​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:

  1. ​Submarine Cable Upgrades​​: Enables 100G→400G capacity boosts on existing wet plant infrastructure through ​​probabilistic constellation shaping (PCS)​​.
  2. ​Terrestrial Long-Haul​​: Supports 80-channel C-band systems with 75 GHz spacing, compatible with G.654.E fibers.
  3. ​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.

Related Post

UCSX-MRX96G2RF3= Modular Router: Enterprise-G

​​Architectural Foundation and Core Innovations​�...

CBW140AC-E: What Makes This Cisco Access Poin

Overview of the CBW140AC-E The ​​Cisco CBW140AC-E�...

Cisco ONS-SYNC-CBL-25= Synchronization Cable:

​​Functional Overview and Deployment Context​​ ...