Defining the ASR-920-12CZ-D’s Role

The ​​ASR-920-12CZ-D​​ is a ​​12-port, DC-powered aggregation router​​ from Cisco’s ASR 920 Series, purpose-built for mobile backhaul and business Ethernet access. It combines ​​Carrier Ethernet 2.0​​ compliance with compact form factor (1RU), making it ideal for space-constrained cell sites and remote edge deployments.

Core Technical Specifications

• ​​Port Density​​: 12x ​​SFP+ ports​​ supporting 1GbE/10GbE, with optional 1G/10G-BaseT modules for copper connectivity.
• ​​Power Efficiency​​: -48V DC input with ​​90% efficiency​​, reducing energy costs in solar/wind-powered sites.
• ​​Synchronization​​: Hardware support for ​​IEEE 1588v2​​ and ​​SyncE​​, critical for 4G LTE-A and 5G NR timing requirements.
• ​​Resilience​​: Sub-50ms failover with ​​IP/MPLS fast reroute​​ and redundant DC power inputs.

Key Use Cases and Performance

• ​​Mobile Backhaul​​: Aggregates traffic from multiple cell towers, handling ​​10K+ subscribers​​ with QoS for VoLTE and video streaming.
• ​​Enterprise Edge​​: Provides ​​E-Line/E-LAN services​​ for SD-WAN or leased line replacements.
• ​​IoT Gateways​​: Supports ​​NB-IoT​​ and ​​LTE-M​​ traffic shaping via Cisco IOS XE’s AVC (Application Visibility and Control).

Addressing Critical Deployment Questions

​​Q: Is the ASR-920-12CZ-D compatible with older 3G cell site equipment?​​
A: Yes, via ​​Circuit Emulation Service (CESoPSN)​​ for TDM-to-packet migration, but full 5G readiness requires IOS XE 17.6+ firmware.

​​Q: Can it operate in extreme temperatures?​​
A: Yes. The hardened design supports ​​-40°C to 65°C​​ ranges, suiting outdoor cabinets or industrial zones.

​​Q: What licenses are required for MPLS?​​
A: The ​​Network Advantage​​ license unlocks MPLS, BGP, and segment routing.

Sourcing and Authenticity Considerations

For guaranteed firmware compatibility and Cisco TAC support, “ASR-920-12CZ-D” is available through itmall.sale’s certified inventory. Avoid gray-market sellers lacking access to critical security patches.

On-Site Reality: Beyond the Data Sheet

Having deployed ASR 920 routers in rural telecom expansions, I’ve seen operators underestimate the value of ​​DC power reliability​​. In regions with unstable AC grids, the ASR-920-12CZ-D’s DC design isn’t just efficient—it’s often the difference between meeting SLAs and losing customers. For mobile networks, where uptime equals revenue, this router’s simplicity and ruggedness make it a silent workhorse.