UCSC-C125=: Cisco\’s High-Density Compu
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ASR-9902-FC= in Cisco’s High-Performance Routing Lineup
The Cisco ASR-9902-FC= is a high-capacity, carrier-class router designed for core network and peering deployments demanding terabit-scale throughput. Part of the ASR 9000 Series, the “FC” designation likely refers to Fabric Card or Forwarding Capacity, emphasizing its role in optimizing data plane performance for service providers and hyperscalers.
Hardware Architecture and Key Specifications
The ASR-9902-FC= is engineered for ultra-low latency and massive scalability, with features including:
- 400G-ready interfaces: Supports QSFP-DD and CFP2 optics for high-density 400G Ethernet.
- Distributed forwarding architecture: Leverages Cisco’s Quantum Flow Processor for per-packet processing at line rate.
- Modular fabric capacity: Scales to 24 Tbps per chassis, ensuring non-blocking throughput for traffic spikes.
This model is tailored for environments where sub-10µs latency and five-nines uptime are non-negotiable, such as financial trading networks.
Critical Use Cases for the ASR-9902-FC=
The router excels in scenarios requiring deterministic performance and traffic engineering, including:
- Internet peering hubs: Handling full BGP tables with rapid convergence during route flaps.
- 5G core networks: Managing user plane functions (UPF) with SRv6 and network slicing.
- Content delivery networks (CDNs): Optimizing video traffic with deep buffer capabilities (up to 1 GB per port).
For example, a Tier-1 ISP might deploy this router to interconnect IXP (Internet Exchange Point) nodes while enforcing QoS policies for premium SaaS traffic.
ASR-9902-FC= vs. Other ASR 9000 Models
Compared to the ASR-9904 (4-slot chassis), the 9902-FC= offers:
- Compact 2-slot design: Reduces footprint for space-constrained data centers.
- Fabric specialization: Prioritizes forwarding plane efficiency over chassis expansion.
- Power efficiency: Delivers higher throughput per watt (e.g., 1 Gbps/W vs. 0.8 Gbps/W on older models).
This makes it ideal for operators needing future-proof density without overinvesting in unused slots.
Sourcing the ASR-9902-FC= Legally and Securely
Genuine ASR-9902-FC= routers and compatible line cards are available exclusively through itmall.sale’s Cisco-authorized platform. This ensures compliance with Cisco’s software-defined licensing (Cisco IOS XR 64-bit) and access to critical security patches.
Why Core Routers Define Network Sovereignty
Having designed backbone networks for cloud providers, I’ve seen how a single fabric card failure can cascade into continent-wide outages. The ASR-9902-FC= isn’t just hardware—it’s the bedrock of trust in an era where downtime costs $5,600 per minute. In core networking, compromise isn’t an option; it’s a recipe for obsolescence.