Overview

The Cisco NCS‑55A1‑36H‑SE‑S is a fixed-port, high-density router chassis in Cisco's Network Convergence System 5500 Series, engineered for modern spine-and-leaf and data center architectures. This 1RU system delivers impressive performance—with up to 3.6 Tbps of forwarding throughput—and features 36 QSFP28 ports capable of 100GE/40GE and 25GE or 10GE via breakout options. It provides full line-rate MACsec encryption on all ports for secure link-layer transmission and offers robust routing scale with support for up to 4 million FIB entries. Built on carrier-class IOS XR software, the chassis supports modular power and cooling redundancy, rich telemetry, advanced automation, and flexible management. Overall, it's optimized for service providers and enterprises demanding scalability, security, and programmable network operation

Specifications

• Port Configuration:
• 36 x QSFP Ports: Each port supports multiple configurations, including:
• 100 Gigabit Ethernet (100GE)
• 40 Gigabit Ethernet (40GE)
• 4 x 25 Gigabit Ethernet (via breakout)
• 4 x 10 Gigabit Ethernet (via breakout)
• MACsec Support: All ports offer full line-rate MACsec encryption, ensuring secure data transmission.
• Performance:
• Forwarding Capacity: Up to 3.6 Tbps, facilitating high-speed data processing.
• Forwarding Rate: Capable of handling up to 3,340 million packets per second (MPPS), ensuring efficient packet forwarding.
• Physical Dimensions:
• Form Factor: 1 Rack Unit (RU), optimizing space in rack deployments.
• Dimensions: 1.72 inches (4.4 cm) height x 17.5 inches (44.5 cm) width x 21.5 inches (54.6 cm) depth.
• Weight: Approximately 22.3 lbs (10.1 kg), making it relatively lightweight for its capabilities.
• Power and Cooling:
• Power Supply: Dual redundant, hot-swappable AC or DC power supplies, enhancing reliability and uptime.
• Power Consumption: Typical consumption is around 780W, with a maximum of 1,050W, contributing to energy efficiency.
• Airflow: Front-to-back airflow design, suitable for data center environments.
• Environmental Specifications:
• Operating Temperature: 32°F to 104°F (0°C to 40°C), accommodating a wide range of environmental conditions.
• Operating Humidity: 5% to 95% non-condensing, ensuring reliable operation in various humidity levels.
• Features:
• Timing and Synchronization: Supports Synchronous Ethernet (SyncE) and IEEE 1588 Precision Time Protocol (PTP), essential for applications requiring precise timing.
• Security: Incorporates Trust Anchor module, secure boot, and image signing, providing robust security measures.
• Quality of Service (QoS): Offers advanced QoS features for traffic management and prioritization, ensuring optimal performance for critical applications.
• Management: Managed via Cisco IOS XR software, providing a comprehensive suite of tools for network management and automation.

Datasheet

Cisco Network Convergence System 5500 Series: 55A1 Fixed Chassis Data Sheet