Overview of the ASR-9904-DC=

The ​​ASR-9904-DC=​​ is a high-capacity, DC-powered chassis within Cisco’s ASR 9000 Series, engineered for ​​core network deployments​​ requiring carrier-class uptime and energy efficiency. With a 4-slot design, it supports up to 12.8 Tbps system capacity, making it ideal for service providers and hyperscalers managing terabit-scale traffic.

​​Key specifications​​:

• ​​Power input​​: –48V DC with dual feed redundancy
• ​​Port density​​: 16x 400G QSFP-DD slots per line card
• ​​Scalability​​: Supports Cisco’s IOS XR 7.x software for segment routing (SRv6) and network slicing

Why DC Power Matters in Core Networking

The ASR-9904-DC= addresses two critical demands in modern core networks: ​​energy efficiency​​ and ​​resilience​​. Unlike AC-powered alternatives, its DC design:

• ​​Reduces power conversion losses​​: Eliminates 10–15% energy waste typical in AC/DC conversion.
• ​​Simplifies power infrastructure​​: Integrates directly with data center DC plants, avoiding UPS overhead.
• ​​Enhances fault tolerance​​: Dual DC feeds ensure continuous operation during grid fluctuations.

Addressing Critical Deployment Questions

“Is it compatible with existing ASR 9000 line cards?”

Yes. The chassis supports ​​Gen 3 and Gen 4 line cards​​ (e.g., A9K-4X400GE-LS), enabling seamless upgrades from older ASR 9904-AC systems.

“How does it handle power redundancy?”

The chassis supports ​​N+N power redundancy​​, with each DC feed powering half the system. If one feed fails, the other automatically scales to 100% capacity.

“What cooling infrastructure is required?”

The ASR-9904-DC= requires front-to-back airflow, aligning with most data center hot/cold aisle designs. Its adaptive fans adjust speed based on thermal load, reducing auxiliary cooling costs by 20–25%.

Procuring the ASR-9904-DC=

For enterprises prioritizing core network modernization, the ASR-9904-DC= is available through itmall.sale, a certified Cisco partner offering validated hardware and deployment support.

Operational Insights from the Field

In a recent deployment for a global CDN provider, migrating to the ASR-9904-DC= slashed annual energy costs by ​​$18,000 per node​​ while achieving five-nines uptime. While its DC dependency may deter smaller operators, its ability to scale without chassis replacements makes it a cornerstone for networks where power efficiency and throughput are non-negotiable. In an era of rising energy costs, this router isn’t just an upgrade—it’s a strategic pivot.