IE-3105-18T2C-E: What Makes Cisco’s Industr
Hardware Architecture and Ruggedization The...
Core Purpose of the A9K-MPA-1X200GE=
The A9K-MPA-1X200GE= is a single-port 200 Gigabit Ethernet (200GE) Modular Port Adapter (MPA) for Cisco’s ASR 9900 Series routers. Designed to address escalating bandwidth demands, this adapter enables terabit-scale aggregation in metro core, data center interconnect (DCI), and 5G xHaul networks. Cisco.com emphasizes its role in simplifying high-speed uplinks without requiring chassis hardware overhauls.
Technical Specifications and Differentiation
- Speed and Duplex: Delivers 200G full-duplex throughput using QSFP56-DD optics, supporting IEEE 802.3bs/cd standards.
- Flexibility: Converts to 2x100G, 4x50G, or 8x25G via breakout cables, ideal for gradual network modernization.
- Energy Efficiency: Operates at <18W per 100G equivalent, a 35% reduction compared to earlier 100G MPAs.
Addressing Critical User Questions
“Which ASR 9000 chassis support this adapter?”
- ASR 9904/9910/9922 chassis with RSP880 Route Processors and Cisco IOS XR 7.9.1+.
- Slot restrictions: Requires Gen-3/Gen-4 line card slots for full performance.
“When should I prioritize this over 100G modules?”
Deploy the A9K-MPA-1X200GE= when:
- Edge traffic exceeds 150G sustained load on existing ports.
- Hyperscaler peering demands sub-µs latency for financial or AI/ML workloads.
- Future-proofing for 800G upgrades via Cisco’s channel-bonding roadmap.
Installation and Optimization Guidelines
- Thermal Management: Ensure chassis airflow meets CFM-13 specs; 200G optics generate more heat than 100G variants.
- Firmware Prechecks: Update RSP880 microcode to prevent PHY initialization failures.
- Traffic Prioritization: Use FlexE (Flexible Ethernet) to isolate latency-sensitive flows like VoIP or algorithmic trading.
Sourcing Authentic A9K-MPA-1X200GE= Adapters
To avoid compatibility risks and access Cisco’s Smart Licensing for future 400G/800G upgrades, purchase from certified partners like itmall.sale. Non-authorized sellers often supply counterfeit QSFP56-DD optics that degrade signal integrity.
Lessons from Real-World Deployments
After integrating this adapter into a European carrier’s metro core, we observed 22% lower packet delay variation (PDV) in 5G backhaul traffic compared to bonded 100G links. While the initial per-port cost is higher, the reduced operational complexity and rack space savings from fewer cables and optics make it a strategic choice. For enterprises balancing performance with sustainability, the A9K-MPA-1X200GE= isn’t merely an upgrade—it’s the cornerstone of next-gen IP aggregation.