Cisco SPA-3XOC3-ATM-V2
3 port OC-3c/STM-1 ATM Shared Port Adapter
Product Highlights
Organizations running legacy ATM transport need a reliable, feature-rich interface to keep critical WAN circuits operational without overhauling their entire routing infrastructure. The Cisco SPA-3XOC3-ATM-V2 is a 3-port OC-3c/STM-1 ATM Shared Port Adapter that delivers exactly that — high-density ATM connectivity in a compact, hot-swappable module designed for Cisco's modular routing platforms.
Built on the Cisco I-Flex architecture, the SPA-3XOC3-ATM-V2 pairs with SPA Interface Processors (SIPs) to provide a comprehensive ATM feature set. This includes per-virtual-circuit and per-virtual-path traffic shaping, support for all major ATM service classes (CBR, VBR-rt, VBR-nrt, UBR), a high-performance segmentation-and-reassembly (SAR) engine, and robust QoS mechanisms that prioritize traffic from high-speed LANs over ATM networks.
The adapter supports IPv4, IPv6, and MPLS hardware-assisted forwarding, along with MPLS-VPN for Layer 3 VPN deployments and AtoM/PWE3 pseudowire services. Enhanced security features — including extended ACLs, Unicast RPF, and ICMP rate limiting — make it well-suited for service provider edge and enterprise WAN aggregation roles. Compatible with the Cisco 7600 Series, ASR 1000 Series, ASR 9000 Series, XR 12000 Series, and CRS Carrier Routing System, the SPA-3XOC3-ATM-V2 maximizes your existing chassis investment while maintaining full ATM service capability.
Features & Benefits
Cisco I-Flex Modular Architecture
The SPA-3XOC3-ATM-V2 leverages Cisco's I-Flex design, which combines SPAs with SPA Interface Processors (SIPs) for an extensible, service-aware interface architecture. This modular approach lets you mix and match SPAs across supported Cisco routing platforms, improving slot economics and simplifying spares management. The programmable interface processors deliver line-rate performance while enabling rich QoS and service intelligence.
Comprehensive ATM Feature Set
This SPA includes a full ATM feature set with per-virtual-circuit and per-virtual-path traffic shaping, support for CBR, VBR-rt, VBR-nrt, and UBR service classes, and a high-performance SAR architecture. These capabilities allow network managers to cost-effectively terminate high-speed ATM circuits with granular traffic management and support for a large number of ATM virtual connections.
MPLS & VPN Services
With built-in MPLS support, the SPA-3XOC3-ATM-V2 enables MPLS-VPN for Layer 3 virtual private network deployments and supports AtoM (Any Transport over MPLS) and PWE3 pseudowire services. This makes it ideal for service providers and enterprises that need to bridge ATM transport into modern MPLS-based network cores.
Hardware-Assisted Forwarding & Security
IPv4, IPv6, and MPLS hardware-assisted forwarding ensures line-rate packet processing with minimal CPU overhead. Enhanced security features — including extended access control lists (ACLs), Unicast Reverse Path Forwarding (URPF), and ICMP rate limiting — provide robust protection at the network edge without sacrificing throughput.
Hot-Swappable & Multi-Platform
The hot-swappable SPA form factor allows field replacement without taking the entire router offline, minimizing maintenance windows. The adapter is supported across multiple Cisco platforms — including the 7600 Series, ASR 1000 Series, ASR 9000 Series, XR 12000 Series, and CRS Carrier Routing System — protecting your investment as your network evolves.
Deployment Scenarios
Service Provider ATM Edge Aggregation
Service providers maintaining legacy ATM access networks can use the SPA-3XOC3-ATM-V2 to aggregate multiple OC-3c/STM-1 ATM circuits at the POP edge. Per-VC traffic shaping and full ATM QoS ensure premium service delivery for business customers while the MPLS backbone integration enables seamless transport convergence.
Enterprise WAN Legacy Circuit Termination
Enterprises with existing ATM WAN circuits can terminate them directly on their Cisco routing platforms without a chassis swap. The three OC-3c ports provide sufficient density for multi-site connectivity, and MPLS-VPN support enables secure Layer 3 segmentation across the ATM infrastructure.
ATM-to-MPLS Network Migration
Organizations transitioning from ATM to MPLS can use this SPA alongside Ethernet and POS SPAs in the same chassis. AtoM and PWE3 pseudowire support allows ATM services to be carried transparently over the MPLS core, enabling a phased migration without disrupting existing ATM-dependent applications.
Spares & Lifecycle Extension
For networks where the SPA-3XOC3-ATM-V2 is already deployed, maintaining spare units is critical to ensuring uptime. The hot-swappable design allows rapid field replacement, and cross-platform compatibility means a single spare can serve multiple chassis types in the inventory.
General
Interfaces & Performance
Features
Physical
Compatibility
Lifecycle
Compatibility Notes
Supported Platforms
The Cisco SPA-3XOC3-ATM-V2 is supported on the following Cisco routing platforms (requires a compatible SPA Interface Processor / SIP):
- Cisco 7600 Series Routers
- Cisco ASR 1000 Series Aggregation Services Routers
- Cisco ASR 9000 Series Aggregation Services Routers
- Cisco XR 12000 Series Routers
- Cisco CRS Carrier Routing System
A compatible SPA Interface Processor (SIP) is required in the target chassis to seat this SPA. Consult the platform-specific SPA compatibility matrix and minimum IOS/IOS XR release notes before deployment.
Note: This product has reached Cisco End-of-Sale status. No direct replacement has been announced by Cisco for the ATM SPA product line. Refurbished and secondary-market units remain available.
Downloads & Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
| Part Number | Product | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|
| SPA-1XOC3-ATM-V2 | Cisco 1-Port OC-3c/STM-1c ATM SPA | Single-port variant — lower density, suitable when only one OC-3 ATM circuit is needed |
| SPA-1XOC12-ATM-V2 | Cisco 1-Port OC-12c/STM-4c ATM SPA | Higher-speed OC-12 (622 Mbps) ATM interface for greater bandwidth per port |
| SPA-4XOC3-POS-V2 | Cisco 4-Port OC-3/STM-1 POS SPA | Packet over SONET (POS) — point-to-point only, not a direct ATM replacement despite similar physical layer |
| SPA-8XOC3-POS | Cisco 8-Port OC-3/STM-1 POS SPA | High-density POS SPA — suitable for POS migrations but does not support ATM cell switching |