Cisco ASR 9904 Datasheet: Expert Technical Overview

1. Product Overview

The Cisco Aggregation Services Router (ASR) 9904 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 9904 delivers exceptional scalability, carrier-grade reliability, and advanced service capabilities for next-generation network architectures. Engineered to support high-density 100 Gigabit Ethernet interfaces and beyond, the ASR 9904 is optimized for aggregation, edge, and core routing applications in IP/MPLS networks.

Built on Cisco’s proven IOS XR operating system, the ASR 9904 offers a distributed architecture that enables high availability and operational flexibility. Its compact 4-slot chassis form factor is ideal for space-constrained environments without compromising on throughput or feature richness. The platform supports a wide range of interface modules, including 10G, 25G, 40G, 100G, and emerging 400G Ethernet standards, making it future-proof for evolving network demands.

The ASR 9904 is designed to address the challenges of modern service provider networks, including the need for massive bandwidth aggregation, seamless service integration, and rapid service provisioning. It supports advanced traffic engineering, segment routing, and comprehensive MPLS capabilities, enabling operators to deliver differentiated services with guaranteed SLAs.

2. Product Specifications

2.1 Chassis and Physical Dimensions

The ASR 9904 chassis is a 4-slot modular platform with the following physical characteristics:

• Height: 7.0 RU (Rack Units)
• Width: 17.5 inches (44.45 cm)
• Depth: 23.5 inches (59.69 cm)
• Weight: Approximately 45 kg (fully loaded)
• Front-to-back airflow for optimal cooling

2.2 Performance and Throughput

The ASR 9904 is engineered to deliver up to 1.6 Tbps of full-duplex throughput, leveraging Cisco’s proprietary QuantumFlow Processor (QFP) technology embedded in the line cards. This throughput supports high-density 100G interfaces and enables multi-terabit scale aggregation.

Key performance metrics include:

• Maximum forwarding rate: Up to 1.6 billion packets per second (Bpps)
• Support for up to 400 Gbps per slot with advanced line cards
• Low latency forwarding optimized for real-time services

2.3 Interface Modules and Port Density

The ASR 9904 supports a broad portfolio of interface modules, enabling flexible deployment scenarios:

• 10 Gigabit Ethernet (SFP+, XFP)
• 25 Gigabit Ethernet (SFP28)
• 40 Gigabit Ethernet (QSFP+)
• 100 Gigabit Ethernet (QSFP28)
• 400 Gigabit Ethernet (QSFP-DD) support planned with future line cards
• Support for SONET/SDH and OTN interfaces for legacy and transport integration

Each slot can accommodate a variety of line cards, with port densities ranging from 4x100G to 24x10G per card, depending on the module type.

2.4 Redundancy and High Availability

The ASR 9904 chassis supports fully redundant power supplies and fan trays, ensuring continuous operation in carrier-grade environments. Key high availability features include:

• Dual redundant AC or DC power supply options
• Hot-swappable line cards, power supplies, and fan trays
• Stateful switchover (SSO) and nonstop forwarding (NSF) capabilities via IOS XR
• In-service software upgrade (ISSU) support for zero downtime maintenance

2.5 Software and Protocol Support

Running Cisco IOS XR, the ASR 9904 supports a comprehensive suite of protocols and features critical for modern service provider networks:

• Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) with Traffic Engineering (TE) and Segment Routing (SR)
• IPv4 and IPv6 routing protocols including OSPF, IS-IS, BGP, and RIP
• Advanced Quality of Service (QoS) with hierarchical classification and shaping
• Carrier Ethernet services including E-Line, E-LAN, and E-Tree
• Network virtualization with VRF-Lite and MPLS VPNs
• Comprehensive security features including control plane policing and MACsec support

3. Features and Benefits

3.1 Modular and Scalable Architecture

The ASR 9904’s modular chassis design allows operators to scale port density and interface types as network demands evolve. This flexibility reduces total cost of ownership (TCO) by enabling incremental upgrades without forklift replacements. The platform’s support for multiple interface speeds and protocols ensures investment protection.

3.2 Carrier-Grade Reliability and Availability

Designed for 99.999% availability, the ASR 9904 incorporates redundant hardware components and advanced software features such as ISSU and NSF. These capabilities minimize service disruptions during maintenance or unexpected failures, critical for service providers delivering mission-critical services.

3.3 High-Density 100G and Beyond Interfaces

With native support for