Cisco ASR 9001-S Datasheet: Expert Technical Overview

1. Product Overview

The Cisco Aggregation Services Router (ASR) 9001-S is a high-performance, modular edge router designed to meet the demanding requirements of service providers and large enterprises. As part of the Cisco ASR 9000 Series, the ASR 9001-S delivers exceptional scalability, carrier-grade reliability, and advanced service capabilities optimized for next-generation network architectures.

Engineered to support high-density 100 Gigabit Ethernet (100GE) interfaces, the ASR 9001-S is tailored for aggregation and edge routing applications where ultra-low latency, high throughput, and flexible service integration are paramount. It is ideal for use cases such as mobile backhaul, data center interconnect, metro Ethernet, and IP/MPLS core edge deployments.

The ASR 9001-S leverages Cisco’s proven IOS XR operating system, which provides a modular, distributed software architecture designed for continuous operation and rapid service innovation. This router supports advanced traffic engineering, segment routing, and comprehensive security features, enabling service providers to deliver differentiated services with operational efficiency.

2. Product Specifications

Hardware Architecture

The ASR 9001-S chassis is a compact, single-slot modular platform optimized for high-density 100GE line cards. It supports a single Route Switch Processor (RSP) module, which integrates the control plane and forwarding plane functions into a unified architecture. This design reduces power consumption and physical footprint while maintaining high throughput.

Key hardware specifications include:

• Chassis: Single-slot, 1RU form factor
• Route Switch Processor (RSP): Integrated control and forwarding plane with multi-core CPU and hardware forwarding ASICs
• Interface Modules: Supports 100GE CFP2 and QSFP28 pluggable optics
• Forwarding Capacity: Up to 2 Tbps full-duplex switching capacity
• Packet Forwarding Rate: Up to 1.2 billion packets per second (bpps)
• Memory: 64 GB DRAM standard, expandable for large-scale routing tables and services
• Power Supply: Redundant, hot-swappable AC or DC power options
• Cooling: Front-to-back airflow with redundant fans

Interface and Connectivity

The ASR 9001-S supports a variety of high-speed interfaces to accommodate diverse network topologies:

• Up to 6 ports of 100 Gigabit Ethernet (100GE) using CFP2 or QSFP28 optics
• Support for 40GE and 10GE interfaces via breakout cables and optics
• Integrated management Ethernet port for out-of-band management
• Console and USB ports for local management and diagnostics

Software and Protocol Support

Running Cisco IOS XR, the ASR 9001-S supports a comprehensive suite of routing protocols and features:

• IPv4 and IPv6 unicast and multicast routing
• MPLS Layer 2 and Layer 3 VPNs
• Segment Routing (SR) and Traffic Engineering (TE)
• Advanced Quality of Service (QoS) with hierarchical classification and shaping
• Comprehensive security including Control Plane Policing (CoPP), MACsec encryption, and Secure Boot
• High availability features such as Nonstop Forwarding (NSF) and In-Service Software Upgrade (ISSU)

3. Features and Benefits

High-Density 100GE Aggregation

The ASR 9001-S is engineered to aggregate massive bandwidth at the network edge, supporting up to six 100GE ports in a compact 1RU chassis. This density enables service providers to consolidate multiple lower-speed interfaces into a single high-capacity link, reducing operational complexity and capital expenditure.

Carrier-Grade Reliability and Availability

Designed for mission-critical environments, the ASR 9001-S incorporates redundant power supplies, fans, and field-replaceable components to ensure continuous operation. The IOS XR software architecture supports stateful process restarts and ISSU, minimizing downtime during maintenance and upgrades.

Advanced Traffic Engineering and Segment Routing

The router supports sophisticated MPLS traffic engineering capabilities, including RSVP-TE and Segment Routing (SR), enabling dynamic path computation and optimized resource utilization. These features allow operators to deliver differentiated services with guaranteed SLAs and efficient network utilization.

Scalable and Flexible Service Integration

With support for MPLS VPNs, Ethernet VPNs (EVPN), and advanced QoS policies, the ASR 9001-S enables seamless integration of Layer 2 and Layer 3 services. This flexibility supports a wide range of applications from mobile backhaul to enterprise WAN aggregation.

Security and Operational Simplicity

Security features such as MACsec encryption on 100GE interfaces protect data integrity and confidentiality at line rate. The router’s modular software design and comprehensive telemetry capabilities simplify network management and troubleshooting, reducing operational costs.

4. Product Portfolio

The ASR 9000 Series portfolio is designed to address diverse network edge and aggregation requirements. The ASR 9001-S complements other models in the series by providing a compact, high-density 100GE solution. Key related platforms include:

• ASR