What Is the MSWS-22-DC16CD-RM= and How Does I
Decoding the MSWS-22-DC16CD-RM=: Hardware Profile The �...
Hardware Architecture and Core Specifications
The VNOM-3P-V07= is a 1U modular network interface card (NIC) designed for Cisco ASR 1000 Series routers, enabling multi-protocol connectivity for hybrid WAN and data center edge deployments. Cisco’s technical documentation identifies it as a triple-port module supporting 10/25/40G Ethernet, OTU-4 OTN, and FlexE (Flexible Ethernet) interfaces via QSFP28 slots. Key design elements include:
- Protocol Flexibility: Hardware-offloaded encapsulation for VXLAN, MPLS-TP, and Segment Routing over IPv6 (SRv6).
- Forwarding Engine: Cisco QFP (Quantum Flow Processor) with 200 Gbps throughput and 50Mpps packet processing.
- Power Efficiency: 45W typical power draw (75W max) with Cisco EnergyWise-compatible dynamic scaling.
- Clock Synchronization: IEEE 1588v2 PTP with ±30ns accuracy for 5G fronthaul and financial trading networks.
The module integrates with Cisco IOS XE 17.12.1a for service chaining and Crosswork Automation for intent-based traffic engineering.
Performance Benchmarks and Use Cases
5G Mobile Backhaul
In a Tier 1 carrier deployment, the VNOM-3P-V07= achieved 99.9999% availability across 5000+ cell sites using FlexE channelization to isolate CU/DU traffic. Latency remained under 50μs during peak-hour handovers.
Multi-Cloud Interconnect
A financial institution reduced cross-AWS/Azure VM migration times by 62% using SRv6 policy-based routing with 40G OTN encryption.
Industrial IoT Backbones
Supported Cisco Cyber Vision for OT traffic inspection, processing 12M packets/sec across 10,000+ IIoT sensors in a smart grid deployment.
Compatibility and Firmware Constraints
- Supported Platforms: ASR 1001-HX, ASR 1002-HX, and ASR 1006-X (requires RP2 Route Processor).
- Licensing: APPX-Advanced license for SRv6; Security license for MACsec/IPsec.
- Third-Party Limitations: Arista 7280R routers cannot establish FlexE links due to proprietary framing.
Critical configuration notes:
- Mixing OTN and Ethernet modes on the same port disables hardware timestamping.
- QSFP-40G-LR4 optics require FEC (Forward Error Correction) activation for 40km DWDM links.
Thermal and Power Management
The module employs adaptive liquid cooling when paired with Civo-1000-LCS chassis kits, sustaining 85°C ambient temperatures in outdoor cabinets. Key metrics:
- Idle Power: 28W (ports administratively shut down).
- Cooling Requirements: 2.5 CFM airflow per module in ASR 1006-X chassis.
- Surge Protection: 10kV ESD protection on RJ-45 management ports.
Procurement and Lifecycle Management
“VNOM-3P-V07=” is available via ITMall.sale’s Cisco-certified inventory, with 6–8-week lead times for pre-configured OTN/SRv6 bundles. Cisco’s 5-Year Advanced Replacement covers hardware faults but excludes optics or third-party cable damage.
Critical guidelines:
- Use Cisco Crosswork Network Controller to validate FlexE group configurations.
- Deploy QSA-40G-4X10G adapters for 10G breakout scenarios.
- Schedule annual BER (Bit Error Rate) tests on OTN links exceeding 80% utilization.
Strategic Perspective: The Protocol Agnosticism Paradox
The VNOM-3P-V07= exemplifies Cisco’s push toward protocol-agnostic hardware but reveals inherent tensions between flexibility and operational complexity. While its ability to concurrently handle SRv6, MPLS-TP, and FlexE simplifies physical layer diversity, the module’s dependency on Cisco-specific automation tools (Crosswork, IOS XE) creates silos in multi-vendor SD-WAN environments. Enterprises must decide whether the 30–40% CapEx savings from consolidated hardware outweigh the OpEx costs of retraining staff on Cisco’s ecosystem. For carriers and hyperscalers prioritizing deterministic performance, this module is a cornerstone. For others, it’s a reminder that true network agility requires balancing hardware versatility with software portability—a frontier where Cisco’s dominance faces increasing open-source challengers.