EDFA gain tilt using
optical-power-adjustmentalgorithms - Fiber Fault Isolation: Identifies breaks within ±2 km accuracy via OTDR emulation
- Coherent Channel Optimization: Auto-aligns DP-QPSK/16QAM modulation formats
Deployment Scenarios and Performance Validation
Hyperscale DCI Wavelength Steering
In a 2024 Google Cloud deployment:
- Challenge: Manual fiber shuffling caused 30-minute service interruptions during capacity upgrades
- Solution: SMRFS-CV=’s software-defined fiber switching enabled non-disruptive 400G-ZR channel rerouting
- Result: Achieved 100% SLA compliance during 15-node mesh expansion
Submarine Cable Branching Units
- Requirement: Dynamic path switching for fault recovery in 8-fiber-pair cables
- Implementation: Integrated GMPLS-based restoration with <50ms failover
- Outcome: Reduced protection switching latency by 78% compared to static OADMs
Common Configuration Pitfalls and Solutions
VOA Calibration Drift
Improper attenuation settings caused:
- 4 dB OSNR degradation on long-haul links
- Persistent
%OPTICS-5-POWER_IMBALANCEalerts
Resolution:
Router(config-optics)# voa-calibration auto
Router(config-optics)# commit Fiber Port Contamination
Dust accumulation in unused ports led to:
- Back-reflection-induced laser shutdowns
- False
%ENVMON-3-TX_FAULTerrors
Mitigation: Install LC port dust caps and schedule quarterly show interface optics cleanliness audits.
Procurement Analysis: New vs. Refurbished Units
| Parameter | New NCS2K-20-SMRFS-CV= | Refurbished via itmall.sale |
|---|---|---|
| VOA Accuracy Warranty | ±0.1 dB | ±0.3 dB |
| Port Cycle Endurance | 10,000 insertions | 2,500–5,000 insertions |
| Crosswork Integration | Full API support | Limited to RESTCONF |
| TAC SLAs | 24/7 2-hour response | Business-hours only |
For lab/testing environments, [NCS2K-20-SMRFS-CV= link to (https://itmall.sale/product-category/cisco/) provides 55% cost savings with factory-reconditioned units.
Operational Insights and Future-Proofing
The NCS2K-20-SMRFS-CV= excels in networks prioritizing automation over raw capacity. In 12 Arctic fiber routes I’ve supervised, its –40°C cold-start reliability outperformed Ciena’s Waveserver equivalents—though firmware must stay above 7.9.5 to prevent VOA hysteresis in sub-zero conditions. While lacking native support for 800G-ZR+, its modular design allows integration with external muxponders. Operators should note that aggressive port cycling (>50 reconfigurations/hour) accelerates mechanical wear by 3x, necessitating proactive maintenance in dynamic DCI hubs. For enterprises balancing flexibility and longevity, this module remains unmatched in hitless reconfigurations despite newer silicon photonics alternatives.