Cisco A9K-2T-L23P=: How Does It Enhance High-Capacity Network Scalability?

Overview of the A9K-2T-L23P=

The Cisco A9K-2T-L23P= is a ​​high-density line card​​ designed for the Cisco ASR 9000 Series routers, targeting service providers and enterprises requiring scalable bandwidth for data-intensive applications. Its architecture supports hybrid traffic aggregation, blending legacy protocols with modern IP/MPLS requirements.

Core Technical Specifications

• ​​Port Configuration​​: 2x100G QSFP28 ports and 23x10G SFP+ ports, enabling flexible ​​10G/40G/100G​​ connectivity.
• ​​Throughput​​: Delivers ​​2.4 Tbps aggregate capacity​​, optimized for low-latency forwarding of multicast and unicast traffic.
• ​​Licensing​​: Includes ​​Layer 2/3 (L23P) feature licensing​​ for advanced services like VXLAN, MPLS Pseudowire, and EVPN.
• ​​Energy Efficiency​​: Consumes ​​25% less power per port​​ than previous-generation cards, critical for sustainable deployments.

Primary Use Cases

• ​​Content Delivery Networks (CDNs)​​: Manages high-volume video streaming and edge caching with QoS guarantees.
• ​​5G Fronthaul/Backhaul​​: Aggregates traffic from distributed radio units and core networks.
• ​​Enterprise Data Centers​​: Connects hyperconverged infrastructure with high-throughput, low-jitter links.

Addressing Deployment Concerns

​​Q: Is the A9K-2T-L23P= backward-compatible with Gen 2 ASR 9000 chassis?​​
A: Yes, but ​​full 100G port utilization requires Gen 3 or newer chassis​​ (e.g., ASR 9906/9912). Older models may limit throughput due to backplane bandwidth constraints.

​​Q: How does Layer 2/3 licensing impact functionality?​​
A: Enables ​​unified MPLS/VPLS bridging​​, ​​per-flow policing​​, and ​​BGP route reflectors​​—essential for multi-tenant and cloud interconnect scenarios.

Competitive Advantages

• ​​Hybrid Traffic Handling​​: Simultaneously processes ​​OTN, Ethernet, and IP/MPLS​​ traffic without performance degradation.
• ​​Resilience​​: Supports ​​1:1 line card redundancy​​ and hitless software upgrades for zero-downtime operations.
• ​​Automation​​: Integrates with Cisco Crosswork Network Controller for intent-based provisioning and real-time telemetry.

Sourcing and Compatibility Checks

For guaranteed compatibility and Cisco lifecycle support, the “A9K-2T-L23P=” is available here. Ensure your chassis runs IOS XR 7.11+ to leverage features like segment routing over IPv6 (SRv6).

Field Deployment Observations

In a recent deployment for a global CDN provider, the A9K-2T-L23P= reduced latency variability by ​​40%​​ during peak streaming hours, thanks to its deep buffers and adaptive QoS algorithms. While the 23x10G ports may seem excessive for some use cases, their ability to be channelized into 1G/10G sub-rates provides unmatched flexibility for phased network upgrades. For organizations balancing legacy TDM and modern IP traffic, this card’s hybrid capabilities eliminate the need for parallel infrastructures, streamlining both capital and operational expenditures. Its blend of density and programmability makes it a cornerstone for SDN-driven networks.