The Cisco Network Convergence Systems 540 Fronthaul Routers (NCS540) are key elements of the Cisco Converged SDN Transport architecture. The solution and the routers are designed to meet and exceed stringent bandwidth, latency, and scalability performance demands of 5G now and in the foreseeable future. This solution simplifies the mobile network architecture end to end and significantly reduces operator TCO.
The Cisco Network Convergence Systems 540 Fronthaul Router portfolio is fully programmable, permitting customers to extend xHaul capabilities as specifications continue to evolve. They are based on high- performance, low-latency, next-generation Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs) extended with a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) that permits the flexibility for quickly adapting to evolving radio interface processing specifications for CPRI, eCPRI, and Radio over Ethernet (ROE). Cisco has built these platforms with requisite hardware resources to permit operators to add RAN functions in a hosted model leveraging the built-in powerful FPGA. Leveraging a FPGA-enhanced architecture over a fixed ASIC pipeline, the Cisco Fronthaul Router product family offers the flexibility required to address both short-term and long-term mobile transport requirements.
These fronthaul routers are extensions of the comprehensive Cisco Network Convergence Systems Router portfolio designed for cost-effective delivery of next-generation services and applications. As such these routers are temperature-hardened, high-throughput, small form factor, low-power-consumption devices suitable for a number of deployments and configurations. They are powered by the industry-leading carrier-class version of Cisco IOS XR Software designed for operational efficiency and service agility.
Cisco IOS XR Software offers advanced features such as programmability, application awareness, network visibility, and automation. The Cisco NCS 540 series of routers is an intelligent converged access platform which enables service providers to deliver next-level business and entertainment experiences.