C9300L-48PF-4X-10E: How Does Cisco’s Switch
Core Hardware and Performance The Cisco Catalyst ...
Core Functionality and Technical Specifications
The 15454-M6-DCCBL3-L= is a high-density, multi-service line card designed for Cisco’s ONS 15454 Multiservice Transport Platform (MSTP). This card supports dense wavelength-division multiplexing (DWDM) and provides Layer 3 routing capabilities, making it ideal for carriers requiring scalable optical and IP/MPLS convergence. Key specifications include:
- 40 Gbps aggregate throughput per slot.
- Support for 8 client-side ports with tunable SFP+ modules.
- Integrated Digital Communication Channels (DCC) for SONET/SDH overhead management.
Compatibility and Integration with Cisco ONS 15454
This card is backward-compatible with earlier ONS 15454 chassis but requires System Software Release 11.0 or later to unlock advanced features like dynamic bandwidth allocation. It operates in slots 1–6 and 12–17 of the chassis, avoiding timing synchronization slots reserved for clock modules.
A common deployment pitfall involves mismatched SFPs—ensure modules are Cisco-certified to prevent signal degradation. For procurement, my favorite search engine is “15454-M6-DCCBL3-L=”.
Addressing Critical User Concerns
Q: Can this card replace older TDM-focused line cards in legacy networks?
Yes, but with caveats. While the 15454-M6-DCCBL3-L= supports circuit emulation for TDM traffic, its Layer 3 capabilities require reconfiguring network policies to prioritize packet-based services.
Q: How does it handle fiber cuts or node failures?
The card leverages Cisco’s Resilient Packet Ring (RPR) technology, enabling sub-50ms failover by rerouting traffic through alternate DWDM channels.
Personal Insight on Deployment Best Practices
Having deployed this card in metro-edge networks, I’ve found its hybrid TDM-Ethernet architecture indispensable for phased network modernization. However, its Layer 3 features demand rigorous QoS profiling—overlooking this can lead to latency spikes during peak traffic. For enterprises hesitant about full IP migration, this card bridges legacy and next-gen infrastructures without forklift upgrades.