| Product Type | Electronic Software License |
| Product Name | CISCO NCS1K4 License for One QSFP28 Client with Encryption |
| Manufacturer | Cisco |
| Manufacturer Part Number | E-NCS1K4-LIC-100X= |
| License Type | Perpetual |
| License Quantity | 1 QSFP28 client port |
| Platform Supported | Cisco NCS 1000 Series (NCS1K4) |
| Features | Enables encrypted QSFP28 client port on NCS1K4 transponder |
| Activation Method | Electronic Software Delivery (ESD) |
| Form Factor | Virtual License (non-physical) |
| Device Supported | Cisco NCS 1004 |
| Use Case | Optical encryption for data center interconnects, metro, and enterprise networks |
| Encryption Support | Yes – Client-side encryption on QSFP28 interface |
CISCO NCS1K4 Electronic License for One QSFP28 Client with Encryption

Key Benefits
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- Supports encryption on a QSFP28 client, enabling secure 100G optical connections.
- TAA compliance ensures suitability for U.S. government and regulated industry deployments.
- U.S. manufacturing origin aligns with compliance and sourcing requirements for sovereign infrastructure.
Product Overview
The CISCO NCS1K4 electronic license, part number E-NCS1K4-LIC-100X=, enables a QSFP28 client port with encryption capabilities for secure high-speed networking. This software-activated upgrade plays a pivotal role in enhancing optical network security, making it ideal for metro, data center, and enterprise environments. Being TAA-compliant and U.S.-originated, it is suitable for government and security-sensitive deployments that demand both performance and compliance.
Specifications
Product Overview
Cloud Management & Licensing
| License Delivery Method | Electronic (via Cisco Smart Licensing) |
| Management Tools | Cisco Transport Controller (CTC), Cisco Evolved Programmable Network Manager (EPN-M) |
| Smart Licensing Enabled | Yes |
| License Enforcement | Requires Smart Account and product registration |
Compliance & Origin
| Country of Origin | United States |
| TAA Compliance | Yes |
| RoHS Compliance | Yes |
| Product Compliance | U.S. Export-Control Compliant |
| Certifications | ISO 9001, NEBS Level 3 (platform dependent) |
| Trade Compliance Number (ECCN) | 5D002 (Encryption software) |
Interfaces
| Supported Port Type | QSFP28 |
| Maximum Data Rate | 100 Gbps |
| Client Interface Support | 100GE and OTU4 (varies by transponder configuration) |
Advanced Security Features
| Encryption Mode | MACsec (IEEE 802.1AE) or AES encryption (platform dependent) |
| Encryption Scope | Per optical client port |
| Secure Key Management | Yes, via Cisco key exchanges and software tools |
| Use in Compliance-sensitive Environments | Yes, e.g., government or enterprise deployments |
Physical & Environmental
| Hardware Dependency | Requires compatible NCS1K4 transponder hardware |
| Platform Operating Temperature Range | 0°C to 45°C (32°F to 113°F) |
| Platform Relative Humidity (Operating) | 5% to 85% (non-condensing) |