​​Overview of the A9K-24X10-6RTU-TR=​​

The ​​A9K-24X10-6RTU-TR=​​ is a ​​24-port 10G line card​​ designed for Cisco’s ASR 9000 Series routers, optimized for ​​high-density aggregation​​ in carrier networks. It integrates ​​6 Right-to-Use (RTU) licenses​​, allowing operators to activate advanced features like ​​NetFlow, QoS prioritization​​, and ​​MPLS-TE​​ without additional software purchases.

​​Key Technical Features​​

• ​​Port density​​: 24 x ​​10G SFP+ interfaces​​ with backward compatibility for 1G optics.
• ​​Performance​​: Supports ​​240 Gbps line-rate forwarding​​ using Cisco’s ​​Quantum Flow Processor​​.
• ​​RTU licenses​​: Includes ​​6 pre-provisioned licenses​​ for features like ​​Bidirectional Forwarding Detection (BFD)​​, ​​Ethernet OAM​​, and ​​IP SLA​​.
• ​​Energy efficiency​​: 35W power draw per port under full load, ​​20% lower​​ than the A9K-24X10G-TR model.

​​RTU Licensing vs. Traditional Models: Key Benefits​​

The inclusion of ​​6 RTU licenses​​ distinguishes this card from baseline ASR 9000 modules:

1. ​​Cost predictability​​: Eliminate surprise fees for enabling critical features post-deployment.
2. ​​Feature flexibility​​: Allocate licenses to specific ports/sessions (e.g., prioritize IP SLA for mission-critical links).
3. ​​Simplified compliance​​: Avoid complex software entitlement workflows with pre-integrated licenses.

​​Primary Deployment Scenarios​​

• ​​Mobile backhaul aggregation​​: Handle ​​multi-RAN traffic​​ from 4G/5G base stations with built-in QoS.
• ​​Enterprise edge routing​​: Manage ​​SD-WAN overlay traffic​​ across branch sites using MPLS-TE and NetFlow.
• ​​Wholesale carrier services​​: Segment bandwidth for ​​MVNOs or ISP resellers​​ via granular license allocation.

For purchasing or licensing queries, explore the “A9K-24X10-6RTU-TR=” details.

​​Addressing Critical User Questions​​

​​Q: Can additional RTU licenses be added beyond the included 6?​​
A: Yes—operators can purchase ​​supplemental RTU licenses​​ via Cisco’s licensing portal, but the base 6 cover most common use cases.

​​Q: Is this card compatible with older ASR 9000 chassis like the ASR-9010?​​
A: Fully compatible with ​​ASR-9904/9912/9922​​ and ​​ASR-9010​​ chassis when running ​​Cisco IOS XR 7.3.2 or later​​.

​​Q: How does RTU differ from FLEX licensing?​​
A: ​​RTU​​ is tied to physical hardware and feature activation, while ​​FLEX​​ focuses on scalable port/capacity subscriptions.

​​Q: Does the card support MACsec encryption?​​
A: Yes—MACsec (256-bit AES) is supported but requires ​​1 RTU license per encrypted port​​.

​​Final Analysis​​

The ​​A9K-24X10-6RTU-TR=​​ strikes a rare balance between ​​out-of-the-box functionality​​ and ​​long-term adaptability​​. While competitors force operators into rigid licensing tiers, the bundled RTU model reduces upfront planning overhead for mid-sized carriers. Having seen networks paralyzed by unexpected feature licensing costs, this card’s approach to prepackaging critical tools like BFD and NetFlow feels like a pragmatic shift—especially for teams managing hybrid traffic profiles without dedicated compliance staff. If your priority is reducing operational friction while maintaining scalability, this module deserves top billing in hardware evaluations.