Ciena packet platforms cover the access, aggregation and router boxes that sit at the edge of an optical network. Many sites also still run older CN 4200 and Cyan Z-Series gear, so buyers need those modules too.
This guide explains how to read 170-series, B-720 and 800-series part numbers, as well as what each box does. It also lists every part number in this family that Silverback supplies, new or used and tested before it ships.
What Ciena packet platforms include
Ciena sells several packet product lines next to its optical gear. For example, the 3900 series covers service delivery switches, while the 5100 series covers aggregation switches and routers. Ciena also offers the 8100 series of coherent routers.
In addition, many networks still run legacy platforms such as the CN 4200, which uses B-720 part numbers. Meanwhile, the Z-Series came from Cyan and uses 800-series codes.
Ciena acquired Cyan in 2015, and that deal is the origin of the Z-Series parts with 800-series part numbers. So when you see an 800-series code on a module, it most likely belongs to a Z-Series shelf.
How to read the part numbers
The prefix tells you a lot, so start there. For example, a 170-series code such as 170-5164-902 points to a packet switch or router. Meanwhile, a B-720 code points to a CN 4200 module, and an 800-series code points to the Z-Series.
The middle digits often name the model, for instance 170-3916-904 for a Ciena 3916. Still, the last digits mark the exact build, so quote the full code.
Ciena packet platforms: 3900 and 5100 series
Each box below has a different job, so match the model to the role.
Ciena 3916. The 170-3916-904 is a compact 1RU Ciena 3916 with six 1GbE SFP ports. It also has an RJ-45 management port as well as an RJ-45 console. Since it takes a single AC input on an IEC C14 inlet, it suits small customer sites.
CN 5140. The 170-5140-902 is a Ciena CN 5140 service aggregation switch. Its HECI code is CMMHD00CRA, which helps when you match a label in the field. However, check the port and power setup on your unit before you order.
Ciena 5164. The 170-5164-902 is a Ciena 5164 router with 32 SFP28 ports and 4 QSFP-DD ports. The SFP28 ports run at 25G, 10G or 1G, while the QSFP-DD ports run at 200G or 100G. In addition, this build has dual DC power and an extended temperature rating.
Legacy CN 4200 and Cyan Z-Series modules
Legacy shelves often stay in service for years after newer gear arrives, so spares still matter. For the CN 4200, the B-720-1087-301 is the F10E-A90-TN unprotected aggregation module. Its network interface runs OTU2 with enhanced FEC on an ITU 50GHz tunable DWDM wavelength.
For the Z-Series, the 800-0085-01 is the BOSS2 controller module. Since the BOSS2 succeeds the original BOSS, check which one your shelf runs. Ciena support articles describe BOSS or BOSS2 cards as the active and standby controllers in Z77 slots 1 and 2.
Meanwhile, the 800-0026-01 is the PME-412 packet multiplexer, which handles Ethernet switching as well as OTN transport. It also has 4 XFP and 12 SFP ports.
How to choose Ciena packet platforms
First of all, decide whether you need a new box or a spare for an installed one. For a spare, copy the full part number from the label, including the last digits. Then check power, ports and temperature rating against the site.
- For small 1GbE handoffs, the 3916 is a good start, since it has six SFP ports.
- When you need aggregation, look at the CN 5140.
- For 25G as well as 100G or 200G ports, look at the 5164.
- Match B-720 or 800-series legacy codes exactly, because spares must fit an installed shelf.
Also plan the optics with the box. Our Ciena optics guide covers SFP+, QSFP28 and QSFP-DD codes, while our 6500 photonic module guide covers the line system.
Ciena packet platforms and modules we supply
This table lists every part number in this family. Each part number links to its inventory page, so you can ask for new or used condition.
| Part number | Product | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 170-3916-904 | Ciena 3916, 1RU | 6x 1GbE SFP, RJ-45 management and console, single AC |
| 170-5140-902 | Ciena CN 5140 service aggregation switch | HECI CMMHD00CRA |
| 170-5164-902 | Ciena 5164 router | 32x SFP28, 4x QSFP-DD, dual DC, extended temperature |
| B-720-1087-301 | CN 4200 F10E-A90-TN aggregation module | Unprotected, OTU2 with enhanced FEC, tunable DWDM |
| 800-0085-01 | Z-Series BOSS2 controller module | Successor to BOSS, Z77 controller slots |
| 800-0026-01 | Z-Series PME-412 packet multiplexer | 4x XFP, 12x SFP |
New vs used gear and buyback
Used units make sense for spares, especially on legacy CN 4200 or Z-Series shelves. In addition, they help you avoid a forced upgrade when one module fails. Since Silverback tests every unit before it ships, a used spare is ready to install.
When you retire old shelves, Silverback buys back the gear. It also offers certified data destruction for any storage in the same project.
Why buy Ciena packet platforms from Silverback
Silverback supplies new and used Ciena packet platforms and legacy modules, tested before they ship. You can also browse our equipment inventory or read our Ciena hardware overview for the wider range. Ciena also posts its product news at ciena.com.
Send us the part number and get pricing and lead time within one business day. Then request a quote for one module or a full list.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a 170-series Ciena part number mean?
It usually marks a packet box. For example, 170-3916-904 is a Ciena 3916, while 170-5164-902 is a Ciena 5164 router.
Where do 800-series Ciena part numbers come from?
Ciena acquired Cyan in 2015, so Z-Series parts such as the 800-0085-01 BOSS2 controller carry 800-series codes.
What is the B-720-1087-301?
It is the F10E-A90-TN, an unprotected aggregation module for the CN 4200. It also has an OTU2 enhanced FEC network interface on a tunable DWDM wavelength.
Which ports does the Ciena 5164 have?
The 170-5164-902 has 32 SFP28 ports for 25G, 10G or 1G, as well as 4 QSFP-DD ports for 200G or 100G.
Can I get legacy and current Ciena parts on one quote?
Yes. Send every part number on one list, and we then quote new and used condition together.
Get a quote for Ciena packet platforms
Send your 170-series, B-720 or 800-series part numbers, as well as quantities and condition. We reply with pricing and lead time within one business day.
Call (888) 391-5211 or send your part list online.
