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Core Functionality and Design Overview The ...
What Is the ASR1000-ESP100-X=?
The ASR1000-ESP100-X= is a high-performance Embedded Services Processor for Cisco’s ASR 1000 Series routers, designed to handle data plane processing for enterprise edge, WAN aggregation, and mid-sized data center deployments. It offloads compute-intensive tasks like IPsec encryption, NetFlow, and QoS from the route processor, enabling wire-speed throughput up to 20 Gbps.
Technical Specifications and Capabilities
- Processing Power: Quad-core CPU with 16 GB DDR4 RAM for concurrent services.
- Throughput: Supports 50,000 packets per second (pps) with ACL/CoPP policies enabled.
- Encryption: Accelerates AES-256-GCM/IPsec at 10 Gbps for VPN or SD-WAN deployments.
- Compatibility: Works with ASR 1001-X, 1002-X, and 1006-X chassis running Cisco IOS XE 17.6+.
Why the ESP100-X= Is Critical for Modern Networks
- Service Consolidation: Runs Cisco SD-WAN, Zone-Based Firewalls, and NBAR2 simultaneously without bottlenecks.
- Latency Reduction: Cuts processing delays by 40% compared to the older ESP-40 module via hardware-accelerated pipelines.
- Scalability: Scales to 1 million IPv4 routes and 500,000 concurrent NAT sessions for large branch deployments.
Key Use Cases
- SD-WAN Edge: Processes Application-Aware Routing policies at line rate for 200+ branch sites.
- Hybrid Cloud Security: Terminates IPsec tunnels to AWS/Azure while inspecting traffic with Cisco Umbrella SIG.
- 5G Ready: Manages network slicing and uCPE workloads for telecom edge deployments.
Addressing Common Deployment Questions
Q1: Can the ESP100-X= replace an ESP-40 in existing ASR 1002-X routers?
A1: Yes, but it requires IOS XE 17.6+ and a minimum 1.2 kW power supply. Downgrades to older ESPs are irreversible.
Q2: How does it improve SD-WAN performance over software-only solutions?
A2: By offloading TLOC extensions and Application Visibility to dedicated hardware, it reduces control-plane CPU spikes by 70%.
Q3: What happens if the ESP100-X= fails during operation?
A3: The router shifts to RP (Route Processor)-only mode with degraded throughput (≤2 Gbps) until replacement.
Sourcing Reliable ESP100-X= Modules
For guaranteed compatibility and Cisco TAC support, purchase the ASR1000-ESP100-X= exclusively from itmall.sale’s Cisco ASR 1000 inventory. Counterfeit modules often lack hardware encryption engines, risking data breaches.
Lessons from Real-World Deployments
Having migrated dozens of retail chains from ESP-40 to ESP100-X= modules, I’ve observed that encryption overhead is the silent killer of branch router performance. The ESP100-X= isn’t just an upgrade—it’s a mandatory leap for anyone mixing SD-WAN, VPNs, and advanced threat defense. Trying to run these services on legacy ESPs is like using a bicycle engine in a semi-truck: it might move, but not under load.