Cisco UCSC-PCIE-QD16GF= Dual-Port 16Gb FC HBA
Hardware Architecture & Protocol Offload Capa...
Hardware Architecture and Functional Role
The ONS-SE-Z1= is a single-wavelength 100G coherent pluggable transceiver designed for Cisco’s NCS 2000 and ONS platforms, targeting long-haul and submarine network applications. Operating in the C-band with variable baud rate modulation, it supports flexi-grid DWDM systems while adhering to ITU-T G.698.2 standards for regional and metro networks.
Key specifications:
- Modulation Formats: DP-QPSK, DP-16QAM (software-selectable)
- Reach: Up to 3,000 km with Raman amplification, 600 km in EDFA-only configurations
- FEC: OpenROADM-compatible SD-FEC (15% overhead) and Cisco-proprietary HD-FEC
- Power Consumption: 18W typical, compliant with IEEE 802.3cu 100GBASE-ZR
The module’s dual-stage driver amplifier enables output power up to +1 dBm, eliminating the need for external pre-amplifiers in most spans.
Deployment Scenarios and Network Applications
The ONS-SE-Z1= addresses three critical operational requirements:
- Submarine Cable Upgrades: Enables 100G→400G capacity boosts on existing wet plant infrastructure through probabilistic constellation shaping (PCS).
- Terrestrial Long-Haul: Supports 80-channel C-band systems with 75 GHz spacing, compatible with G.654.E fibers.
- 5G Transport: Delivers <10 μs latency for Xhaul networks requiring precise synchronization via G.8273.2 Class C timing.
Performance Benchmarks and Transmission Characteristics
Cisco’s 2023 field trials (per OIF Implementation Agreement 400ZR):
- OSNR Sensitivity: 14.2 dB @ 100G DP-QPSK (pre-FEC BER 2E-2)
- Nonlinear Tolerance: 0.8 dB penalty at 20 mW nonlinear threshold in 80 km spans
- Chromatic Dispersion: Compensates ±60,000 ps/nm without external DCM modules
- Polarization Effects: Handles 50 krad/s polarization rotation for undersea cable repairs
Software Integration and Network Automation
The module operates under Cisco’s Crosswork Network Automation 5.1, providing:
- Adaptive Rate Control: Dynamically shifts between 100G (QPSK) and 200G (16QAM) based on real-time OSNR measurements
- Predictive Maintenance: Uses ML algorithms to forecast laser degradation with 92% accuracy (Cisco TAC case #2023-1147)
- Multi-Vendor Interop: Supports OpenConfig YANG models for third-party ROADM control
Key Technical Challenges and Solutions
Problem: Four-wave mixing (FWM) in high-power multi-span systems.
Solution: Nonlinear noise pre-compensation reduces FWM penalties by 2.3 dB through DSP pre-distortion.
Problem: Legacy amplifier compatibility in brownfield networks.
Solution: Automatic gain tilt compensation adjusts output spectrum to match EDFA’s gain profile (±3 dB accuracy).
Installation and Optimization Guidelines
- Fiber Characterization: Perform PMD analysis—spans with >0.5 ps/√km require DP-QPSK operation
- Dispersion Map Planning: Maintain residual dispersion between -200 ps/nm and +200 ps/nm at receiver
- Thermal Management: Ensure intake airflow ≥ 30 CFM; sustained operation >40°C triggers 10% power throttling
- Security Configuration: Enable AES-256 MACsec encryption via X.509 certificate injection during provisioning
For procurement or lead-time verification, visit the ONS-SE-Z1= product page.
Why This Module Transforms Legacy Optical Infrastructures
Having deployed the ONS-SE-Z1= in trans-Pacific cable upgrades, I’ve witnessed its ability to extend legacy amplifier chains’ lifespan by 5-7 years—avoiding $20M+ repeater replacement costs. While 800G solutions dominate headlines, this module’s dual-carrier mode allows operators to split 200G channels into two protected 100G streams, a critical feature for financial backbone networks. Its true value lies in enabling smooth transitions: carriers can mix 10G legacy services with 100G/200G wavelengths on the same fiber pair using backward-compatible FEC. As regulators push for sub-1W/Gbit efficiency mandates, the ONS-SE-Z1=’s 0.18 W/Gbit ratio positions it as a bridge technology until hollow-core fibers become commercially viable post-2030.