Cisco ASR 9902 Datasheet: Expert Technical Overview

1. Product Overview

The Cisco Aggregation Services Router (ASR) 9902 is a high-performance, modular router designed to meet the demanding requirements of service providers and large enterprises for edge and core network aggregation. As part of the Cisco ASR 9000 Series, the ASR 9902 delivers carrier-grade reliability, scalability, and flexibility, enabling service providers to efficiently scale their networks while maintaining superior service quality and operational efficiency.

Engineered for high-density 100 Gigabit Ethernet (100GE) and 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GE) interfaces, the ASR 9902 supports advanced routing protocols, MPLS, and segment routing, making it ideal for next-generation IP/MPLS networks. Its compact 2-slot chassis design is optimized for space-constrained environments without compromising on throughput or feature set.

The ASR 9902 is built on Cisco’s proven QuantumFlow Processor (QFP) architecture, which provides deterministic packet forwarding performance and extensive programmability. This architecture supports a wide range of services including deep packet inspection, advanced QoS, and comprehensive security features, enabling service providers to deliver differentiated services with guaranteed SLAs.

2. Product Specifications

Chassis and Physical Dimensions

The ASR 9902 chassis is a 2-slot modular platform with the following physical characteristics:

• Height: 3.5 RU (rack units)
• Width: 17.5 inches (44.45 cm)
• Depth: 20 inches (50.8 cm)
• Weight: Approximately 30 kg (fully loaded)
• Front-to-back airflow for optimal cooling in data center environments

Performance and Throughput

The ASR 9902 supports up to 2 Tbps of system throughput, with each slot capable of supporting line cards that deliver up to 1 Tbps of forwarding capacity. This makes the platform suitable for high-density 100GE deployments and future-proofing network infrastructure for evolving bandwidth demands.

Line Card Support

The router supports a variety of line cards designed for different interface types and densities:

• SPA Interface Processor (SIP) Cards: Support for 10GE, 40GE, and 100GE interfaces with flexible port configurations.
• SPA Interface Processor Extended (SIP-EXT) Cards: Enhanced versions supporting higher port densities and advanced features.
• Embedded Services Processor (ESP): Provides packet forwarding and service processing capabilities.

Power and Cooling

The ASR 9902 supports redundant, hot-swappable power supplies with options for AC and DC power inputs, ensuring high availability and operational continuity. The power supplies are designed for high efficiency and low power consumption, aligning with green data center initiatives.

Cooling is managed via front-to-back airflow with redundant fans, providing optimal thermal management even under full load conditions.

Software and Protocol Support

The ASR 9902 runs Cisco IOS XR, a carrier-grade operating system designed for high availability and modularity. Key protocol support includes:

• Advanced IP routing protocols: OSPF, IS-IS, BGP with extensive policy control
• MPLS Layer 2 and Layer 3 VPNs, including EVPN and Segment Routing (SR)
• Traffic engineering with RSVP-TE and Segment Routing TE
• Comprehensive QoS mechanisms for traffic prioritization and SLA enforcement
• Security features including Control Plane Policing (CoPP), MACsec, and encrypted management access

3. Features and Benefits

High-Density 100GE Aggregation

The ASR 9902 is optimized for high-density 100GE aggregation, enabling service providers to consolidate multiple lower-speed interfaces into a single high-capacity link. This capability reduces operational complexity and capital expenditure by minimizing the number of physical devices and interconnects.

Carrier-Grade Reliability and Availability

Designed for 99.999% availability, the ASR 9902 incorporates redundant hardware components including power supplies, fans, and route processors. The platform supports in-service software upgrades (ISSU) and stateful switchover (SSO), minimizing downtime during maintenance and upgrades.

Advanced Programmability and Automation

Leveraging Cisco IOS XR’s model-driven programmability, the ASR 9902 supports NETCONF, RESTCONF, and streaming telemetry. This enables network operators to automate configuration, monitoring, and troubleshooting tasks, accelerating service deployment and reducing human error.

Comprehensive Security Features

Security is embedded at multiple layers within the ASR 9902. Features such as MACsec encryption on supported interfaces protect data in transit, while control plane protection mechanisms safeguard the router from denial-of-service attacks. Role-based access control (RBAC) and secure management protocols ensure only authorized personnel can configure or access the device.

Flexible Service Integration

The platform supports integrated services such as deep packet inspection, network analytics, and service chaining. This flexibility allows service providers to deploy value-added services directly on the router, reducing the need for additional network appliances and simplifying service delivery.

4. Product Portfolio

The ASR 9902 is part of the broader Cisco ASR 9000 Series portfolio, which includes a range of modular and fixed-configuration routers designed for