What Is the Cisco A1K-2RU-REAR= and How Does It Stabilize High-Density Rack Installations?

Primary Function of the A1K-2RU-REAR=

The ​​Cisco A1K-2RU-REAR=​​ is a ​​rear-mount rack kit​​ designed for Cisco ASR 1000 Series Aggregation Services Routers. It enables secure, tool-less mounting of the router’s rear panel in standard 19-inch racks, ensuring proper weight distribution and alignment in high-density deployments. This kit is indispensable for preventing chassis sag and maintaining airflow efficiency in vertically stacked configurations.

Technical Specifications and Compatibility

• ​​Compatibility​​: Tailored for ASR 1001-HX, 1002-HX, and 1006-X routers in ​​2RU rear-mount mode​​.
• ​​Material​​: Cold-rolled steel with corrosion-resistant coating for durability in humid environments.
• ​​Load Capacity​​: Supports up to ​​45 lbs (20.4 kg)​​ static weight per mounted unit.
• ​​Certifications​​: Meets ​​NEBS Level 3​​ and ​​ETSI EN 300 019​​ standards for vibration and shock resistance.

Addressing Installation and Use Case Concerns

​​Q: Is this kit necessary for all ASR 1000 deployments?​​
A: Only when using ​​rear-mount configurations​​ in full-depth racks. Front-mount setups require a separate bracket (A1K-2RU-FRONT=).

​​Q: Can it accommodate third-party rails or shelves?​​
A: No—the A1K-2RU-REAR= is engineered for Cisco’s proprietary rail system. Adapters for generic racks are sold separately.

​​Q: Does installation require disassembling the router?​​
A: Yes—the chassis must be detached from its front bezel to attach the rear brackets. Plan for ​​30–45 minutes of downtime​​ per unit.

Sourcing Authentic Mounting Kits

To ensure structural integrity and compliance, the A1K-2RU-REAR= is available exclusively through itmall.sale’s Cisco hardware listings. Counterfeit brackets often lack load-test certifications, risking rack failures.

Field-Proven Perspective

During a recent colocation deployment, improperly mounted ASR routers shifted under cable tension, causing misalignment that disrupted cooling. The A1K-2RU-REAR= isn’t just “metal parts”—it’s ​​insurance against cascading infrastructure flaws​​ in multi-tenant racks. While some dismiss mounting kits as trivial, their absence often leads to silent issues like connector fatigue or thermal hotspots. For teams managing hyperscale edge deployments, this component is as vital as the router itself—overlook it, and the entire rack’s reliability hangs in the balance.