Data Sheet
Cisco 3631-CO Modular Access Platform
for Operations Support Networks
The Cisco 3631-CO is a robust 12inch/300mm deep, AC/DC, Network Equipment Building Systems (NEBS) Level 3/European Telecommunication Standards Institute (ETSI)-compliant network connectivity platform, specifically designed to optimize the operations support function of service provider networks.
Figure 1
Cisco 3631-CO

As a key new element in a scalable Operations Support Network solution, the Cisco 3631-CO provides seamless remote operations management connectivity to network elements such as Synchronous Optical Network/Synchronous Digital Hierarchy (SONET/SDH), which may require Ethernet, asynchronous or synchronous, and X.25 interfaces on the same compact platform. The Cisco 3631-CO adds greater versatility to a product line that includes the following platforms and software images:
Ethernet Switching: Cisco NM-16ESW, Catalyst® 1924, Catalyst 2924M-XL, Catalyst 4003
Routing: Cisco 3662, Cisco 3640, Cisco 3631-CO, Cisco 2600
Software: Optimized IOS software imagesTelco & Telco Plus
Data Communications Network (DCN) is an ITU terminology for a device that provides network telemetry to remote network elements for the purpose of operations and network element management. The Cisco DCN Operations Support Network product line is comprised of highly scalable and robust series of platforms, modular interfaces and software for remote connectivity into network elements (NEs). Common applications include: alarm monitoring, remote provisioning and diagnostics, software downloads, configuration backup, and billing data collection. Other mission critical applications include: alarm monitoring, alternate & secure network access, and local number portability.
Figure 2
Cisco 3631-CO (backplane view)

The Cisco 3631-CO is a versatile modular access platform ideally designed for small to medium-density telemetry applications. It significantly reduces the complexity and costs of managing mission critical operations: by integrating multiple Network Element (NE) management interfaces onto one operations support network access device. The Cisco 3631-CO streamlines service providers operations support functions by replacing legacy and 3rd party systems that are often plagued with fixed and inflexible architectures, often yielding limited interface and software support. The Cisco 3631-CO provides flexible / modular connectivity to legacy X.25, asynchronous/synchronous devices as well as Ethernet devices. The Cisco 3631-CO facilitates a graceful migration from cumbersome proprietary network support systems to an open standard, scalable and flexible Operations Support Network. In addition, Service Providers can use the Cisco 3631-CO in their numerous points of presence (POPs) or Central Office (CO) collocations for digital-subscriber-line access multiplexers (DSLAMs), Voice Switches and Transmission operations networking. (See Figure 2.)
As illustrated in Figure 2, the Cisco 3631-CO is two rack units (RUs3.4 inches) high, less than 12 inches (300mm)deep and 17 inches wide. The Cisco 3631-CO is equipped with two Network Module (NM) slots, and two WAN Interface Controller (WIC) slots, a built in Advanced Integration Module (AIM) slot (for enhanced processing capabilities), an integrated autosensing 10/100 Mbps Ethernet port, and external AUX and Console ports. These slots, in tandem with the broad base of NMs and WICs yield unmatched versatility and growth capacity to a service provider. With the option of an AC or DC power source, the Cisco 3631-CO can be utilized in virtually any network application. For added reliability, the single DC power supply is a dual rail system, i.e., it is designed to accept power from two independent / redundant DC power sources common in central offices. If one power source fails, the Cisco 3631-CO will continue functioning by drawing power from the backup/redundant power source.
Platform rear access cabling allows easy connectivity, and a modular design allows fast servicing of field-replaceable units (FRUs). Common language equipment identification (CLEI) coding is provided for easy identification and tracking. Robust network-management capabilities are achieved through CiscoWorks, CiscoView, and CiscoView Stack Management Interface applications. These same applications are used to manage a large number of Cisco products that have already been deployed in existing networks, presenting network support personnel a familiar look and feel.
Key Features and Benefits
Optimized for Service-Provider Networks
- Significantly reduces network management complexity by consolidating legacy and 3rd party multiple overlay Operations Support Networks onto a single cost-effective network management solution.
- Provides a graceful migration path from proprietary management and support networks to an open, standards based Operations Support Network.
- Reduces life-cycle costs of Operations Support functions. Single vendor platform with open standard instead of a multi-vendor proprietary management network. Reduced manpower expenses. Increased network visibility and reliability. Reduced employee training.
- Offers remote alarming, monitoring and control of Network Elements and infrastructure.
Customized Feature Rich Operating Software
Cisco IOS Software is a key advantage in any Operations Support Network. Not only is it deployed in most IP networks around the world, but it has been customized for optimum performance in a service providers Operations Support Network (OSN). Known as the Telco and Telco Plus IOS Images for the Cisco 3631-CO, they support the following network-management requirements:
- Full IP/Open System Interconnection (OSI) routing services, including Open Shortest Path First (OSPF), Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol (EIGRP), IGRP, Routing Information Protocol (RIP), multiprotocol Border Gateway Protocol (BGP), multi-area integrated Intermediate System-to-Intermediate System (IS-IS), and Domain Name System (DNS)
- Transaction Language One (TL-1) support, including transport via IP, X.25, TCP, or OSI. TID Address Resolution Protocol (TARP) support and TARP Storm Avoidance support
- Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP) services and WAN interface support for ISDN, Frame Relay, ATM, and X.25
- X.25 support services, including X.25 switching, X.3 asynchronous packet assembler/disassembler (PAD), DNS for X.25 address resolution, hunt groups, and switched/permanent-virtual-circuit (SVC/PVC) conversion
- IP-to-X.25 protocol translation
- BX.25 transport over X.25 or TCP (XOT)
- Multi-area OSI support, eight (8) OSI areas per chassis, essentially providing the same capabilities as seven separate OSI routers
Platform Manageability
- Support for CiscoWorks, CiscoWorks2000, and CiscoView allows simplified management of all integrated and stackable components.
- CLEI codes enable easy identification and tracking of CO equipment.
- An enhanced setup feature provides context-sensitive questions that guide the user through the router configuration process, allowing faster deployment.
- AutoInstall (Simple Network-enabled Auto Provisioning feature) configures remote routers automatically across a WAN connection to save the cost of sending technical staff to remote sites.
- Support for the Cisco Discovery Protocol (CDP) enables a CiscoWorks network-management station to automatically discover the Cisco 3631-CO in a network topology.
Versatility
- A modular architecture offers a large selection of interfaces for simple customization to address general or specific network requirements. With widely varying network module port densities, the Cisco solution encourages an operations management philosophy of "pay-as-you-grow".
- The Cisco 3631-CO has been developed to address the particular connectivity and growth needs of a small to medium central office or Point of Presence (POP).
- WAN Interface Cards (WIC's) and Network Modules (NM's) are shared with the Cisco 2600 series, 3631-CO, and 3660 Series Multiservice Access platforms, fostering reduced expense in maintaining inventory of modular components and lowering support costs support personnel training costs.
Performance
The Cisco 3631-CO accommodates the varying levels of port density to meet the operations connectivity (telemetry) for small to medium-sized offices or POP's. From a price performance and density perspective, the Cisco 3631-CO provides a chassis design that bridges the gap between a smaller Cisco 2600-DC and a larger Cisco 3662-DC-CO. Table 1 provides a general comparison of the Cisco 3631-CO and Cisco 3662 products.
Table 1: Comparison of Cisco 3631-CO and Cisco 3662-CO
Cisco 3631-CO (AC/DC) | Cisco 3662-CO (AC/DC) | |
---|---|---|
Performance |
70 kpps |
100-120 kpps |
LAN Ports (integrated) |
One 10/100 Ethernet |
Two 10/100 Ethernet |
Network Module Slots |
Two (2) |
Six (6) |
WAN Interface Card (WIC) slots |
Two (2) |
None (0) |
Advanced Integration Modules |
One internal (Super AIM) |
Two internal (AIM) |
Async Ports |
68 |
192 |
Sync Ports |
20 |
48 |
Ethernet Ports |
33 |
34 |
Hot-Swap Capability |
Not available |
Like-to-like network modules Power supplies |
Power-Supply Redundancy |
Single supply (accepts dual-redundant source input) |
Redundant Power Supplies, 2 power supplies per chassis |
Dimension (H x W x D) |
3.4 x 16.75x 11.5 (in.) 86 x 425 x 292 (mm) Meets 12-in. (300-mm) depth requirement |
8.7 x 17.5 x 11.8 (in.) 221 x 445 x 300 (mm) Meets 12-in. (300-mm) depth requirement |
- The Cisco 3631-CO uses a high-performance architecture to provide up to 70,000 packets per second of fast-switching capability. Support for four/eight-port T1/E1 inverse multiplexing over ATM (IMA) interfaces provides higher bandwidth for remote software downloads, statistics collection, and billing-records collection.
- The Cisco 3631-CO offers support for two (2) network module slots, and two (2) WIC slots which can be used today to provide a variety of connectivity options for different applications.
- Security features, such as data encryption, tunneling, Remote Access Dial-In User Service (RADIUS), TACACS+, and Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting (AAA), are enabled to protect data assets.
Connectivity Options
- Cisco IOS Software support provides connectivity to legacy X.25 and async devices; it also supports full-featured IP and OSI routing on a single platform.
- A large variety of interfaces with a full selection of feeds and speeds provide connectivity to IP, ATM, Frame Relay, and time-division multiplexing (TDM) networks and will support the needs of any CO environment. A full description of these interfaces is provided in Table 2.
Reliability
- Full diagnostics and error reporting on all major components of the chassis, including power supply, main board, back plane, and fans, is provided.
- Flash memory allows a backup copy of Cisco IOS Software to be stored in Flash memory for reduced downtime.
- LED status indicators provide at-a-glance activity status.
Investment Protection
- With the ability of the Cisco 3631-CO to support field-upgradable modular components, customers can easily change network interfaces without a "forklift upgrade" of the entire platform.
Lower Cost of Ownership
- Integrated the functions of channel/data service units (CSU/DSUs), ISDN Network Termination 1 (NTI) devices, and other equipment found in operations support networks, onto a single compact chassis. Yielding a space-saving solution that can be easily managed remotely using network-management applications such as CiscoWorks and CiscoView.
Serviceable Design
All network interfaces are located on the rear of the chassis for simplified installation and cable management.
The NEBS Level 3/ETSI platform is two RUs (3.4 inches, 86 mm) high, and can be installed into a 19- or 23-inch-wide relay rack.
Summary
The proliferation of new telecommunications services has changed the requirements for the operations support systems required to support these new services. Further straining the capabilities of legacy Operations Support Networks is the rapid growth in network elements coupled with the wide variety of network interfaces that must be supported. The Cisco 3631-CO provides a highly compact and proven modular architecture for Operations Support Network connectivity. The Cisco 3631-CO enables a service provider to deploy an ultra-reliable, scalable, and versatile platform, which allows graceful migration from current proprietary-based operations management/connectivity systems to a next generation, open standards based infrastructure. Further, the proven versatility of the Cisco IOS Software, prevalent on most TCP/IP traffic around the world today, positions the Cisco solution as the industry's best.
Support
Cisco support solutions are designed for one purposeto put customers quickly in touch with appropriate resources. The Cisco support network consists of Technical Assistance Center (TAC) engineers, development engineers, field engineers, parts warehouses, delivery services, and service partners. By including Cisco support with Cisco equipment purchases, customers immediately gain access to a wealth of support resources.
IOS Images Supported
Software |
Description |
---|---|
S363T-12.2.11T & up |
Cisco 3631 Series IOS Telco Feature Set (Included) |
S363T-12.2.8T & up |
Cisco 3631 Series IOS Telco Feature Set (Included) |
S363TP-12.2.11T & up |
Cisco 3631 Series IOS Telco Plus Feature Set |
S363TP-12.2.8T & up |
Cisco 3631 Series IOS Plus Feature Set |
Solution Application Notes
What follows are two examples that illustrate the versatility of the Cisco 3631-CO. The first example depicts a Cisco 3631-CO as both an Ethernet/Asynchronous/Synchronous telemetry platform, and with the new Alarm Interface Controller network module (NM-AIC-64), facilitates remote alarm monitoring and control of vital network elements. A second application example depicts the Cisco 3631-CO with the new Ethernet Switch network module (NM-ESW-16). The Cisco 3631-CO has been developed to accept a myriad of modules, allowing the user to custom tailor the platform to specialized network requirements.
Example Application #1: SecurityRemote Alarm Monitoring and Control
Figure 3
SecurityRemote Alarm Monitoring and Control

The alarm interface controller (AIC) is a network module that greatly expands the network monitoring and control capabilities of the Cisco 2600 and 3600 Series routers. The AIC functions as an integrated entity residing within the Cisco 3631-CO platform to provide network alarm monitoring and proactive remote control of network elements. The AIC reduces service-provider and enterprise operating expenses by facilitating an integrated solution to remote network management. This eliminates the need for a dedicated external alarm-monitoring device. Greatly simplifying network layout, monitoring, and control; resulting in lower operations, administration, maintenance, and provisioning (OAM&P) costs. The AIC is supported in Cisco IOS 12.2 (2) XG and 12.2(8)T and later. The AIC network module supports 64 discrete alarm inputs, of which 8 of the last 64 alarm points are software-configurable to accept either analog or discrete inputs. The AIC further supports 16 control relays to facilitate the proactive remote control of network elements.
Example Application #2: Ethernet Switch Network Module
Figure 4
Ethernet Switch Network Module

The Cisco 16-port 10/100 Ethernet Switch Network Module (NM-16ESW) is a high-density ethernet network module that provides line-rate Layer 2 switching across Ethernet ports using Cisco IOS® Catalyst Software. Features such as port autosensing, QoS and VLAN support from 802.1P and 802.1Q standards, and 802.1D Spanning Tree protocols are standard on the EtherSwitch module. The EtherSwitch offers service providers the option to integrate switching and routing in one compact platform to simplify their Operations Support Network. This combination offers ease of configuration, deployment and management while utilizing the powerful characteristics of Cisco routing and Catalyst switching features.
Technical Specifications
Table 2 provides technical specifications for the Cisco 3631-CO.
Table 2: Cisco 3631-CO System Specifications
Feature | Specifications |
---|---|
Processor Type |
240-MHz PMC-Sierra RM7061A RISC processor |
Flash Memory |
32 MB, upgradeable to 128 MB |
System Memory |
64 MB DRAM, upgradeable to 256 MB DRAM |
Modular Slots (NM, WIC, AIM) |
Two (2) Network Module slots. Two (2) WIC slots. Single internal Super AIM slot. |
Ethernet Interface |
Single 10/100 Mbps Fast Ethernet port |
Power |
AC, DC, (Redundant DC input) |
Dimensions (H x W x D) |
3.4 x 16.75 x 11.5in. (86 x 425 x 292 mm) |
Performance |
70 kpps |
Console and Aux Ports (115.2 kbps) |
Yes |
Rack-Mounting |
Yes |
Table 3: Alarm Interface Controller Network Module
Module | Description | Cisco IOS Version |
---|---|---|
NM-AIC-64 |
Alarm monitoring and control network module; 64 monitoring points and 16 control points |
12.2(2)XG and 12.2(8)T |
Table 4: Cisco 3631-CO Network Modules
Module | Description |
---|---|
NM-16A |
16-port high-density async network module |
NM-32A |
32-port high-density async network module |
NM-4A/S |
4-port async/sync serial network module |
NM-8A/S |
8-port async/sync serial network module |
NM-1HSSI |
1-port high-speed serial interface module |
NM-4E1-IMA |
4-port E1 ATM network module with IMA |
NM-8T1-IMA |
8-port T1 ATM network module with IMA |
NM-8E1-IMA |
8-port E1 ATM network module with IMA |
NM-8T1-IMA |
8-port T1 ATM network module with IMA |
NM-1CT1 |
1 Port Channelized T1/ISDN-PRI Network Module |
NM-1CT1-CSU |
1 Port Channelized T1/ISDN-PRI with CSU Network Module |
NM-2CT1 |
2 Port Channelized T1/ISDN-PRI Network Module |
NM-2CT1-CSU |
2 Port Channelized T1/ISDN-PRI with CSU Network Module |
NM-4B-S/T |
4 Port ISDN-BRI Network Module |
NM-8B-S/T |
8 Port ISDN-BRI Network Module |
NM-4B-U |
4 Port ISDN-BRI with NT-1 Network Module |
NM-8B-U |
8 Port ISDN-BRI with NT-1 Network Module |
NM-1A-T3 |
1-Port DS3 ATM Network Module |
NM-1A-E3 |
1-Port E3 ATM Network Module |
NM-2W |
2 WAN Card Slot Network Module |
NM-1FE2W |
1 10/100 Ethernet 2 WAN Card Slot Network Module |
NM-2FE2W |
2 10/100 Ethernet 2 WAN Card Slot Network Module |
NM-1CE1B |
1-Port Channelized E1/ISDN-PRI Balanced Network Module |
NM-2CEB |
2-Port Channelized E1/ISDN-PRI Balanced Network Module |
NM-1CE1U |
1-Port Channelized E1/ISDN-PRI Unbalanced Network Module |
NM-2CEU |
2-Port Channelized E1/ISDN-PRI Unbalanced Network Module |
NM-16-ESW |
16 Port 10/100 Mbps Fast Ethernet Network module |
WIC-2A/S |
2 Port Serial WAN Interface Card |
WIC-1B-U |
1 Port ISDN with NT-1 WAN Interface Card and leased line |
WIC-1B-S/T |
1 Port ISDN WAN interface card, dial and leased line |
WIC-1DSU-56k4 |
1 port 4 Wire 56/64 KBPS WAN interface Card |
WIC-1AM |
Single Port Analog Modem WIC |
WIC-2AM |
Dual Port Analog Modem WIC |
VWIC-2MFT-T1 |
2 Port RF-48 Multiflex Trunk T1 (Includes all functionality of the WIC-1DSU-T1) |
VWIC-2MFT-E1 |
2 Port RF-48 Multiflex Trunk EI |
VWIC-2MFT-T1-DI |
2-port EIA/TIA-48 multiflex trunkT1 with drop and insert (1/0 multiplexing) (Includes all functionality of the WIC-1DSU-T1) |
VWIC-2MFT-E1-DI |
2-port EIA/TIA-48 multiflex trunkE1 with drop and insert. (1/0 multiplexing) |
VWIC-1MFT-T1 |
1 Port RF-48 Multiflex Trunk T1 (Includes all functionality of the WIC-1DSU-T1) |
VWIC-1MFT-E1 |
1 Port RF-48 Multiflex Trunk E1 |
VWIC-1MFT-G703 |
1 Port RF-48 Multiflex Trunk T1 with G703 support |
VWIC-2MFT-G703. |
2 Port RF-48 Multiflex Trunk T1 with G703 support |
Table 5: Cables for Network-Module Interface Cards and WAN Interface Card Interfaces
Product Number | Electrical Interface | Length | Connector Gender |
---|---|---|---|
CAB-V35MT |
NM-4A/S NM-8A/S (Up to 115.2 Async or 128 kbps async); NM-4T WIC-IT; V.35 DTE |
10 ft |
Male |
CAB-V35FC |
V.35 DCE |
10 ft |
Female |
CAB-232MT |
RS-232 DTE |
10 ft |
Male |
CAB-232FC |
RS-232 DCE |
10 ft |
Female |
CAB-449MT |
RS-449 DTE |
10 ft |
Male |
CAB-449FC |
RS-449 DCE |
10 ft |
Female |
CAB-X21MT |
X.21 DTE |
10 ft |
Male |
CAB-X21FC |
X.21 DCE |
10 ft |
Female |
DTE CAB-530MT |
RS-530 |
10 ft |
Male |
CAB-7KCT1DB15 |
CT1/CE1 PRI; MIP-CT1 DSX1 to DB15 cable |
- |
- |
CAB-T1-RJ-45 |
CT1/PRI; RJ-45-RJ-45 |
10 ft |
Male |
CAB-E1-PRI |
CE1/PRI; E1-ISDN PRI |
10 ft |
- |
CAB-E1-TWINAX |
E1 twinax 120-ohm balanced |
3m |
- |
CAB-E1-DB15 |
E1 DB15 120-ohm balanced |
5m |
- |
CAB-E1-BNC |
FSIP and MIP-CE1 BNC 75-ohm unbalanced |
5m |
- |
CAB-OCTAL-ASYNC |
16/32 Async; 8-port with RJ-45 ends |
10 ft |
Male RJ-45 |
CAB-OCTAL-MODEM |
8-port with 25 pin ends |
10 ft |
Male EIA/TIA-232 |
CAB-OCTAL-KIT |
8-port RJ-45 + eight xMMOD |
10 ft |
Male EIA/TIA-232 |
CAB-25AS-MMOD |
CAB-OCTAL-ASYNC Adapter cable |
- |
RJ-45 - EIA/TIA-232M |
CAB-25AS-FDTE |
Adapter cable |
- |
Female RJ-45 -EIA/TIA-232F |
CAB-E1-RJ45BNC |
WAN Interface Card Cable; E1 Cable RJ45 to Dual BNC (Unbalanced) |
- |
RJ-45 - dual BNC |
CAB-E1-RJ45TWIN |
E1 Cable RJ45 to Twinax (balanced) |
- |
RJ-45 - twinax |
CAB-SS-V35MT(=) |
Smart Serial Cable (or 12-in-1) cables DTE and DCE versions of the following physical interfaces: EISa/TIA-232, V.35, X.21, RS-449, RS-530, and RS-530A |
- |
Male |
CAB-SS-V35FC(=) |
- |
Female |
|
CAB-SS-232MT(=) |
- |
Male |
|
CAB-SS-232FC(=) |
- |
Female |
|
CAB-SS-449MT(=) |
- |
Male |
|
CAB-SS-449FC(=) |
- |
Female |
|
CAB-SS-X21MT(=) |
- |
Male |
|
CAB-SS-X21FC(=) |
- |
Female |
|
CAB-SS-530MT(=) |
- |
Male |
|
CAB-SS-530FC(=) |
- |
Female |
|
CAB-SS-530AMT(=) |
- |
Male |
|
CAB-SS-530AFC(=) |
- |
Female |
Table 6: Dimensions and Weight Specifications
Height |
3.44 in. (86 mm) - 2 RU |
Width |
16.75 in. (425 mm) |
Depth |
11.5 in. (292 mm) |
Weight (minimum) |
8 lb (3.5 kg) |
Weight (maximum) |
15 lb (5.5 kg) |
Table 7: Power Requirements
Output, Watts |
105 Watts |
AC Input Voltage |
100 to 240V |
Frequency |
50/60 Hz |
AC Input Current |
2.0 Amps |
DC Input Voltage |
18 to 75 V,+/- |
DC Input Current |
4 Amps |
Table 8: Environmental Specifications
Operating Temperature |
32° to 104° F (0° to 40° C) |
Nonoperating Temperature |
-13 to 158° F (-25° to 70° C) |
Relative Humidity |
5 to 95% |
Noise Level (Maximum) |
57 dbA |
Regulatory Compliance
The Cisco 3631-CO platform conforms to numerous different safety, EMI, immunity, and network homologation standards, including Telcordia GR-63 and NEBS Level 3. Additional information on compliance standards for the Cisco 3631-CO can be found on the Cisco Web site.