Cisco HCI-GPU-A100-80M6=: How Does It Acceler
HCI-GPU-A100-80M6= Overview: GPU-Powered Hypercon...
Introduction to the A9K-8HG-2P-TR-OTN=
The Cisco A9K-8HG-2P-TR-OTN= is a specialized line card for the Cisco ASR 9000 Series, designed to address high-capacity, carrier-grade optical transport networks (OTN). It combines 8x100G/200G interfaces with 2xOTU4/OTUCn ports, enabling service providers to streamline dense wavelength-division multiplexing (DWDM) deployments while maintaining backward compatibility with legacy SONET/SDH frameworks.
Key Technical Features
- Port Density: 8x100G/200G client-side ports and 2xOTU4/OTUCn trunk ports for DWDM integration.
- OTN Functionality: Supports G.709 OTN switching, forward error correction (FEC), and TDM circuit emulation.
- Throughput: Up to 1.6 Tbps per slot, optimized for metro and long-haul traffic aggregation.
- Compatibility: Integrates with Cisco ASR 9901/9904/9912/9922 chassis.
- Resilience: Hardware-based redundancy and hitless software upgrades for 99.999% uptime.
Primary Use Cases
- Metro Transport Networks: Aggregates 5G fronthaul/midhaul traffic across distributed radio units.
- Submarine Cable Systems: Enhances error correction and latency management for undersea links.
- Cloud-to-Edge Connectivity: Securely transports hyperscale data center traffic over OTN-protected paths.
Critical User Questions Answered
Q: How does OTN improve traditional DWDM deployments?
OTN adds layer-1 encryption, granular traffic grooming, and performance monitoring—features absent in pure DWDM systems. The A9K-8HG-2P-TR-OTN= embeds these capabilities at the hardware level, reducing operational overhead.
Q: Can this card interoperate with non-OTN infrastructure?
Yes. Its hybrid OTN/Ethernet design allows seamless integration with legacy SONET/SDH and modern IP/MPLS networks. The OTUCn ports also support flexible channel widths for multi-vendor DWDM compatibility.
Q: How does it compare to the A9K-8HG-FLEX-TR= model?
Unlike the FLEX-TR (focused on Ethernet/IP), the A9K-8HG-2P-TR-OTN= prioritizes OTN transport, offering hardware-based TDM emulation and G.709 compliance. This makes it ideal for carriers transitioning from legacy TDM to packet-optical networks.
Q: What licenses are required for OTN features?
Cisco IOS XR Software is mandatory. OTN-specific features like GMPLS control plane or circuit emulation require additional licenses. Verify compatibility with your ASR 9000 chassis’s software version.
Procurement and Deployment Notes
For organizations sourcing this hardware, the A9K-8HG-2P-TR-OTN= is available here. Ensure DWDM transceivers and fiber plant meet Cisco’s OTN performance specifications to avoid signal degradation.
Strategic Value Perspective
The A9K-8HG-2P-TR-OTN= fills a critical gap for carriers modernizing transport networks without discarding legacy investments. Its ability to unify OTN, Ethernet, and TDM traffic on a single platform reduces operational complexity—though successful deployment hinges on meticulous optical engineering and staff expertise in multi-layer networks. Prioritize pilot testing in non-critical routes before full-scale rollout.