Cisco 4CHOC12/DS3-I-SCB
4 PORT CHANNELIZED OC12 B
Product Highlights
Service providers managing large-scale SONET/SDH aggregation networks need line cards that deliver both density and feature depth without sacrificing line-rate performance. The Cisco 4CHOC12/DS3-I-SCB is a 4-Port Channelized OC-12/STM-4 ISE line card engineered for the Cisco 12000 Series (GSR) router platform.
Built on Cisco's IP Services Engine (ISE) technology, this line card channelizes four OC-12/STM-4 interfaces into up to 16 OC-3/STM-1 or 48 DS3/E3 channels, enabling high-density DS3/E3 aggregation over optical infrastructure. The ISE architecture combines the deterministic performance of ASICs with the programmability of software, allowing service providers to enable edge features such as MPLS VPNs, integrated voice/video/data services, and tiered service offerings — all at line rate across every port.
The card supports both SONET and SDH framing (including AU-3 and AU-4 mappings) and uses single-mode, intermediate-reach 1310 nm optics with SC-type connectors. It is compatible with all Cisco 12000 Series Router chassis. Note: The Cisco GSR 12000 platform has reached End-of-Life status. This line card is available as a refurbished spare for maintaining existing deployments or extending the operational life of installed GSR infrastructure.
Features & Benefits
IP Services Engine (ISE) Technology
The ISE architecture is a unique, edge-optimized, programmable adaptive network processor that fuses ASIC-level hardware performance with software flexibility. This enables the card to deliver an extensive set of service-enabling edge features — including MPLS VPNs and QoS — while maintaining line-rate forwarding simultaneously on all ports.
High-Density Channelized Aggregation
Each of the four OC-12/STM-4 ports can be channelized down to OC-3/STM-1 or DS3/E3 granularity, yielding up to 48 DS3/E3 channels per card. This density allows service providers to consolidate aggregation infrastructure and reduce the number of chassis required to serve large customer bases.
SONET & SDH Dual-Framing Support
Full support for both SONET and SDH framing standards — including AU-3 and AU-4 mappings for SDH — ensures seamless deployment in North American SONET networks as well as international SDH environments. This flexibility simplifies global network planning and equipment standardization.
Intermediate-Reach Single-Mode Optics
The card provides a full-duplex 622.08 Mbps, 1310 nm laser-based SONET-compliant optical interface using SC-type connectors. The intermediate-reach single-mode configuration supports the distances typically required in metro and regional aggregation deployments.
Deployment Scenarios
Service Provider DS3/E3 Aggregation
Aggregate dozens of DS3/E3 customer circuits over SONET optical transport using a single line card slot. The 4CHOC12/DS3-I-SCB enables providers to consolidate access-layer traffic onto the GSR 12000 backbone efficiently, reducing both equipment footprint and operational complexity.
MPLS VPN Edge Deployment
Leverage ISE-based edge features to deliver MPLS VPN services at DS3/E3 interface rates. The card's line-rate feature processing ensures that per-customer QoS policies and VPN label operations do not create forwarding bottlenecks.
Legacy Network Maintenance & Sparing
For organizations still operating Cisco GSR 12000 infrastructure, this line card serves as a critical replacement spare. Maintaining a stock of tested, refurbished 4CHOC12/DS3-I-SCB cards extends the operational life of existing deployments while migration plans are executed.
General
Interfaces
Optical
Framing & Standards
Engine & Architecture
Compatibility
Compatibility Notes
Platform Compatibility:
- Compatible with all Cisco 12000 Series (GSR) and Cisco XR 12000 Series Router chassis.
Power Supply Requirement:
- When installed in a Cisco 12008 chassis, the AC-input power supply must be part number PWR-GSR8-AC-B. If the existing power supply has part number 34-0820-01, an upgrade is required before using ISE-based line cards.
Clock & Scheduler Card:
- The router must have at least one Clock and Scheduler Card (CSC) installed to support this line card.
EOL Status:
- The Cisco GSR 12000 platform has reached End-of-Life. No new units are available from Cisco. Refurbished/secondary-market units are the primary sourcing channel.
Downloads & Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
| Part Number | Product | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|
| CHOC12/DS3-IR-SC | 1-Port Channelized OC-12/STM-4 (DS3) Line Card | Single-port variant — lower density (12 DS3 channels) for smaller aggregation requirements |
| CHOC12/DS1-IR-SC | 1-Port Channelized OC-12/STM-4 (DS1/E1) ISE Line Card | Channelizes to DS1/E1/DS0 level instead of DS3/E3 — for TDM voice and low-rate data aggregation |
| CHOC48/DS3-ISE | 1-Port Channelized OC-48/STM-16 ISE Line Card | Higher-speed OC-48 interface with DS3 channelization — for larger-scale aggregation on a single port |