Cisco ASR 1002-X Router Datasheet: An Expert-Level Technical Overview

Product Overview

The Cisco ASR 1002-X Aggregation Services Router is a high-performance, modular router designed to meet the demanding requirements of enterprise and service provider networks. As part of the Cisco ASR 1000 Series, the ASR 1002-X delivers exceptional scalability, advanced security, and superior reliability, making it an ideal solution for edge routing, WAN aggregation, and data center interconnect applications.

Built on Cisco’s proven IOS XE software platform, the ASR 1002-X supports a broad range of services including advanced IP routing, MPLS, VPNs, and integrated security features. It is engineered to provide high throughput and low latency, enabling service providers and enterprises to deliver rich multimedia services, cloud connectivity, and mission-critical applications with uncompromising performance.

The ASR 1002-X is a compact, 2-slot chassis router that supports up to 20 Gbps of throughput, making it suitable for medium to large-scale network deployments. Its modular design allows for flexible interface configurations, supporting a variety of physical and logical interfaces to accommodate evolving network demands.

Product Specifications

Hardware Architecture

• Chassis: 2-slot modular chassis with redundant power supply options
• Throughput: Up to 20 Gbps aggregate throughput
• CPU: Dual-core CPU architecture optimized for control plane and data plane separation
• Memory: 8 GB DRAM standard, expandable up to 16 GB
• Storage: 4 GB flash memory for IOS XE software and configuration storage
• Interface Modules: Supports SPA (Shared Port Adapter) and SPA Interface Processor (SIP) modules
• Power Supply: AC and DC redundant power supply options for high availability
• Cooling: Front-to-back airflow with redundant fans for optimal thermal management

Interface and Connectivity

• SPA Slots: 2 slots supporting a wide range of SPA modules
• SPA Modules: Support for 1 Gigabit Ethernet, 10 Gigabit Ethernet, T1/E1, Serial, and POS interfaces
• Management Interfaces: Out-of-band management via RJ-45 console port, USB console, and Ethernet management port
• Network Interfaces: Flexible support for Layer 2 and Layer 3 interfaces including Ethernet, POS, and TDM

Software and Protocol Support

• Operating System: Cisco IOS XE Software
• Routing Protocols: OSPF, BGP, EIGRP, IS-IS, RIP, MPLS, Segment Routing
• Security Features: Integrated firewall, IPsec VPN, MACsec encryption, Control Plane Policing (CoPP)
• Quality of Service (QoS): Advanced QoS features including traffic shaping, policing, and classification
• High Availability: Stateful Switchover (SSO), Nonstop Forwarding (NSF), and Graceful Restart

Features and Benefits

High Performance and Scalability

The ASR 1002-X is engineered to deliver up to 20 Gbps of throughput, enabling it to handle high-bandwidth applications such as video streaming, cloud services, and large-scale data transfers. Its modular architecture allows network operators to scale interface capacity and upgrade modules as network demands grow, protecting investment and extending device lifecycle.

Advanced Security Capabilities

Security is a critical aspect of modern networks, and the ASR 1002-X integrates multiple layers of protection. It supports MACsec encryption for secure Layer 2 connectivity, IPsec VPN for secure site-to-site and remote access, and embedded firewall capabilities to protect against unauthorized access and threats. Control Plane Policing (CoPP) ensures the router’s control plane remains protected from DoS attacks and traffic floods.

Flexible Interface Options

The router supports a wide variety of SPA modules, enabling flexible deployment scenarios. Whether the requirement is for Gigabit Ethernet, 10 Gigabit Ethernet, POS, or legacy TDM interfaces, the ASR 1002-X can be configured to meet specific network needs. This flexibility simplifies network design and reduces the need for multiple device types.

Resiliency and High Availability

Designed for mission-critical environments, the ASR 1002-X supports redundant power supplies and fans to minimize downtime. Software features such as Stateful Switchover (SSO) and Nonstop Forwarding (NSF) ensure continuous packet forwarding during software upgrades or hardware failures, maintaining service availability and reducing operational disruptions.

Comprehensive Software Ecosystem

Running on Cisco IOS XE, the ASR 1002-X benefits from a modular, programmable operating system that supports automation, programmability, and advanced analytics. Features such as model-driven telemetry, NETCONF/YANG support, and integration with Cisco DNA Center enable simplified network management and faster troubleshooting.

Energy Efficiency

The ASR 1002-X is designed with energy efficiency in mind, featuring low power consumption components and intelligent cooling mechanisms. This reduces operational costs and supports green IT initiatives without compromising performance.

Product Portfolio

The ASR 1000 Series portfolio includes a range of routers designed to address different network scales and requirements:

• ASR 1001-X: Compact 1 RU router with up to 20 Gbps throughput, ideal for small to medium enterprise and branch deployments.
• ASR 1002-X: The focus of this datasheet, offering modularity and scalability with up to 20 Gbps throughput in a 2-slot chassis.
• ASR 1004: Larger 4-slot chassis supporting up to 40 Gbps throughput for medium to large enterprise and service provider edge applications.
• ASR 1006: High-capacity 6-slot chassis delivering up to 120 Gbps throughput for large-scale aggregation and data center interconnect.

Each model supports a consistent software feature set, enabling seamless network design and simplified operations across the ASR 1000 Series