Cisco SPA-2XOC48POS/RPR
2-port OC48/STM16 POS/RPR Shared Port Adapters
Product Highlights
Service provider and enterprise backbone networks demand high-speed optical connectivity that scales without complexity. The Cisco SPA-2XOC48POS/RPR is a 2-port OC-48c/STM-16c Packet over SONET/SDH (POS) and Resilient Packet Ring (RPR) Shared Port Adapter designed for deployment on high-end Cisco routing platforms.
This SPA delivers up to 2.49 Gbps per port and supports tri-mode operation — POS for mesh fiber networks, DPT for legacy ring deployments, and IEEE 802.17 RPR for standards-based ring topologies. It uses field-replaceable SFP optical modules available in short-reach, intermediate-reach, and long-reach variants, giving network architects the flexibility to match optics to span distances without swapping the adapter itself.
Part of the Cisco I-Flex architecture, the SPA-2XOC48POS/RPR installs into a SPA Interface Processor (SIP) carrier card, allowing operators to mix POS, ATM, Ethernet, and other interface types within a single slot. Compatible with the Cisco CRS-1, 12000 Series, XR 12000 Series, and 7600 Series routers, this adapter provides a cost-effective path to scaling SONET/SDH connectivity while protecting existing infrastructure investments.
Features & Benefits
Tri-Mode POS / DPT / RPR Operation
The SPA-2XOC48POS/RPR supports packet over SONET/SDH for mesh fiber networks and Resilient Packet Ring for ring fiber topologies. It complies with the IEEE 802.17 RPR standard and also supports the Spatial Reuse Protocol (SRP) for backward compatibility with existing DPT/RPR networks. This tri-mode flexibility lets operators consolidate diverse optical ring and mesh deployments onto a single adapter.
Field-Replaceable SFP Optics
The adapter uses Small Form-Factor Pluggable (SFP) interfaces, with modules available in short-reach (2 km), intermediate-reach (15 km), and long-reach (80 km) single-mode fiber options. Field-replaceable SFPs simplify sparing and allow distance upgrades without replacing the SPA itself, reducing both downtime and inventory costs.
Cisco I-Flex Mixed-Interface Architecture
As part of the Cisco SPA/SIP portfolio, this adapter installs into a SIP carrier card alongside other SPA types — POS, ATM, Ethernet, and more — on the same interface processor. This modular approach enables service prioritization for voice, video, and data while maximizing slot utilization across the chassis.
Comprehensive SONET/SDH Management
The SPA supports full SONET/SDH alarm and signal event monitoring, local (diagnostic) and line (network) loopback, Section DCC (SDCC) as a platform-dependent feature, and payload mapping. These capabilities give operations teams deep visibility into optical transport health and simplify troubleshooting.
Online Insertion and Removal (OIR)
The SPA-2XOC48POS/RPR supports hot-swap insertion and removal, allowing technicians to add, replace, or upgrade the adapter without powering down the router or disrupting traffic on other interfaces. This minimizes maintenance windows and supports high-availability network designs.
Deployment Scenarios
Service Provider Metro / Core SONET Ring
Deploy the SPA-2XOC48POS/RPR in Cisco 12000 or CRS-1 routers to terminate OC-48 SONET rings at the metro edge or core. IEEE 802.17 RPR mode provides sub-50 ms ring protection and efficient bandwidth sharing across the ring, ideal for aggregating business Ethernet and TDM services.
Enterprise WAN Backbone over SDH
Large enterprises with leased STM-16 circuits can use this SPA in Cisco 7600 Series routers to connect campus or data center sites. POS mode delivers efficient IP transport over existing SDH infrastructure, while SFP flexibility supports varying span distances across the WAN.
Legacy DPT/RPR Network Migration
Organizations running existing Cisco DPT rings can leverage the SPA's SRP compatibility to integrate new routing platforms without forklift upgrades. The tri-mode capability provides a smooth migration path from proprietary DPT to standards-based IEEE 802.17 RPR.
General
Interfaces & Performance
Management & Diagnostics
Physical
Environmental
Compliance & Safety
Compatibility
Compatibility Notes
Supported Platforms
- Cisco CRS-1 Carrier Routing System
- Cisco 12000 Series Routers
- Cisco XR 12000 Series Routers
- Cisco 7600 Series Routers
SFP Optics (sold separately)
The SPA accepts OC-48c/STM-16c SFP modules. Consult the Cisco SPA/SIP compatibility matrix and platform-specific release notes for supported IOS / IOS XR software versions and SIP carrier card requirements.
Note: DPT and IEEE 802.17 RPR modes require additional platform software support beyond base POS mode. Verify protocol mode availability for your specific platform and software release.
Downloads & Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
| Part Number | Product | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|
| SPA-1XOC48POS/RPR | 1-Port OC-48c/STM-16c POS/RPR SPA | Single-port variant — lower cost entry point when only one OC-48 interface is needed |
| SPA-4XOC48POS/RPR | 4-Port OC-48c/STM-16c POS/RPR SPA | Four-port variant — higher density for aggregation-heavy deployments requiring more OC-48 interfaces per slot |
| SPA-1XOC12-POS | 1-Port OC-12c/STM-4c POS SPA | Lower-speed OC-12 option for sites that do not require OC-48 bandwidth |
