Cisco ASR 1006-X Router Datasheet: In-Depth Technical Overview

Product Overview

The Cisco ASR 1006-X Aggregation Services Router is a high-performance, modular platform designed to meet the demanding requirements of service providers and large enterprises. As part of the Cisco ASR 1000 Series, the ASR 1006-X delivers exceptional scalability, high availability, and advanced services integration, making it an ideal choice for edge routing, aggregation, and data center interconnect applications.

Built on Cisco’s proven QuantumFlow Processor (QFP) architecture, the ASR 1006-X supports a wide range of services including advanced IP routing, MPLS, VPNs, and deep packet inspection. Its modular chassis design allows for flexible interface configurations and seamless upgrades, ensuring investment protection and adaptability to evolving network demands.

With a compact 6-slot chassis, the ASR 1006-X balances high throughput with space efficiency, making it suitable for environments where rack space is at a premium but performance cannot be compromised. The router supports up to 120 Gbps of system throughput, enabling service providers and enterprises to deliver rich multimedia services, cloud connectivity, and secure WAN aggregation with ease.

Product Specifications

Chassis and Physical Dimensions

• Form Factor: 6-slot modular chassis
• Dimensions (H x W x D): 8.73 x 17.5 x 20.5 inches (222 x 445 x 521 mm)
• Weight: Approximately 45 lbs (20.4 kg) fully loaded
• Power Supply: Dual redundant AC or DC power supplies (hot-swappable)
• Cooling: Front-to-back airflow with redundant fans

Performance and Scalability

• System Throughput: Up to 120 Gbps (full-duplex)
• Packet Forwarding Rate: Up to 90 Mpps (million packets per second)
• Maximum Routes: Supports up to 1 million IPv4 and IPv6 routes
• Maximum MPLS Labels: Up to 1 million labels
• Maximum VPNs: Supports thousands of VRFs (Virtual Routing and Forwarding instances)

Processor and Memory

• QuantumFlow Processor (QFP): 40 parallel packet-processing engines
• Control Plane Processor: Dual route processors for redundancy
• DRAM: Up to 16 GB system memory
• Flash Memory: Up to 8 GB for IOS-XE software and configurations

Interface Modules and Slots

• 6 slots for modular interface cards
• Supports a wide range of interface modules including:
• 10 Gigabit Ethernet (SFP+ and XFP)
• 1 Gigabit Ethernet (SFP)
• OC-3/12/48/192 Packet-Over-SONET/SDH
• POS (Packet over SONET) interfaces
• 10GBASE-T copper interfaces

Software and Protocol Support

• Runs Cisco IOS XE Software for enhanced programmability and automation
• Supports advanced routing protocols: OSPF, BGP, IS-IS, EIGRP
• MPLS Layer 2 and Layer 3 VPNs
• Segment Routing (SR) and Traffic Engineering (TE)
• Quality of Service (QoS) with granular traffic classification and shaping
• Security features including Control Plane Policing (CoPP), MACsec encryption, and firewall services

Features and Benefits

High Performance and Scalability

The ASR 1006-X leverages Cisco’s QuantumFlow Processor, which integrates 40 parallel packet-processing engines capable of handling complex packet forwarding and services at line rate. This architecture enables the router to deliver up to 120 Gbps throughput, supporting high-density 10 Gigabit Ethernet interfaces and beyond. The modular chassis design allows network operators to scale interface capacity and services as needed without forklift upgrades.

Advanced Services Integration

Unlike traditional routers that focus solely on packet forwarding, the ASR 1006-X integrates advanced services such as deep packet inspection, firewalling, NAT, and application visibility directly into the forwarding plane. This integration reduces latency and improves overall network efficiency by eliminating the need for external service appliances.

High Availability and Resiliency

The ASR 1006-X is engineered for mission-critical environments with features such as redundant route processors, power supplies, and fans. In-service software upgrades (ISSU) allow for software updates without network downtime, ensuring continuous service availability. Hardware components are hot-swappable, minimizing maintenance windows and operational disruptions.

Flexible Interface Options

The router supports a broad portfolio of interface modules, enabling connectivity to various network types including Ethernet, SONET/SDH, and POS. This flexibility allows service providers to consolidate multiple network functions into a single platform, reducing operational complexity and capital expenditures.

Programmability and Automation

Running Cisco IOS XE, the ASR 1006-X supports modern programmability frameworks such as NETCONF, RESTCONF, and YANG data models. This enables network operators to automate configuration, monitoring, and troubleshooting tasks, accelerating service deployment and reducing human error.

Security and Compliance

Security is embedded at multiple layers within the ASR 1006-X. Control Plane Policing protects the router’s control plane from denial-of-service attacks, while MACsec encryption secures data on Ethernet links. The platform also supports comprehensive firewall and VPN capabilities, ensuring data confidentiality and integrity across the network.

Product Portfolio

The ASR 1000 Series portfolio includes multiple chassis options and interface modules designed to meet diverse network requirements:

• ASR 1001-X: Compact 1-slot router ideal for small to medium branch offices or aggregation points.
• ASR 1002-X: Dual-slot router offering higher throughput and interface density for medium-sized networks.
• ASR 1004: Four-slot chassis designed for mid-sized aggregation and edge routing applications.
• ASR 1006-X: Six-slot