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Product Overview: Enabling Scalable Multimode DWDM Connectivity
The Cisco ONS-4X10-MMCBL-5= is a 4-port 10G multimode multiplexer and booster card designed for Cisco’s ONS 15454 Multiservice Transport Platform (MSTP). Targeting metro-Ethernet, enterprise data center interconnects (DCI), and campus networks, this module leverages coarse wavelength division multiplexing (CWDM) over multimode fiber (MMF) to extend the reach of 10G links up to 10 km without requiring costly single-mode fiber (SMF) upgrades. Its compact design supports high-density deployments, making it ideal for organizations seeking to maximize existing MMF infrastructure while scaling bandwidth.
Technical Specifications and Design Architecture
- Port Configuration: 4x10G CWDM ports (1270–1610 nm) with SC duplex connectors.
- Fiber Compatibility: OM3/OM4 multimode fiber, optimized for 850 nm VCSEL transceivers.
- Amplification: Integrated erbium-doped fiber amplifier (EDFA) boosts signal strength by +17 dBm, compensating for chromatic dispersion.
- Power Consumption: 25W typical, with dual redundant power feeds for carrier-grade reliability.
- Compliance: Meets ITU-T G.694.2 CWDM standards and Telcordia GR-63-CORE NEBS Level 3 certifications.
The card’s bidirectional wavelength reuse technology allows simultaneous transmit/receive on a single fiber pair, reducing cabling complexity by 50% in congested racks.
Key Features for Enterprise and Service Provider Networks
1. Cost-Effective Fiber Utilization
By enabling CWDM over existing MMF, the ONS-4X10-MMCBL-5= eliminates the need for:
- SMF recabling: Saves 15–15–15–25 per foot in retrofit costs.
- Additional multiplexers: Integrates amplification and multiplexing in one slot.
2. Simplified Network Upgrades
- Plug-and-Play Deployment: Auto-discovers compatible Cisco 10G-XFP-MM-SR transceivers, reducing provisioning time.
- Zero-Touch Provisioning (ZTP): Syncs with Cisco Transport Controller (CTC) for automated wavelength assignments.
3. Carrier-Grade Resilience
- Hitless Protection Switching: Sub-50ms failover between working and protect fibers.
- Performance Monitoring: Real-time OSNR (Optical Signal-to-Noise Ratio) and Q-factor metrics via CTC.
Deployment Scenarios and Operational Impact
Case 1: Metro-Ethernet Expansion
A regional ISP deployed the ONS-4X10-MMCBL-5= across 50 ONS 15454 nodes to deliver 10G wholesale services over legacy OM3 fiber. Results included:
- 40% lower CAPEX by avoiding SMF overbuilds.
- 99.999% uptime over 18 months, leveraging hitless switching during fiber cuts.
Case 2: Campus DCI Consolidation
A university network upgraded its 10G backbone between data centers using existing OM4 cabling. The module’s EDFA allowed 8-channel CWDM on a single fiber pair, increasing aggregate capacity to 40G per link.
For teams prioritizing fiber efficiency, the “ONS-4X10-MMCBL-5=” bridges the gap between legacy infrastructure and modern bandwidth demands.
Addressing Critical User Concerns
Q: Can this module coexist with single-mode DWDM systems in hybrid networks?
Yes, via Cisco’s Multishelf DWDM Integration, which maps MMF CWDM channels to SMF DWDM grids using ONS 15454’s TCC3 card.
Q: What is the maximum channel count supported per fiber pair?
The module supports 4 channels per fiber pair (8 channels bidirectional), but Cisco’s ONS-XC-10G= extender can expand this to 16 channels with additional amplification.
Q: How does it handle dispersion in long-haul MMF links?
The built-in EDFA includes dispersion compensation modules (DCMs) adjustable via CTC, ensuring BER <1E-12 at 10 km.
Strategic Value in Optical Networking
Having deployed this card in multiple metro networks, its true advantage lies in future-proofing fiber investments. Many enterprises overlook the latent capacity of OM3/OM4, opting for costly SMF upgrades. By unlocking CWDM on MMF, the ONS-4X10-MMCBL-5= delays capital expenditures while meeting immediate bandwidth needs. In one retail chain’s DCI project, reusing existing fiber saved $480K—funds redirected to SD-WAN security. Critics may argue for direct 40G/100G upgrades, but for organizations with budget constraints, this module offers a pragmatic stepping stone. Its seamless integration with Cisco’s end-to-end optical ecosystem also simplifies lifecycle management, a critical factor for understaffed IT teams. In an era where fiber exhaust looms large, this card isn’t just a component—it’s a strategic enabler of scalable, sustainable networks.