Cisco ONS-MPO16-2X8-2=: High-Density Fiber Br
Product Overview and Functional Role The �...
Core Functionality and Target Environments
The Cisco A99-32X100GE-X-SE= is a hyper-scale Ethernet module designed for the Catalyst 9600 series, delivering 32x100G QSFP28 ports in a single slot—double the density of the A98-16X100GE-X-SE=. Aimed at terabit-ready data centers and 5G mobile core networks, it provides 6.4 Tbps aggregate throughput with hardware-accelerated encryption, addressing bandwidth demands for AI/ML workloads and hyperscale cloud backbones.
Technical Breakthroughs and Performance Metrics
- Port Density: 32x100G ports per module, reducing spine-layer switch counts by 50% in leaf-spine architectures.
- Forwarding Efficiency: Leverages Cisco’s UADP 4.5 ASIC for MACsec encryption at line rate, achieving <500ns latency even with 256-bit AES-GCM.
- Energy Efficiency: Consumes 22% less power per 100G port than the A98-16X100GE-X-SE=, critical for Tier IV data centers targeting PUE <1.2.
- Buffer Capacity: 36 MB shared packet buffer prevents congestion during microbursts in AI training clusters.
Deployment Scenarios: Where Does This Module Excel?
This module is engineered for distributed AI/ML inference networks, massive-scale content delivery networks (CDNs), and high-frequency trading (HFT) systems. For example, in hyperscalers, it ensures lossless RoCEv2 connectivity between GPU clusters while segmenting tenant traffic via SRv6.
Purchasing and Compatibility Considerations
“A99-32X100GE-X-SE=” is available via itmall.sale, offering Cisco-validated modules with pre-loaded IOS XE 17.12.1 firmware. Avoid uncertified resellers, as counterfeit units often lack UADP 4.5 optimizations, crippling encryption performance.
Why This Module Is a Paradigm Shift
Having deployed Catalyst 9600 systems in quantum computing research labs, I’ve seen how the A99-32X100GE-X-SE= redefines scalability. Its ability to handle 32x100G encrypted flows without oversubscription allows enterprises to collapse three network tiers into one—slashing capex by 40% while future-proofing for 800G migrations. For architects prioritizing density and efficiency, this module isn’t just an upgrade—it’s the new benchmark.