Alcatel-Lucent 3KC18989AA Photonic Service Switch 36-Slot Chassis

Description

Key Technical Specifications

Product Introduction & Supply Chain Strategy

The Alcatel-Lucent 3KC18989AA is the foundational 36-slot chassis for the 1830 Photonic Service Switch (PSS-36) platform. As the largest member of the PSS family, this shelf assembly is engineered for core network nodes requiring massive OTN switching and DWDM transport capabilities. It provides the mechanical, thermal, and electrical environment necessary to support high-performance coherent line cards and cross-connect matrices, making it the primary vehicle for 100G, 400G, and 800G optical services.

From a strategic inventory perspective, the 3KC18989AA represents a significant capital expenditure. Sourcing this chassis as New Surplus allows operators to expand their network footprint or replace damaged core frames at a fraction of the OEM list price while ensuring “Zero-Hour” hardware reliability. Unlike refurbished frames which may have compromised backplane pins or hidden structural stress from previous de-installations, our New Surplus units arrive in factory-sealed or original protective packaging, guaranteeing the physical integrity required for a 15-year lifecycle.

Installation & Configuration Guide

Stage 1: Pre-Installation (Prep & Safety)

• Structural Check: Ensure the 19-inch or ETSI rack can support the 22U height and fully populated weight (approx. 150 kg / 330 lbs).
• Power Readiness: Verify that two independent A/B DC power feeds are available with appropriate circuit breakers (typically 100A or higher depending on configuration).
• Equipment: Use a mechanical lift for installation; this unit is a multi-person lift and cannot be safely racked by hand.

Stage 2: Removal (If Replacing)

• Data Backup: Export all database and configuration files from the active EC (Equipment Controller).
• Power Down: Disconnect the A and B power feeds at the PDC (Power Distribution Center).
• De-Cabling: Label every fiber and copper cable before removal to ensure port-mapping consistency on the new shelf.

Stage 3: Installation (Mounting & Grounding)

• Mounting: Secure the 3KC18989AA into the rack using high-strength mounting bolts. Ensure the chassis is level to prevent card misalignment.
• Grounding: Connect the dual-hole grounding lug to the site’s master ground bar to protect against surges and EMI.
• Powering: Re-terminate the DC power cables to the Power Filter Cards (PFCs), ensuring correct polarity.

Stage 4: Power-On & Testing

• Fan Verification: Power on the shelf and verify all fan trays initialize and ramp up to speed.
• Backplane Continuity: Insert the Equipment Controller (EC) cards and verify communication with the shelf backplane via the local craft terminal.
• Slot Provisioning: Audit the 36 slots in the management software to ensure no “Equipment Mismatch” or “Backplane Communication Failure” alarms are present.

Firmware/Software Versions & Upgrade Notes

The 3KC18989AA shelf assembly is passive, but its backplane revision must be compatible with the Equipment Controller (EC) and Matrix cards being used. This specific version supports high-speed signaling required for 400G+ interfaces.

Compatibility Warning: Ensure your shelf management software (TiMOS or SR-OS equivalent for PSS) is updated to support the specific hardware revisions of the cards being inserted. Inserting modern 400G coherent cards into an older-revision PSS-36 shelf without the proper “AA” suffix backplane may result in signal integrity issues. Always match the shelf part number to the engineering design document.

3KC18989AA

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Does this chassis include the fan trays and power filters?

  Typically, the 3KC18989AA refers to the shelf assembly. Depending on the specific kit, fan trays (3KC18311AA) and power filters may be sold separately or included. Please confirm your specific BOM requirements with our team.

• Why buy New Surplus instead of used for a passive chassis?

  Even though the backplane is passive, the pins are fragile. Refurbished units often suffer from bent pins or dust contamination in the high-speed connectors. New Surplus ensures the connectors are pristine, preventing “intermittent bit errors” that are notoriously difficult to troubleshoot.

• Is this unit compatible with PSS-32 cards?

  Many cards are cross-compatible within the 1830 PSS family, but the PSS-36 uses specific high-density slots. Always consult the Alcatel-Lucent Engineering Planning Guide to verify slot-loading rules.

• How is this shipped?

  Due to the size and sensitivity of the backplane, the 3KC18989AA is shipped via specialized freight on a shock-absorbent pallet. We use heavy-duty crating to ensure the unit arrives in factory-new condition.

• What is the lead time?

  We maintain this unit in stock for immediate dispatch, bypassing the standard 12–16 week lead times often associated with large-scale optical infrastructure.