Chapter 3 Cisco SCE8000 Topology and Topology-Related Parameters

Link Continuity

Link Continuity

The internal bypass mechanism of the Cisco SCE8000 allows traffic to continue to flow, if desired, even if the device itself is not fully functioning. In addition, the Cisco SCE8000 is designed with the ability to control up to two external optical bypass devices (one per link). This is needed because the internal bypass mechanism cannot maintain traffic flow in all cases.

Note that when the Cisco SCE8000 is connected to the network through an optical splitter, a failure of the Cisco SCE8000 does not affect the traffic flow, as the traffic continues to flow through the optical splitter.

Internal Bypass Mechanism, page 3-9

External Optical Bypass, page 3-9

Internal Bypass Mechanism

The Cisco SCE8000 includes a SPA Interface Processor module with a bypass mechanism that is enabled upon Cisco SCE8000 failure.

The SPA Interface Processor card supports the following three modes:

Bypass — The bypass mechanism preserves the network link, but traffic is not processed for monitoring or for control.

Forwarding — This is the normal operational mode, in which the Cisco SCE8000 processes the traffic for monitoring and control purposes.

Cutoff — There is no forwarding of traffic, and the physical link is forced down (cutoff functionality at layer 1).

The SPA Interface Processor card cannot preserve the link in the following circumstances:

During platform reboot (SW reload), there is a 5-second period (at most) during which the link is forced down (cutoff functionality).

During a power failure (The Cisco SCE8000 has two power supplies. A power failure occurs only when both of them fail).

Under certain types of failure within the SIP module, the SPA cards, or the XFP optic modules.

External Optical Bypass

In installations in which the limitations of the internal bypass are not acceptable, an external optical bypass device can be used to provide dependable link continuity. The external optical bypass device can be installed either inside the Cisco SCE8000 chassis or be rack-mounted externally. The external optical bypass device can also be controlled manually by specific CLI commands.

Under normal operating conditions, traffic flows through the link as usual, with the exception that the optical bypass module sits on the link.

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Cisco Systems SCE8000 manual Link Continuity, Internal Bypass Mechanism, External Optical Bypass

SCE8000 specifications

Cisco Systems SCE8000 is an advanced service control edge solution designed to enhance the management and performance of service provider networks. Targeted at carriers and large enterprises, the SCE8000 is characterized by its capacity to efficiently handle traffic management, quality of service (QoS), and policy enforcement across various services including voice, video, and data.

One of the main features of the SCE8000 is its scalability. The platform supports a high-density architecture, allowing service providers to seamlessly expand their networks to accommodate growing traffic demands. This scalability is complemented by an impressive throughput, which enables the handling of millions of concurrent sessions, making it ideal for environments with significant user activity.

The SCE8000 employs advanced traffic management capabilities, leveraging deep packet inspection (DPI) technology. This allows for granular visibility into network traffic, enabling service providers to make informed decisions about resource allocation and policy application. Additionally, the device supports multiple protocol analysis, ensuring compatibility across various network services and enhancing overall efficiency.

Quality of Service (QoS) is another critical characteristic of the SCE8000. The platform provides sophisticated mechanisms to prioritize traffic, thereby ensuring that delay-sensitive applications such as VoIP and video streaming receive the necessary bandwidth. This capability is enhanced by Cisco's intelligent traffic shaping and congestion management features, which work together to optimize the user experience even in congested network conditions.

The SCE8000 also integrates robust security features, including session initiation protocol (SIP) security, to protect against malicious attacks and maintain service integrity. This is particularly important in today's cyber landscape where service providers must safeguard their infrastructure from various threats.

Automation and programmability are essential characteristics of the SCE8000, enabling operators to implement policies quickly and efficiently. This feature allows for dynamic scaling and rapid deployment of new services, significantly reducing the time to market for new offerings.

In conclusion, Cisco Systems SCE8000 stands out as a powerful platform for managing service provider networks. With its high scalability, advanced traffic management, quality of service assurance, robust security features, and automation capabilities, the SCE8000 enables service providers to deliver a superior customer experience while optimizing their operational efficiency. This makes it an invaluable asset for any organization looking to enhance its network performance and service delivery.