Overview

Welcome to our expert technical FAQ. This article addresses the most common pre-sales and post-sales questions from network architects about ZTE routing platforms. We cover optical transceiver compatibility, maximum throughput, stacking interfaces, and redundancy troubleshooting to help you ensure a robust and compliant deployment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I mix SFP brands on the same line card of a ZTE router?

Yes, you can generally mix SFP brands on the same ZTE line card, provided each module adheres to the MSA (Multi-Source Agreement) standards. ZTE equipment is designed for open networking, which supports third-party optical modules as long as they meet the electrical and optical interface specifications of the line card. However, for optimal performance and support, we recommend using ZTE-branded or certified optics to ensure full compliance with DDM (Digital Diagnostic Monitoring) and temperature thresholds, which can affect long-term reliability.

Q2: What is the maximum switching throughput and backplane capacity of a ZTE core router?

The maximum switching capacity of a high-end ZTE core router can reach up to 1.2 Tbps on a single line card with an overall system backplane capacity exceeding 10 Tbps. This line-rate capability is driven by the advanced forwarding ASICs and scalable fabric architecture, ensuring no packet loss even under full load conditions.

Q3: How does the current ZTE hardware generation differ from previous models in terms of packet forwarding?

The current generation provides a 40% increase in packet forwarding performance and supports higher-density 100GE interfaces compared to previous models. Key advancements include a smarter buffer allocation algorithm that reduces latency spikes and support for segment routing (SR-MPLS), which were limited in older generations.

Q4: What is the basic CLI configuration to set up an optical interface on a ZTE router?

The basic CLI configuration to initialize an optical interface involves entering configuration mode and setting the interface to “no shutdown” with a specified IP address. Use the commands: `interface 10gei-0/0/0` then `ip address 192.168.1.1 255.255.255.0` and `no shutdown`. Ensure the rate and duplex are set to “auto” for optimal negotiation with the SFP module.

Q5: How do I configure stacking interfaces for virtual chassis on a ZTE router?

To configure stacking interfaces, use the `stack enable` command under the stack-port configuration mode. You must assign a unique member ID to each unit and connect the dedicated stacking cables (or 40GE ports) to establish the virtual chassis. Verify the topology using `show stack topology` to ensure redundancy and proper master election.

Q6: How can I troubleshoot a redundant power supply failover issue on a ZTE router?

First, check the status of the power modules using `show environment power`. If a failover occurs and the secondary unit does not take over, verify that the power supply input is active and that the power thresholds are configured correctly. If the issue persists, inspect the power alarm logs with `show logging` to identify if the primary unit is reporting a hardware fault that requires immediate replacement.

Q7: Are there specific security measures to configure MACsec on the uplink ports?

Yes, to configure MACsec on an uplink port (e.g., a 100GE interface), you must first enable MACsec globally via `macsec enable` and then apply the security policy on the specific interface using `macsec policy`. Define the connectivity association and secure keys (SAK) to encrypt traffic, ensuring end-to-end data integrity.