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Ciena Service Delivery Switches & Secondary Market Guide
3903, 3928, 3930, 3931, 5160 & 5170
Ciena Service Delivery Switches in Carrier Ethernet Networks
Ciena Service Delivery Switches continue to play an important role in Carrier Ethernet, business services, mobile backhaul, enterprise access, wholesale Ethernet, Ethernet Private Line, and metro aggregation networks.
Platforms such as the Ciena 3903, 3928, 3930, 3931, 5160, 5170 and related 5000-series equipment are commonly deployed at the customer edge, building demarcation point, cell site, street cabinet, central office, aggregation hub, or metro Ethernet handoff location. These platforms help service providers deliver reliable Ethernet services with performance monitoring, SLA verification, QoS, OAM, synchronization, and scalable packet networking features.
For many operators, these switches are not just “old equipment.” They are embedded, proven, revenue-supporting network assets. When a customer circuit is active, a cell site is still producing traffic, or an Ethernet service is tied to a specific Ciena configuration, replacing the entire platform may not be practical, cost-effective, or necessary. That is where the secondary market becomes important.
Why Ciena Service Delivery Switches Still Matter
Many service providers, ISPs, MSOs, utilities, wireless carriers, enterprise network operators, and wholesale Ethernet providers still rely on Ciena packet platforms because they are already integrated into existing network designs.
Common reasons these platforms remain in demand include:
-
- Existing customer circuits are provisioned around specific Ciena models
- SAOS software familiarity across operations teams
- Carrier Ethernet OAM and SLA testing requirements
- Need for matching sparing inventory
- Ongoing support of legacy Ethernet services
- Mobile backhaul and business Ethernet handoff requirements
- Desire to avoid unnecessary network redesigns
- Long lead times or limited OEM availability on certain models
- Need for cost-effective replacement hardware
In many cases, operators are not looking for a brand-new architecture. They need the right replacement unit, the correct power supply, the proper mounting kit, compatible optics, or a tested spare that can keep a service online.
Common Ciena Platforms and Use Cases
Ciena 3903 Platform
The Ciena 3903 is commonly used as an Ethernet business demarcation device for small and medium business applications. It is designed for reliable GbE services and is often found at customer premises, business Ethernet handoffs, enterprise access locations, and carrier demarcation points.
Common part-number examples include:
170-3903-900
Ciena 3903 with two 100M/1G SFP ports and one combo 100M/1G SFP/RJ45 port
170-3903-901
3903 variant
170-3903-910
Commonly associated with 3903x configurations
170-0105-900
23-inch rack mount ears for 3903
170-0109-900
19-inch rack mount ears for 3903
170-0106-900
3903x mounting bracket
Typical applications:
Business Ethernet demarcation
BSLA-monitored Ethernet handoff
Customer edge deployment
Ethernet Private Line support
Service turn-up and testing
The 3903 family is especially relevant in the secondary market because many carriers standardized on these units for customer-facing Ethernet services. When a field replacement is needed, matching the existing platform and software expectations can be more practical than redesigning the handoff.
Ciena 3928 Platform
The Ciena 3928 is a compact 10Gb/s Ethernet service delivery platform often used in business Ethernet and mobile backhaul environments. It provides a higher-capacity step above smaller demarcation devices while still fitting into space-constrained deployments.
Common part-number examples include:
170-3928-908
3928, SAOS 6.x, sync, dual AC power
170-3928-909
3928, SAOS 6.x, sync, extended temperature, dual DC power
170-3928-910
3928, SAOS 10.x, sync, dual AC power
170-3928-911
3928, SAOS 10.x, sync, extended temperature, dual DC power
Typical applications:
10G Ethernet service delivery
Business Ethernet aggregation
Mobile backhaul
Carrier Ethernet access
Extended-temperature cabinet deployments
SLA-sensitive Ethernet services
For buyers, it is important to confirm software stream, synchronization requirements, AC vs. DC power, and environmental requirements before selecting a replacement 3928.
Ciena 3930 Service Delivery Switch
The Ciena 3930 Service Delivery Switch is a widely deployed Carrier Ethernet platform used for higher-bandwidth Ethernet services, mobile backhaul, enterprise handoff, and access aggregation. It is often seen in carrier networks where QoS, OAM, and SLA support are important.
Common part-number examples include:
170-3930-900
Ciena 3930 Service Delivery Switch
170-3930-910
3930 sync configuration example
170-3930-930
3930 variant
170-0013-900
DC pluggable power supply used with 3930/3932/5142/3926M
170-0014-900
AC pluggable power supply used with 3930/3932/5142/3926M
170-0107-900
DC pluggable power supply option for 3930/3932/5142
Typical applications:
Carrier Ethernet business services
Mobile backhaul
Ethernet handoff
Customer premise demarcation
NNI/UNI service delivery
SLA performance testing
The 3930 is a frequent secondary-market request because it often sits directly in the service path. When a unit fails, the requirement is usually not “any similar switch.” The requirement is often a matching 3930, with the correct power, software expectations, optics, and mounting needs.
Ciena 3931 Weatherproof Carrier Ethernet Platform
The Ciena 3931 is designed for outside-plant and environmentally hardened deployments. It supports Ethernet demarcation and aggregation in cabinets, pole-mounted locations, strand-mounted applications, and other uncontrolled environments.
Common part-number examples include:
120-3931-900
3931 enclosure
170-3931-900
3931 pluggable system module
170-3931-910
3931 sync pluggable system module
170-0041-900
3931 DC pluggable power supply
170-0042-900
3931 AC pluggable power supply
170-0155-900
3931 10G fiber demarcation jumper example
Typical applications:
Outside-plant Ethernet demarcation
Mobile backhaul
Street cabinet deployment
Harsh-environment business services
Wall, pole, strand, or H-frame mounting
Ethernet service extension beyond the central office
The 3931 is especially important when sourcing because the requirement may involve more than the electronics. Enclosures, system modules, power supplies, mounting hardware, jumpers, and environmental requirements all need to be confirmed.
Ciena 5160 Service Aggregation Switch
The Ciena 5160 is a 1RU service aggregation switch designed for high-density 10GE/1GE services. It is commonly used where operators need to aggregate multiple Ethernet services while maintaining carrier-grade service assurance.
Common part-number examples include:
170-5160-900
Ciena 5160, 24-port 1G/10G SFP+ platform
170-0069-900
5160 DC pluggable power supply
170-0070-900
5160 AC pluggable power supply
Typical applications:
10GE service aggregation
Business Ethernet aggregation
Mobile backhaul aggregation
Metro Ethernet networks
High-density SFP+ deployments
MEF service delivery
The 5160 is a strong example of why the secondary market matters. Operators may need expansion units, field spares, replacement power supplies, or matching hardware to maintain existing 10G Ethernet aggregation footprints.
Ciena 5170 and 5171 Platforms
The Ciena 5170 and related 5171 platforms address higher-bandwidth aggregation requirements, including 10GbE and 100GbE services. These platforms are relevant for operators moving beyond traditional 1G and 10G handoffs into denser metro, enterprise, data center interconnect, and mobile backhaul applications.
Common part-number examples include:
170-5170-905
Ciena 5170/5171 platform configuration example
170-0092-900
5170 DC pluggable power supply
170-0093-900
5170 AC pluggable power supply
170-0130-900
5170 spare pluggable fan unit
170-0157-900
5170/5162 4-post rack mount brackets
170-0192-900
5170/5162 19-inch 2-post mid-mount brackets
Typical applications:
100GbE service delivery
10GbE aggregation
Metro Ethernet aggregation
Mobile backhaul
Enterprise high-bandwidth services
Data center interconnect
Carrier Ethernet and IP/MPLS applications
For these higher-capacity platforms, sourcing is more than finding a chassis. Operators should confirm power type, fan modules, rack mounting, optics, licensing, software stream, and network role before purchasing.
Why the Secondary Market Is Important for Ciena Service Delivery Switches
The secondary market plays a critical role in supporting Ciena service delivery and aggregation platforms because many networks continue to rely on installed, proven infrastructure.
Common secondary-market drivers include:
1. Lead-Time Reduction
When a customer circuit is down or a carrier needs a spare, waiting on a long OEM lead time may not be acceptable. The secondary market can provide faster access to tested, ready-to-ship equipment.
3. Matching Existing Networks
Network operators often need exact replacements. A Ciena 3903, 3928, 3930, 3931, 5160, or 5170 may already be approved, configured, documented, and deployed across the network. A secondary-market replacement can help avoid unnecessary redesigns.
5. Lifecycle Extension
Many Ciena service delivery platforms continue to support active revenue-generating services. The secondary market helps operators extend the useful life of those assets while planning future upgrades on their own timeline.
2. Cost Savings
New OEM hardware is not always the most practical option, especially for legacy, brownfield, or replacement applications. Refurbished and surplus Ciena equipment can help operators preserve budget while maintaining network continuity.
4. Sparing Strategy
Having tested spares on the shelf can prevent outages from becoming extended service events. This is especially important for platforms deployed at customer premises, cell sites, remote cabinets, and aggregation points.
6. Investment Recovery
The secondary market is not only for buyers. Operators with surplus Ciena equipment can recover value from decommissioned networks, excess inventory, or platform migration projects.
What to Confirm Before Buying Ciena Equipment
Before sourcing Ciena service delivery switches, buyers should confirm:
Exact part number
Platform model and hardware revision
AC or DC power requirements
Power supply part numbers
Fan module requirements
Rack mount or cabinet mounting hardware
Optics and transceiver compatibility
SAOS software stream
Sync requirements
Extended-temperature requirements
UNI/NNI port requirements
Required licenses or feature expectations
Whether the unit is for replacement, sparing, expansion, or lab use
Whether the equipment needs to match an existing carrier template
This is where working with an experienced telecom equipment partner becomes important.
How TELECOMCAULIFFE – A PICS Telecom Team Can Help
TELECOMCAULIFFE – A PICS Telecom Team helps service providers, carriers, ISPs, utilities, enterprise networks, and resellers source and support Ciena service delivery and aggregation equipment in a practical, problem-solving way. The goal is not simply to quote a part number. The goal is to help customers identify the right platform, confirm the correct configuration, reduce lead times, support existing services, and avoid unnecessary spend.
- New, refurbished, and surplus Ciena equipment
- Ciena 3903, 3928, 3930, 3931, 5160, 5170 and related platforms
- Matching replacement hardware
- AC and DC power supplies
- Fan modules
- Rack mount kits and brackets
- Optics and accessories
- Hard-to-find and end-of-life equipment
- Tested spares
- Investment recovery for surplus Ciena equipment
- Decommissioned network asset disposition
- Cost-saving alternatives for brownfield networks
Every network is different. A 3903 at a customer demarcation point is not the same requirement as a 5160 aggregating 10G services or a 5170 supporting higher-capacity metro applications. The right answer depends on the service, location, software, power, optics, and existing network design. That is why TELECOMCAULIFFE – A PICS Telecom Team approaches Ciena sourcing as a technical conversation first and a transaction second.
Ciena Equipment We Commonly Support
Examples of Ciena platforms and related equipment include:
- Ciena 3903
- Ciena 3903x
- Ciena 3916
- Ciena 3926
- Ciena 3928
- Ciena 3930
- Ciena 3931
- Ciena 3932
- Ciena 3942
- Ciena 5142
- Ciena 5160
- Ciena 5162
- Ciena 5170
- Ciena 5171
- Ciena power supplies
- Ciena fan modules
- Ciena rack mount kits
- Ciena optics and accessories
Inventory changes frequently, so it is always best to confirm current availability, condition, configuration, and lead time.
Ciena Service Delivery Switches remain important across Carrier Ethernet, business services, mobile backhaul, enterprise access, and metro aggregation networks. Platforms like the 3903, 3928, 3930, 3931, 5160, and 5170 continue to support live network services, making the secondary market a valuable resource for replacement units, spare inventory, cost savings, and lifecycle extension. Whether you are replacing a failed unit, building spares, supporting a customer turn-up, managing decommissioned assets, or trying to reduce lead times, TELECOMCAULIFFE – A PICS Telecom Team can help identify practical sourcing options and support your existing Ciena network.
Need Ciena Service Delivery Switches, power supplies, optics, brackets, or replacement hardware?
Contact TELECOMCAULIFFE – A PICS Telecom Team to review current availability, confirm compatible part numbers, and explore cost-effective secondary-market options for your network.
The TELECOMCAULIFFE Difference
TELCOMCAULIFFE, A PICS Telecom Team, is a leading global distributor of telecom products and network equipment, offering an expansive selection of new, surplus, and refreshed products from over 1000 manufacturers. When you buy from the TELCOMCAULIFFE Team you’ll experience a wide range of benefits that not all OEMs or vendors offer.
- 7 Experienced Dynamic Professionals Working to Ensure the Best Pricing, Quickest Turnaround, And Highest Quality Equipment
- Standard Lifetime Warranty with Advanced Replacement
- State-of-the-Art Test Facilities and Repair Services
- 24/7 Online Customer Service
- Dedicated Marketing Professional to Sell Your Surplus Equipment
- Follow-Up Process to Ensure Customer Satisfaction