Alcatel-Lucent IOM2-20G – 20G I/O Module for high-availability routing on 7750 SR / 7450 ESS

The Alcatel‑Lucent IOM2-20G is a second‑generation Input/Output Module designed for 7750 SR and 7450 ESS platforms. It provides up to 20 Gbps of switching fabric bandwidth to the chassis, hosting one or more MDAs (Media Dependent Adapters) to deliver the actual service interfaces. From my experience, it’s a steady choice for aggregation and service edge roles where predictable throughput, QoS, and hardware-based forwarding are needed without jumping to the higher-power IOM3 class.

One thing I appreciate is how it keeps your investment flexible: you can populate the IOM2-20G with different MDA types (for example, 10xGE SFP or 1x10GE XFP) and scale services under SR OS without changing the chassis. In many cases this module is used to standardize on 1GE/10GE uplinks in metro, enterprise, or MSO edge environments while maintaining mature MPLS, L2VPN/L3VPN, and carrier-grade OAM at the system level.

Company’s Order Placement Process and Guarantees

• Warranty: 365 days
• Delivery time: typically 1 week if in stock; no more than 1 month at the latest
• Payment: 50% advance payment; full payment before delivery
• Express options: FedEx, UPS, DHL

Key Features

• 20 Gbps fabric connectivity – Provides up to 20G of switching capacity toward the chassis fabric, suitable for mixed 1GE/10GE service cards.
• MDA-based interface flexibility – Accepts a range of Alcatel‑Lucent MDAs (e.g., GE SFP, 10GE XFP/SFP+, and selected legacy POS/SDH MDAs), so ports match your current network plan.
• Hardware forwarding and QoS – Supports line‑rate forwarding, hierarchical QoS, and ACL processing as enabled by SR OS—useful when enforcing per‑service policies.
• Hot‑swappable service module – Front‑insertable with tool‑less latches and captive screws; reduces downtime during upgrades or swap‑outs.
• Service edge ready – Commonly used for MPLS L2/L3 services, VPLS/EVPN (as supported by SR OS release), and high‑availability edge functions.
• Proven in the field – Many operators still rely on IOM2‑20G for stable 10GE aggregation. One customer comment we hear a lot: “It just keeps running and the QoS behaves exactly as modeled.”

Technical Specifications

Related or Supporting Products

• Alcatel‑Lucent IOM3‑XP – Higher‑performance generation offering greater fabric bandwidth and scale; a typical upgrade path when moving to denser 10GE/100GE.
• Alcatel‑Lucent IOM‑20G (Gen‑1) – Earlier revision; IOM2‑20G generally provides improved performance and feature headroom.
• MDA options for IOM2 – Examples include 10xGE SFP MDA, 1x10GE XFP MDA, 2x10GE XFP MDA, and selected POS/SDH MDAs. Port types and optics support vary by MDA part number.
• Optical transceivers – SFP (1GE), SFP+ (10GE on supporting MDAs), XFP (10GE), and matching DAC/AOC cables as per MDA specifications.
• Chassis control and fabric – Compatible with the corresponding 7750 SR / 7450 ESS fabric modules and CPMs required by your SR OS release.

If you’re deciding between IOM2-20G and IOM3‑XP, the trade‑off is typically power and density versus cost: IOM3‑XP suits high‑scale deployments, while IOM2‑20G is often the practical fit for stable 1GE/10GE service edges.

Installation & Maintenance

• Environment – Install in a compliant 7750 SR / 7450 ESS chassis within a controlled telecom room or data center. Ensure front‑to‑back airflow is unobstructed and that rack ventilation meets the chassis specification.
• Power & grounding – Verify adequate power budget before adding MDAs. Observe ESD precautions and connect the rack grounding per site standard.
• Wiring – Use approved SFP/XFP optics or DAC/AOC per MDA spec. Label ports and maintain bend radius on all fiber runs.
• Hot‑swap procedure – Deactivate services on the target slot where possible, loosen captive screws, and extract/insert with steady pressure. You might notice that the system automatically detects the module and runs diagnostics on insertion.
• Routine maintenance – Quarterly dust inspection and gentle cleaning of front‑panel air inlets; check firmware/SR OS release notes and plan periodic updates during maintenance windows; review temperature and error logs to catch early signs of airflow or optic issues.
• Software alignment – Match MDA and IOM firmware support with your SR OS version; feature availability (e.g., EVPN variants) can depend on release level.

Quality & Certifications

• CE and RoHS compliant; WEEE applicable for end‑of‑life handling
• Typically UL/FCC/IEC safety and EMC standards followed by the host system
• Manufacturer warranty is usually aligned with platform policy; our supply includes a 365‑day warranty as stated above

From my experience, the IOM2‑20G shines where stability and predictable QoS matter more than chasing absolute port density. If you share your target MDA mix and SR OS release, we can double‑check compatibility and power headroom before shipping.