The documentation set for this product strives to use bias-free language. For the purposes of this documentation set, bias-free is defined as language that does not imply discrimination based on age, disability, gender, racial identity, ethnic identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and intersectionality. Exceptions may be present in the documentation due to language that is hardcoded in the user interfaces of the product software, language used based on RFP documentation, or language that is used by a referenced third-party product. Learn more about how Cisco is using Inclusive Language.
Cisco® Network Convergence System (NCS) 520 are next-generation Layer 2 and Layer 3 capable, MEF 3.0 Certified, network demarcation devices for service providers. These 10 Gigabit Ethernet demarcation points redefine the demarcation between the customer LAN and a service provider’s mobile and cloud applications. They provide standards-based demarcation as defined by the Metro Ethernet Forum (MEF) for Carrier Ethernet services such as Ethernet point-to-point line (ELINE) and Ethernet multipoint-to-multipoint (ELAN) services, E-Tree, Access E-Line, Transit E-Line and Quality of Service (QoS).
The Cisco NCS 520 (Figure 1) is a small form factor, 1 RU unit designed to be deployed as a “touchless” Network Interface Device. That means Zero-Touch Provisioning (ZTP) to simplify deployment.
Cisco NCS 520
The Cisco NCS 520 comes in a small form factor (1RU) and is fixed, in these configurations:
Product ID |
1G Cu Port |
1G SFP |
1/10G SFP+ |
AC PSU |
DC PSU |
Fan Redundancy |
Industrial Temperature |
Conformal Coating |
Timing HW Capability |
N520-4G4Z-A |
2 |
2 |
4 |
1 |
- |
2+1 |
|||
N520-X-4G4Z-A |
2 |
2 |
4 |
1 |
- |
2+1 |
|||
N520-X-4G4Z-D |
2 |
2 |
4 |
- |
2 |
2+1 |
|||
N520-20G4Z-A |
4 |
16 |
4 |
2 |
- |
4+1 |
|||
N520-20G4Z-D |
4 |
16 |
4 |
- |
2 |
4+1 |
|||
N520-X-20G4Z-A |
4 |
16 |
4 |
2 |
|
4+1 |
|||
N520-X-20G4Z-D |
4 |
16 |
4 |
- |
2 |
4+1 |
Software
The Cisco NCS 520 runs on Cisco IOS® XE Polaris Software, which is a modular operating system. Cisco IOS XE Software is designed to provide modular packaging, feature velocity, and powerful resiliency. For more information about the supported features and software capabilities, see the Cisco IOS XE Software data sheet.
Description |
Specification |
Layer 2 |
Layer 2 forwarding and bridging Bridge Domains (BD) Ethernet Flow Point (EFP) IEEE 802.1Q VLANs and Q-in-Q Ethernet Link Aggregation Group (LAG) Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP) 802.3ad G.8032 Jumbo frames on all ports PVST, RPVST+ |
Layer 3 |
IPv4 unicast routing Virtual Routing and Forwarding (VRF) Lite OSPF/ISIS/BGP VRRP/HSRP |
L2 Multicast |
IGMP Snooping |
Quality of Service (QoS) |
Class-based 3-level Hierarchical QoS Policing, Shaping Priority queuing Classification based on L2/L3 fields Remarking Deep packet buffer |
Security |
Secure Boot infrastructure with signed image TrustAnchor module Secure JTAG DHCP Snooping, Dynamic ARP Inspection Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting (AAA) Terminal Access Controller Access-Control System Plus (TACACS+) Secure Shell (SSH) Layer 2 ingress ACLs |
OAM |
1731 PM 802.1ag CFM standards Y.1564 CDP, LLDP, ICMP Ethernet OAM: CFM, Y.1731 DM/SLM TWAMP Responder SPAN |
Manageability |
CLI SNMP MIB Managed by EPN-M Can be managed by NSO (cli NED) NETCONF YANG models (native, open: OpenConfig, IETF) Zero-Touch Provisioning (ZTP) |
Pay-as-you-grow investment model
The Return on Investment (ROI) on an access element is heavily influenced by its location in the network and proximity to customers. The ability to deploy the Cisco NCS 520 and later activate features on demand delivers investment protection. This protection allows flexibility for deploying timing (To be developed), 10 GE services, and boosting service capacity.
Smart Licensing
NCS 520 is now available with Smart License in addition to PAK license operating in the hybrid model.
Smart Licensing is a cloud-based unified license management system that manages all of the software licenses across Cisco products. It enables to purchase, deploy, manage, track and renew Cisco Software licenses. It also provides information about license ownership and consumption through a single user interface.
The solution is comprised of online Smart Accounts (at Cisco Smart Licensing Portal) used for tracking Cisco software assets and the Cisco Smart Software Manager (CSSM) which is used to manage the Smart Accounts. CSSM is where all licensing management related tasks, such as registering, de-registering, moving, and transferring licenses can be performed. Users can be added and given access and permissions to the smart account and specific virtual accounts.
ZTP
ZTP automates configuration of the Cisco NCS 520 when it is deployed in the network. The ZTP process is activated by pressing the ZTP button on the front of the Cisco NCS 520. This minimizes manual operator intervention, minimizes configuration time, and helps reduce customers’ initial deployment costs.
Ethernet services with enhanced QoS
The Cisco NCS 520 provides all the features required for MEF 3.0 service initiation, including services such as ELINE, ELAN, ETREE, ACCESS ELINE, TRANSIT ELINE. To help maintain proper QoS for these services, the Cisco NCS 520 offers rich traffic classification and hierarchical QoS for per-port services. To help ensure that Service-Level Agreements (SLAs) are enforced, ingress traffic policing and egress shaping are also supported.
Rich OAM for service assurance
Service assurance is provided through a rich feature set of Operations, Administration, and Maintenance (OAM) functionalities. The performance management traffic is time stamped in hardware to help ensure great accuracy. The Cisco NCS 520 offers standards-based fault and performance management in adherence with 1731 PM and 802.1ag Connectivity Fault Management (CFM) standards. The Cisco NCS 520 comes with service turn-up capabilities (Y.1564) that include both generation and reflection of traffic. This feature contributes to significant reduction in OpEx and allows for troubleshooting without expensive service calls.
Tables 1 through 4 list the product, power, environmental, safety and compliance specifications for the Cisco NCS 520
Table 1. Cisco NCS 520 system specifications
Description |
Cisco NCS 520 Series – 8 Port |
Cisco NCS 520 Series – 24 Port |
Physical specifications |
Height: 1.75 in., 1 RU Width: 12.2 in. Depth: 9 in. Weight:
● 6.33 lb. (2.87 kg) for DC Variant
● 6.22 lb. (2.82 kg) for AC Variant
|
Height: 1.75 in., 1 RU Width: 17.5 in. Depth: 9 in. Weight:
● 8.16 lb. (3.7 kg) for DC Variant
● 8.38 lb (3.8 kg) for AC Variant
|
Rack mounts |
ETSI rack mount kit 19 in. rack mount kit 23 in. rack mount kit |
ETSI rack mount kit 19 in. rack mount kit 23 in. rack mount kit |
Power supplies |
Single AC power supply Or Dual DC Power Supply |
Dual AC Or Dual DC Power Supply |
Chassis MTBF at 40ºC operating temperature |
N520-4G4Z-A: 493,000 hours N520-X-4G4Z-A: 454,000 hours N520-X-4G4Z-D: 389,000 hours |
N520-20G4Z-A: 371,000 hours N520-20G4Z-D: 346,000 hours N520-X-20G4Z-A: 348,000 hours N520-X-20G4Z-D: 326,000 hours |
Airflow |
Front-to-back airflow |
Front-to-back airflow |
Table 2. Power specifications
Description |
Cisco NCS 520 System |
Power consumption |
Maximum input power for NCS 520 (8 Port) is 70W. This is equivalent to 239 BTU per hr. Maximum input power for NCS 520 (24 Port) is 110W. This is equivalent to 375 BTU per hr. |
AC input voltage and frequency |
Voltage range: 85V AC to 264V AC, nominal 100V to 240V AC Frequency range: 47 to 63 Hz, nominal 50 to 60 Hz |
DC input voltage |
Voltage range: -19.2V DC to -72V DC, nominal -24V DC to -60V DC |
Table 3. Environmental specifications
Description |
Cisco NCS 520 |
|
||
Product ID |
N520-X-4G4Z-A/D [Industrial] |
N520-4G4Z-A [Commercial] |
N520-X-20G4Z-A/D [Industrial] |
N520-20G4Z-A/D [Commercial] |
Fans |
3 Integrated Fans1 |
5 Integrated Fans2 |
||
Operating Environment2 |
-40 to 70°C, up to 1,000 feet (300m) -40 to 65°C, up to 6,000 feet (1800m) -40 to 55°C, up to 13,000 feet (4000m) GR3108 Class-24 |
0 to 55°C, up to 1,000 feet (300m) 0 to 50°C, up to 6,000 feet (1800m) 0 to 40°C, up to 13,000 feet (4000m) GR3108 Class-14 |
-40 to 70°C, up to 1,000 feet (300m) -40 to 65°C, up to 6,000 feet (1800m) -40 to 55°C, up to 13,000 feet (4000m) GR3108 Class-24 |
0 to 55°C, up to 1,000 feet (300m) 0 to 50°C, up to 6,000 feet (1800m) 0 to 40°C, up to 13,000 feet (4000m) GR3108 Class-14 |
Relative humidity |
5 to 95 percent, noncondensing |
|||
Noise |
48 dBA at 30°C (ETSI Desktop Mount - ETSI EN 300 753 V1.2.1 (2009-03)) |
57 dBA at 30°C |
||
77 dBA at highest system performance |
74 dBA at highest system performance |
79 dBA at highest system performance |
77 dBA at highest system performance |
|
Outside Plant |
For an outside plant installation, it is required that the system be protected against airborne contaminants, dust, moisture, insects, pests, corrosive gases, polluted air, or other reactive elements present in the outside air. To achieve this level of protection, it is recommended that the unit be installed in a fully sealed enclosure |
|||
Storage Environment |
Temperature: -40 to 70°C Altitude: 15,000 feet (4570m) |
|||
Seismic |
Zone 4 |
|||
Hazardous substances |
Reduction of Hazardous Substances (ROHS) 6 |
Table 4. Safety and compliance
Type |
Standards |
Safety |
● UL 60950-1, 2
nd edition
● CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 60950-1-07 2
nd edition
● IEC 60950-1, 2
nd edition
● EN 60950-1, 2
nd edition
● AS/NZS 60950.1:2003
|
Emissions and Immunity |
● FCC CFR47 Part 15
● KN 32: 2015
● EN 55032:2012/ AC:2013
● EN 55032:2015
● CISPR 32 Edition 2
● EN61000-3-2: 2014
● EN61000-3-3: 2013
● EN 300 386 V1.6.1
● ICES-003 Issue 6: 2016
● V-2/2015.04
● V-3/2015.04
● TCVN 7189: 2009
● CNS13438: 2006
● CISPR24: 2010 + A1: 2015
● EN55024: 2010 + A1: 2015
● KN35: 2015
● TCVN 7317: 2003
● EN 61000-6-1 : 2007
|
NEBS |
● GR-63-CORE
● GR-1089-CORE
● SR-3580 NEBS Level 3
● GR-3108
|
ETSI |
● ETS/EN 300 019 - Storage: Class 1.2, Transportation: Class 2.3, In-Use/Operational: Class 3.2
● ETS/EN 300 753
|
Table 5 provides ordering information.
Table 5. Ordering information
Part Number |
Description |
|
NCS 520 System |
||
N520-4G4Z-A |
Cisco NCS 520 - 4xGE + 4x10GE, Commercial Temp, AC power supply |
|
N520-X-4G4Z-A |
Cisco NCS 520 - 4xGE + 4x10GE, Industrial Temp, AC power |
|
N520-X-4G4Z-D |
Cisco NCS 520 - 4xGE + 4x10GE, Industrial Temp, DC power |
|
N520-20G4Z-A |
Cisco NCS 520 - 20xGE + 4x10GE, Commercial Temp, AC power |
|
N520-20G4Z-D |
Cisco NCS 520 - 20xGE + 4x10GE, Commercial Temp, DC power |
|
N520-X-20G4Z-A |
Cisco NCS 520 - 20xGE + 4x10GE, Industrial Temp, AC power |
|
N520-X-20G4Z-D |
Cisco NCS 520 - 20xGE + 4x10GE, Industrial, Temp, DC power |
|
NCS 520 Licenses |
||
N520-S-M |
Metro Access License (base software) |
|
N520-1G-8 |
Cisco NCS 520 Series 8 Ports GE Upgrade License |
|
N520-10G-2 |
Cisco NCS 520 Series 2-Port 10G Upgrade License |
|
NCS 520 Accessories |
||
N520-CBL-BRKT |
NCS 520 Cable Bracket |
|
N520-RCKMT-19-D2A |
NCS 520 19 Rackmount for 8 Port AC |
|
N520-RCKMT-19-D2D |
NCS 520 19 Rackmount for 8 Port DC |
|
N520-RCKMT-23-D2A |
NCS 520 23 Rackmount for 8 Port AC |
|
N520-RCKMT-23-D2D |
NCS 520 23 Rackmount for 8 Port DC |
|
N520-RMT-ETSI-D2A |
NCS 520 ETSI Rackmount for 8 Port, AC |
|
N520-RMT-ETSI-D2D |
NCS 520 ETSI Rackmount for 8 Port, DC |
|
N520-RCKMT-19-D3A |
NCS 520 19" Rackmount for 24 Port, AC |
|
N520-RCKMT-19-D3D |
NCS 520 19" Rackmount for 24 Port, DC |
|
N520-RCKMT-23-D3A |
NCS 520 23" Rackmount for 24 Port, AC |
|
N520-RCKMT-23-D3D |
NCS 520 23" Rackmount for 24 Port, DC |
|
N520-RMT-ETSI-D3A |
NCS 520 ETSI Rackmount for 24 Port, AC |
|
N520-RMT-ETSI-D3D |
NCS 520 ETSI Rackmount for 24 Port, DC |
|
N520-WALLMT |
NCS 520 Wall Mount |
|
N520-CONS-KIT-S |
NCS 520 Series Serial Console Cabling Kit |
|
NCS 520 Optics |
||
GLC-FE-100FX |
100BASE-FX SFP for FE port |
|
GLC-FE-100FX-RGD |
100Base-FX Multi ModeRugged SFP |
|
GLC-FE-100EX |
100BASE-EX SFP (40km) |
|
GLC-FE-100ZX |
100BASE-ZX SFP (80km) |
|
GLC-FE-100LX |
100BASE-LX SFP for FE port |
|
GLC-FE-100LX-RGD |
100Mbps Single Mode Rugged SFP |
|
GLC-FE-100BX-U |
100BASE-BX10-U SFP |
|
GLC-FE-100BX-D |
100BASE-BX10-D SFP |
|
GLC-LH-SMD |
1000BASE-LX/LH SFP transceiver module, MMF/SMF, 1310nm, DOM |
|
GLC-SX-MM |
1000BASE-SX SFP transceiver module |
|
GLC-SX-MMD |
1000BASE-SX SFP transceiver module, MMF, 850nm, DOM |
|
GLC-SX-MM-RGD |
1000Mbps Multi-Mode Rugged SFP |
|
GLC-EX-SMD |
1000BASE-EX SFP transceiver module, SMF, 1310nm, DOM |
|
GLC-LX-SMD |
1000BASE-LX/LH SFP transceiver module, MMF/SMF, 1310nm, DOM |
|
GLC-ZX-SMD |
1000BASE-ZX SFP transceiver module, SMF, 1550nm, DOM |
|
GLC-ZX-SM-RGD |
1000BASE-ZX Single Mode RuggedSFP |
|
GLC-BX-U |
1000BASE-BX SFP, 1310NM |
|
GLC-BX-D |
1000BASE-BX SFP, 1490NM |
|
GLC-TE |
1000BASE-T SFP transceiver module for Category 5 copper wire |
|
GLC-T |
1000BASE-T SFP |
|
SFP-GE-T |
1000BASE-T SFP connector, RJ45 interface, 100m |
|
SFP-10G-SR |
10GBASE-SR SFP Module |
|
SFP-10G-SR-S |
10GBASE-SR SFP Module |
|
SFP-10G-LR |
10GBASE-LR SFP Module |
|
SFP-10G-LR-S |
10GBASE-LR SFP Module |
|
SFP-10G-ER |
10GBASE-ER SFP Module |
|
SFP-10G-ZR |
Cisco 10GBASE-ZR SFP10G Module for SMF |
|
SFP-10G-SR-X |
10GBASE-SR SFP Module for Extended Temp range |
|
SFP-10G-LR-X |
10GBASE-LR SFP Module for Extended Temp range |
|
SFP-10G-LRM |
10GBASE-LRM SFP Module |
|
SFP-10G-ER-S |
10GBASE-ER SFP Module |
|
SFP-H10GB-CU1M |
10GBASE-CU SFP+ Cable 1 Meter |
|
SFP-H10GB-CU3M |
10GBASE-CU SFP+ Cable 3 Meter |
|
SFP-H10GB-CU5M |
10GBASE-CU SFP+ Cable 5 Meter |
|
CWDM-SFP10G-1570 |
CWDM 1570 nm SFP+ 10 Gigabit Ethernet Transceiver Module |
|
DWDM-SFP10G-38.19= |
10GBASE-DWDM 1538.19 nm SFP10G (100-GHz ITU grid) |
|
SFP-10G-BXD-I |
10GBASE BiDirectionall, 1330-nm Tx,1270-nm Rx, 10Km |
|
SFP-10G-BXU-I |
10GBASE BiDirectionall, 1270-nm Tx,1330-nm Rx, 10Km |
|
SFP-10G-BX40D-I |
10GBASE BiDirectionall, 1330-nm Tx,1270-nm Rx, 40Km |
|
SFP-10G-BX40U-I |
10GBASE BiDirectionall, 1270-nm Tx,1330-nm Rx, 40Km |
|
Warranty information is available on Cisco.com at the Product Warranties page.
Cisco environmental sustainability
Information about Cisco’s environmental sustainability policies and initiatives for our products, solutions, operations, and extended operations or supply chain is provided in the “Environment Sustainability” section of Cisco’s Corporate Social Responsibility(CSR) Report.
Reference links to information about key environmental sustainability topics (mentioned in the “Environment Sustainability” section of the CSR Report) are provided in the following table:
Sustainability topic |
Reference |
Information on product material content laws and regulations |
|
Information on electronic waste laws and regulations, including products, batteries, and packaging |
Cisco makes the packaging data available for informational purposes only. It may not reflect the most current legal developments, and Cisco does not represent, warrant, or guarantee that it is complete, accurate, or up to date. This information is subject to change without notice.
Cisco offers a wide range of services programs to help accelerate customer success. These innovative services programs are delivered through a unique combination of people, processes, tools, and partners, promoting high levels of customer satisfaction. Cisco Services help you protect your network investment, optimize network operations, and prepare your network for new applications to extend network intelligence and the power of your business. For more information about Cisco Services, refer to Cisco Technical Support Services or Cisco Advanced Services.
Cisco is committed to reducing your total cost of ownership. Cisco offers a portfolio of technical support services to help ensure that Cisco products operate efficiently, remain highly available, and benefit from the most up-to-date system software. The services and support programs described in Table 6 are available as part of the Cisco Carrier Ethernet Switching Service and Support solution and are available directly from Cisco and through resellers.
Table 6. Service and support
Advanced services |
Features |
Benefits |
Cisco Total Implementation Solutions (TIS), available directly from Cisco Cisco Packaged TIS, available through resellers |
● Project management
● Site survey, configuration, and deployment
● Installation, text, and cutover
● Training
● Major moves, adds, and changes
● Design review and product staging
|
● Supplement existing staff
● Help ensure functions meet needs
● Mitigate risk
|
Cisco SP Base Support and Service Provider–Based Onsite Support, available directly from Cisco Cisco Packaged Service Provider–Based Support, available through resellers |
● 24-hour access to software updates
● Web access to technical repositories
● Telephone support through the Cisco Technical Assistance Center (TAC)
● Advance replacement of hardware parts
|
● Facilitate proactive or expedited problem resolution
● Lower total cost of ownership by taking advantage of Cisco expertise and knowledge
● Reduce network downtime
|
Flexible payment solutions to help you achieve your objectives
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For more information about the NCS 520, contact your local Cisco account representative.