Description
Product Introduction
The Nokia / Alcatel-Lucent 3HE09881AA (also designated as 3HE09881AA01) is a 1-port 100GBASE-CFP2 Media Dependent Adapter (MDA-e) designed for the 7750 Service Router (SR) platform. As an “enhanced” generation adapter (MDA-e), it plugs directly into compatible Input/Output Modules (IOMs) to deliver dedicated 100 Gigabit Ethernet uplinks with low latency and high line-rate packet processing.
Utilizing the CFP2 form factor, the 3HE09881AA offers a significantly smaller physical footprint and lower power consumption compared to older 100G CFP modules, allowing network operators to scale 100G port density across IP/MPLS networks, mobile backhaul nodes, and data center gateways.
Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification / Value |
| Manufacturer | Nokia / Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise (ALE) |
| Part / Item Code | 3HE09881AA / 3HE09881AA01 |
| Adapter Type | MDA-e (Media Dependent Adapter – Enhanced) |
| Port Count & Type | 1x 100GBASE CFP2 Optical Port |
| System Compatibility | Nokia 7750 SR-7, SR-12, SR-12e (requires supported IOM3-XC / IOM4-e) |
| Supported Optics | 100G CFP2 Optical Transceivers (LR4, ER4, SR4, and CFP2-DCO coherent where supported) |
| Hot-Swap Support | Supported (Hot-Swappable In-Service Insertion and Removal) |
| Operating System | Managed via Nokia Service Routing Operating System (SR OS) |
Application Scenarios & The “Trench” Experience
Picture this: It’s 1:45 AM during a planned core expansion window. You need to upgrade a 40G trunk link to a dedicated 100G interconnect on a high-traffic 7750 SR-12 node. You seat the 3HE09881AA MDA-e into an available IOM daughtercard slot, lock the thumbscrews, and insert a 100G CFP2-LR4 transceiver. The SR OS immediately recognizes the new adapter card (show mda), allowing you to provision the port 1/1/c1 interface and bring up full 100GbE line-rate routing without restarting the router chassis or disturbing adjacent line card traffic.
- Carrier IP/MPLS Core Uplinks – Connects edge routers to long-haul optical transport platforms (such as the 1830 PSS series) via high-bandwidth 100G links.
- High-Density Metro Ethernet Aggregation – Aggregates high-volume 10G/25G access rings into a single 100GbE backbone interface.
- Data Center Interconnect (DCI) Gateway – Provides low-latency, non-blocking 100G throughput between major enterprise network fabrics.
Transparency SOP: Quality Assurance & Testing
Every 3HE09881AA module undergoes a thorough bench audit prior to dispatch:
- Physical & Faceplate Inspection: Verification of front-panel thumbscrews, ejector latches, backplane pin connectors, and the optical port cage for zero corrosion, wear, or physical distortion.
- Chassis Recognition & SR OS Diagnostics: Installed into a test 7750 SR chassis to verify clean initialization, EEPROM inventory reporting (
3HE09881AA), and proper firmware synchronization. - 100G Optical Stress Test: Tested with a 100G optical transceiver and a Bit Error Rate Tester (BERT) across full line-rate traffic profiles to confirm zero frame drops, CRC errors, or buffer overflows.
- Thermal & Electrical Check: Internal telemetry logs verified to confirm stable voltage rail performance and normal operating temperatures under heavy traffic loads.
- Anti-Static Packaging: Discharged of static, fitted with a protective port dust cover, sealed in an ESD-shielded vacuum bag, and packed in heavy-duty foam shipping cartons.
3HE09881AA7750
The Veteran’s Tech Trap Guide (Crucial Value-Add)
- ⚠️ Verify IOM Generation Compatibility (IOM3 vs IOM4-e)!
The
3HE09881AAis an MDA-e generation card. Ensure that the base Input/Output Module (IOM) in your 7750 SR chassis supports MDA-e series adapters. Installing an MDA-e into an older, incompatible IOM slot will result in a hardware mismatch alarm or card boot failure. - ❗ vs. QSFP28 Distinction
This adapter specifically uses the optic form factor, which is physically larger and different from QSFP28 cages. Do not attempt to use QSFP28 transceivers without an approved hardware conversion sleeve/adapter.
- ⚠️ Align Thumbscrews Before Seating
When sliding the 3HE09881AA into its IOM slot, align the card with the internal guide rails and push firmly on the faceplate handles before tightening the thumbscrews. Uneven insertion can bend backplane pins on the IOM card.
- ❗ Administrative Port Shutdown Before Removal
While hot-swappable, always administratively disable the 100G port in SR OS (
configure port 1/x/c1 shutdown) prior to physically extracting the card to avoid upstream link-flap alarms and protocol instability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What does “MDA-e” stand for in Nokia/Alcatel 7750 terminology?
A: MDA-e stands for Media Dependent Adapter – Enhanced. It refers to the higher-capacity generation of daughtercards that provide enhanced packet buffer memory and higher port speeds compared to legacy MDAs.
Q: Is the 3HE09881AA compatible with -DCO (Digital Coherent Optics)?
A: Compatibility with -DCO optics depends on the host IOM card power ratings and the SR OS software release version. Standard 100G -LR4/SR4 optics are supported natively.
Q: Can this module be installed in a 7750 SR-1 or SR-1x chassis?
A: The 7750 SR-1x uses fixed front-panel port configurations. The 3HE09881AA is designed for modular 7750 SR systems (such as the SR-7, SR-12, and SR-12e) that accept IOM base cards with MDA slots.
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