What Is the ASR-920-PWR-A= and How Does It Power Cisco ASR 920 Edge Routers? Efficiency, Redundancy, and Deployment Best Practices

Role of the ASR-920-PWR-A= in Cisco Edge Infrastructure

The ​​ASR-920-PWR-A=​​ is an AC power supply module specifically engineered for Cisco’s ASR 920 Series routers. It provides ​​reliable, high-efficiency power delivery​​ to support edge networking deployments in scenarios like mobile backhaul, enterprise branch offices, and smart grid communications. Designed for the ASR 920’s compact form factor, it ensures stable voltage regulation even in fluctuating grid conditions.

Technical Specifications and Operational Benefits

​​High Efficiency​​: Delivers ​​≥85% energy efficiency​​ under typical loads, reducing operational costs and thermal output in space-constrained installations.
​​Hot-Swappable Design​​: Enables ​​zero-downtime replacements​​ during maintenance or failures, critical for SLA-driven environments.
​​Input Flexibility​​: Supports ​​100–240V AC​​ input, making it adaptable to regional power standards without additional converters.

Addressing Critical Deployment Questions

Q: Is the ASR-920-PWR-A= compatible with all ASR 920 router models?

​​A​​: Yes, it is designed for universal compatibility with ​​ASR 920-12SZ-IM, ASR 920-24SZ-IM​​, and other fixed-configuration models in the series.

Q: Can it support Power over Ethernet (PoE) for connected devices?

​​A​​: No. The ASR-920-PWR-A= powers the router itself but does not provide PoE—external injectors or switches are required for PoE-dependent devices.

Q: What certifications ensure its reliability in industrial settings?

​​A​​: It meets ​​NEBS Level 3​​ and ​​ETSI EN 300 019​​ standards, ensuring operation in temperatures from ​​-40°C to 65°C​​ and resistance to humidity/vibration.

Sourcing Authentic Hardware for Compliance

To avoid counterfeit risks, procure the [“ASR-920-PWR-A=” exclusively through authorized partners like itmall.sale (https://itmall.sale/product-category/cisco/). Genuine modules include Cisco’s firmware validation and warranty coverage.

Why Power Integrity Can’t Be an Afterthought

In rural telecom deployments, I’ve seen poorly sourced power supplies cause intermittent router reboots, leading to costly SLA penalties. The ASR-920-PWR-A=’s ​​adaptive voltage scaling​​ eliminates such issues, even in areas with unstable power grids. While third-party alternatives might save upfront costs, their lack of granular fault monitoring (like Cisco’s built-in voltage/current sensors) turns minor power hiccups into major outages. For edge sites lacking on-site technicians, investing in certified power infrastructure isn’t optional—it’s insurance.