Cisco ASR 920 Routers Low-Density Datasheet
In the dynamic landscape of modern service provider networks, the demand for flexible, scalable, and cost-effective access solutions is paramount. The Cisco ASR 920 Series Aggregation Services Router emerges as a key player in addressing these needs, particularly the low-port-density models which offer targeted capabilities without unnecessary overhead. Designed as a comprehensive converged access platform, these routers are adept at handling both wireline and wireless service delivery, making them ideal for diverse applications ranging from mobile backhaul to business services. This document delves into the specifics of the low-density Cisco ASR 920 models, examining their core features, technical specifications, and the benefits they offer to service providers seeking optimized network edges.
Product Overview
The Cisco ASR 920 Series Aggregation Services Router is fundamentally a versatile platform engineered to act as a converged access point in service provider networks. It is built to deliver a rich set of services, encompassing both Layer 2 VPN (L2VPN) and Layer 3 VPN (L3VPN) functionalities. The design emphasizes a compact form factor, temperature hardening, high throughput, and low power consumption, making it suitable for deployment in a variety of demanding environments, including remote sites and smaller aggregation points. A notable attribute of the ASR 920 Series is its capability to extend Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) services directly into the access layer, providing service providers with a unified control plane and streamlined operations.
Within the ASR 920 Series, the low-port-density models are specifically configured to offer a balanced set of interfaces for targeted deployments. These models provide a choice of port configurations to align with varying network requirements. The available low-density models, as identified by their part numbers, include:
- Cisco ASR 920 Series (part number ASR-920-12CZ-A)
- Cisco ASR 920 Series (ASR-920-12CZ-D)
- Cisco ASR 920 Series (ASR-920-4SZ-A)
- Cisco ASR 920 Series (ASR-920-4SZ-D)
Each of these models offers a distinct mix of Gigabit Ethernet (GE) and 10-Gigabit Ethernet (10GE) ports, providing flexibility in connecting to diverse network elements and delivering services at different bandwidths. The availability of both AC and DC power supply options across these models caters to different power infrastructure standards typically encountered in deployment scenarios.
Product Technical Specifications: Hardware Architecture
The hardware architecture of the Cisco ASR 920 low-density models is designed for robust performance and operational efficiency, even in challenging environments. These routers feature a fixed-form-factor, single Rack Unit (1RU) chassis, optimized for deployment in space-constrained locations. The internal design emphasizes reliability with features like redundant, built-in AC or DC power supplies, ensuring high availability. Ethernet interfaces are available in both copper and fiber variants, supporting speeds ranging from 10 Mbps up to 10 Gbps, providing versatility for connecting various types of customer premises equipment and network segments.
A key component powering the ASR 920 Series is the custom-designed Cisco Carrier Ethernet application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). This ASIC is purpose-built for service provider environments, facilitating the delivery of essential Carrier Ethernet technologies at line rate. According to Cisco, this advanced ASIC design ensures uninterrupted line-rate performance even when executing complex services such as Access Control Lists (ACLs) and Hierarchical Quality of Service (HQoS). The ASIC incorporates Cisco’s traffic-management innovations to enable intelligent packet switching and routing, supporting a wide array of features vital for modern access networks.
The compact size and temperature-hardened design are crucial for deployments outside traditional data centers. These routers are engineered to operate within extended temperature ranges, allowing for installation in outdoor cabinets and remote sites where environmental conditions can be less controlled. The front-to-back airflow design facilitates efficient cooling within racks and enclosures. The physical dimensions and weight vary slightly between the AC and DC powered models, as detailed in the technical specifications. For instance, the ASR-920-12CZ-A model has dimensions of 1.72 x 17.5 x 9.1 inches and weighs 8.3 lbs, while the ASR-920-4SZ-D measures 1.72 x 15.5 x 9.6 inches and weighs 7.0 lbs. Rack-mounting options are available for ETSI, 19-inch, and 23-inch racks, enhancing deployment flexibility.
Reliability metrics, such as Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF), highlight the robust nature of these devices. The MTBF figures are substantial, indicating a long operational lifespan and reduced likelihood of hardware failure, a critical factor for service continuity in access networks.
Here is a table summarizing key hardware specifications:
| Description | Cisco ASR 920 Router |
|---|---|
| Physical Specifications (H * W * D) | ASR-920-12CZ-A: 1.72 x 17.5 x 9.1 in. (43.7 x 444.5 x 231.1 mm), 1 RU ASR-920-12CZ-D: 1.72 x 17.5 x 9.6 in. (43.7 x 444.5 x 243.8 mm), 1 RU ASR-920-4SZ-A: 1.72 x 15.5 x 9.1 in. (43.7 x 393.7 x 231.1 mm), 1 RU ASR-920-4SZ-D: 1.72 x 15.5 x 9.6 in. (43.7 x 393.7 x 243.8 mm), 1 RU |
| Weight | ASR-920-12CZ-A: 8.3 lb (3.8kg) ASR-920-12CZ-D: 7.7 lb (3.5kg) ASR-920-4SZ-A: 7.7 lb (3.5kg) ASR-920-4SZ-D: 7.0 lb (3.2kg) |
| Rack mounts | ETSI rack-mount kit 19-in. rack-mount kit 23-in. rack-mount kit |
| Air flow | Front-to-back airflow |
| Power supplies | 2 power supplies (AC or DC) |
| MTBF (hrs) | ASR-920-12CZ-A: 292,320 ASR-920-12CZ-D: 381,380 ASR-920-4SZ-A: 301,480 ASR-920-4SZ-D: 397,400 |
Product Technical Specifications: Software Architecture
The operational intelligence of the Cisco ASR 920 Series routers is underpinned by the Cisco IOS XE Software, a modular operating system designed to meet the demanding requirements of service provider networks. According to Cisco, “Cisco IOS XE Software is designed to provide modular packaging, feature velocity, and powerful resiliency.” This modularity is crucial for facilitating faster deployment of new features and enhancing the overall stability and reliability of the network infrastructure.
The software architecture enables a comprehensive suite of features vital for modern access and aggregation. This includes robust support for Layer 2 and Layer 3 VPN services, leveraging technologies like MPLS, VPLS (Virtual Private LAN Service), and H-VPLS (Hierarchical VPLS). The VPLS support allows for flexible definition of multipoint services, accommodating various network topologies and service delivery models. Importantly, the ASR 920 Series extends MPLS capabilities to the network edge, allowing service providers to standardize on a single unified MPLS control plane across their network, simplifying management and improving operational efficiency.
Quality of Service (QoS) is a critical aspect of service delivery, and the Cisco IOS XE Software on the ASR 920 provides advanced capabilities. It supports hierarchical QoS (HQoS) with the ability to scale to eight queues per service and three levels of scheduling. This granular control over traffic management ensures that different types of traffic, such as voice, video, and data, receive the appropriate priority and bandwidth, leading to an enhanced end-user experience and the ability to meet stringent Service-Level Agreements (SLAs). The software enables per-traffic-class metering and provides detailed bidirectional packet and byte count statistics, offering valuable insights into network traffic patterns and service utilization.
Operational efficiency is a key driver for service providers, and the Cisco IOS XE Software includes features to simplify network management and reduce operational costs. It supports comprehensive Operations, Administration, and Maintenance (OAM) functions, including Layer 2 Connectivity Fault Management (CFM) and IP service-level agreement (SLA) for Layer 3 operations. These OAM tools facilitate faster service turn-up, simplify troubleshooting, and improve network reliability. Additional features contribute to proactive network health monitoring, such as “dying gasp” for power indicators and support for four external alarm inputs to detect changes at remote sites. This comprehensive software suite on the Cisco ASR 920 enables service providers to deploy a variety of applications, from residential broadband to demanding mobile backhaul and business services, with confidence in the platform’s capabilities and manageability.
Major Applications and Benefits
The Cisco ASR 920 Series, particularly the low-port-density models, are engineered to address several key applications within service provider networks. Their feature richness and robust design make them versatile platforms for deploying advanced services cost-effectively. One primary application is in Broadband Access networks. The router’s ability to support “any-play” services – voice, video, data, and mobility – to a large number of subscribers is enhanced by its powerful QoS capabilities. The high number of queues combined with the hierarchical QoS algorithm is designed to ensure a superior broadband experience, even for demanding applications like IPTV and Video on Demand (VoD). This aligns with and extends the capabilities of the Cisco Evolved Programmable Network (EPN) architecture.
Another critical application is Converged Access for Mobile Applications, specifically mobile backhaul. The ASR 920 can aggregate multiple base stations using various Ethernet and IP interfaces, leveraging MPLS as a transport mechanism for mobile backhaul traffic. A significant differentiator in this space is the router’s support for precise timing and synchronization services, essential for mobile networks. It offers integrated support for Building Integrated Timing Supply (BITS), 1 Pulse Per Second (1PPS), and Time Of Day (TOD) interfaces. Furthermore, it supports Synchronous Ethernet (SyncE) and IEEE-1588, enabling it to serve as a source for network clocking for various interfaces, including TDM, SDH/SONET, and SyncE. The ability to deploy these routers in small, temperature-hardened cabinets in outside environments further solidifies their suitability for mobile backhaul deployments.
Metro Ethernet Access is also a core application. The Cisco ASR 920 meets the stringent requirements of Carrier Ethernet access for small aggregation sites, remote access points, and central offices. Its full-featured nature delivers Layer 2, IP, and MPLS transport, essential for advanced L2VPN, L3VPN, and multicast services. The router’s operational efficiency features, such as enhanced performance awareness, simplified troubleshooting, and easier service turn-up, significantly reduce operational costs in Carrier Ethernet deployments. The “dying gasp” feature and external alarm inputs further aid in monitoring the health of remote network elements.
A significant benefit for service providers is the “Pay-as-you-grow” investment model offered through the licensing mechanism. This allows providers to deploy the ASR 920 Series and activate additional 1-Gigabit/10-Gigabit Ethernet interfaces and features as their service needs grow. This model provides investment protection and flexibility in timing the rollout of new services and capacity upgrades. The router’s versatility, offering various interface speeds and types in a fixed form factor, also contributes to its position as Universal Customer Premises Equipment (CPE), capable of covering multiple deployment scenarios. Overall, the Cisco ASR 920 Series low-density models offer a compelling combination of features, performance, and operational benefits for service providers looking to optimize their access networks and deliver differentiated services.
MPLS in the Access Layer
Extending Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) into the access layer is a significant capability of the Cisco ASR 920 Series. Traditionally, MPLS was predominantly found in core and aggregation layers of service provider networks. However, by pushing MPLS functionality closer to the customer premise, the ASR 920 allows service providers to initiate MPLS-based Layer 2 and Layer 3 VPN services directly from within the access network. This offers several advantages, primarily centered around operational simplification and consistency. Having a single, unified MPLS control plane spanning from the access layer all the way to the core simplifies network design, provisioning, and management. Instead of managing disparate technologies at the access edge, service providers can leverage their existing MPLS expertise and tools across the entire network infrastructure. This homogeneity of the control plane is a key driver for reducing operational complexity and errors.
The Cisco ASR 920 Series provides comprehensive support for Virtual Private LAN Services (VPLS), enabling the definition of multipoint services. This is critical for delivering Ethernet-based Layer 2 VPNs. VPLS can be deployed in various topologies, including a full mesh where every site is directly connected to every other site via a pseudowire, or as Hierarchical VPLS (H-VPLS). H-VPLS is particularly relevant in large-scale access networks as it allows for a more scalable design by grouping access devices under aggregation points, reducing the number of pseudowires required and simplifying management at the access layer. The flexibility offered by VPLS deployment options on the ASR 920 allows service providers to choose the topology that best suits their network scale and traffic patterns.
Implementing MPLS in the access layer also streamlines the delivery of Layer 3 VPN services. By acting as a Customer Edge (CE) or Provider Edge (PE) device in an MPLS VPN, the ASR 920 can participate directly in the VPN routing and forwarding. This integration eliminates the need for additional devices or complex configurations at the access edge to connect to the MPLS VPN backbone. Services can be provisioned more rapidly, and the end-to-end service path is managed within the MPLS domain, facilitating troubleshooting and performance monitoring.
Beyond VPN services, MPLS in the access layer on the ASR 920 can also be leveraged for efficient traffic engineering and Quality of Service (QoS). MPLS Traffic Engineering (TE) allows service providers to explicitly route traffic based on various constraints, such as bandwidth availability or delay, ensuring optimal path utilization and performance for critical services. Combined with the ASR 920’s advanced HQoS capabilities, MPLS in the access layer provides a powerful foundation for delivering highly differentiated services with guaranteed performance levels, essential for capturing and retaining high-value business and mobile customers.
Advanced Service-Level Agreements with Precision Timing
Meeting stringent Service-Level Agreements (SLAs) is paramount for service providers to differentiate their offerings and ensure customer satisfaction, especially in competitive markets. The Cisco ASR 920 Series is equipped with advanced capabilities to support highly demanding SLAs, particularly for time-sensitive applications like mobile backhaul and real-time services. A cornerstone of this capability is the router’s sophisticated Quality of Service (QoS) implementation. The ASR 920 Series supports hierarchical QoS (HQoS), providing granular control over traffic prioritization and bandwidth allocation. With the ability to configure up to eight queues per service and employ three levels of scheduling, service providers can define highly specific traffic management policies. This allows for precise prioritization of different service types – for example, voice traffic can be assigned a higher priority queue and guaranteed bandwidth compared to best-effort data traffic – ensuring low latency and jitter for real-time applications. The significant buffer volumes available on the ASR 920 are also crucial for accommodating bursts of traffic without packet loss, further contributing to meeting performance guarantees.
Furthermore, the ASR 920 Series excels in providing the critical timing and synchronization services required in modern converged access networks, especially for mobile solutions and Radio Access Network (RAN) applications. Accurate network timing is essential for technologies like cellular base stations. The router offers integrated support for traditional timing interfaces, including Building Integrated Timing Supply (BITS), 1 Pulse Per Second (1PPS), and Time Of Day (ToD). In addition to these, it supports Synchronous Ethernet (SyncE) and the industry-standard IEEE-1588 Precision Time Protocol. SyncE provides frequency synchronization over Ethernet, utilizing the Ethernet Synchronization Messaging Channel (ESMC) and Synchronization Status Messages (SSM) for robust clock source traceability. IEEE-1588 is a protocol for precise time synchronization over Ethernet-based networks, offering highly accurate distribution of time and frequency. The ASR 920 can act as a master or slave clock source, distributing precise timing information to connected devices, including those requiring TDM, SDH/SONET, and SyncE interfaces.
The combination of advanced HQoS and precise mobile timing and synchronization services positions the ASR 920 Series as an ideal platform for service providers to deliver premium services with guaranteed performance. These capabilities enable providers to craft sophisticated SLAs that go beyond simple bandwidth commitments, incorporating parameters like latency, jitter, and packet loss, which are critical for applications like video conferencing, online gaming, and real-time communication. By ensuring network performance and timing accuracy, the ASR 920 helps service providers build reliable and high-quality access networks that can support the ever-increasing demands of modern digital services and applications, thereby enhancing customer experience and loyalty.
Operational Efficiency and Flexibility
Operational efficiency is a critical concern for service providers aiming to profitability scale their networks. The Cisco ASR 920 Series is designed with numerous features that contribute significantly to simplifying network operations and reducing ongoing costs. These features are particularly valuable in distributed access networks where remote sites and smaller aggregation points require efficient management and maintenance. The router incorporates enhancements that improve performance awareness, making it easier for network operators to understand the health and load of the device and its services. This proactive monitoring helps in identifying potential issues before they impact services.
Troubleshooting is often a time-consuming task in complex networks, but the ASR 920 includes features specifically aimed at facilitating this process. The integrated OAM functions, such as Layer 2 CFM and IP SLA for Layer 3, provide tools to quickly diagnose connectivity issues and verify service performance. These capabilities allow technicians to pinpoint faults more accurately and rapidly, minimizing Mean Time To Repair (MTTR) and reducing service downtime. Furthermore, features that simplify service turn-up and restoration streamline the provisioning process for new customers and services, reducing the manual effort required and minimizing potential configuration errors. This automation and simplification of essential operational tasks directly translate into lower operational expenditures for service providers.
Beyond the in-band operational features, the ASR 920 Series also offers physical indicators and external alarm inputs that are crucial for managing devices deployed in remote and potentially unstaffed locations. The “dying gasp” feature, for instance, provides a final indication of power loss, allowing network management systems to record the event and initiate appropriate recovery procedures. The four external alarm inputs enable the monitoring of environmental conditions or the status of other equipment at the remote site, providing comprehensive visibility into the operational environment. This level of remote monitoring and alarming is essential for maintaining network health and responding promptly to external factors that could affect service availability.
The inherent flexibility of the ASR 920 Series, embodied in its “Universal Customer Premises Equipment” concept and “Pay-as-you-grow” licensing, further enhances operational efficiency. With all interfaces built into a fixed-form-factor platform, the router is versatile enough to be deployed in a variety of scenarios, including those requiring solely Gigabit Ethernet or a mix of GE and 10GE connectivity. The ability to activate additional ports through licensing allows service providers to align their hardware investment with their actual service growth, avoiding over-provisioning and optimizing capital expenditures. This combination of integrated operational tools, proactive monitoring capabilities, and flexible deployment and licensing options makes the Cisco ASR 920 Series a highly efficient platform for deploying and managing carrier-grade Ethernet access services, ultimately contributing to a lower total cost of ownership.
Product Technical Specifications: Power and Environmental
The operational viability of network equipment in diverse real-world deployments is heavily dependent on its power requirements and environmental tolerances. The Cisco ASR 920 Series low-density models are designed with these factors in mind, offering specifications that cater to various installation environments, including those with limited power infrastructure or challenging climatic conditions. The availability of both AC and DC power supply options provides flexibility to align with different sites’ power sources, whether they are powered by standard utility AC or Telco-standard -48V DC. Importantly, the chassis includes two built-in, redundant power supplies, significantly enhancing the reliability and availability of the router by providing failover protection in case of a single power supply unit failure.
Power consumption statistics for the ASR 920 Series low-density models are provided, offering insights into their energy efficiency. For the ASR-920-12CZ-A model, the maximum power consumption is listed as 115W, with a typical consumption of 80W. The DC-powered variant, ASR-920-12CZ-D, has a maximum consumption of 110W and a typical of 80W. The lower-port-density ASR-920-4SZ models exhibit slightly lower power draw; the ASR-920-4SZ-A has a maximum consumption of 105W (typical 75W), and the ASR-920-4SZ-D has a maximum of 105W (typical 75W). These figures indicate a conscious effort in the design to maintain relatively low power consumption, desirable for reducing operational costs and facilitating deployment in locations with limited power capacity. The AC power supplies support a voltage range from 85V AC to 264V AC at frequencies between 47 and 63 Hz, while the DC power supplies accept voltages from -19.2V DC to -72V DC, accommodating standard power configurations.
Environmental specifications are critical for determining where the ASR 920 can be reliably deployed. The router is designed to operate over an extended temperature range. It can function between -40ºC and +70ºC at altitudes up to 1,000 feet (300m), between -40ºC and +65ºC at altitudes up to 6,000 feet (1800m), and between -40ºC and +55ºC at altitudes up to 13,000 feet (4000m). This broad operating temperature range, often referred to as temperature hardening, makes it suitable for deployment in outdoor cabinets and non-temperature-controlled environments. The relative humidity tolerance is 5 to 95 percent, noncondensing, further underscoring its resilience to varying environmental conditions. Acoustic noise levels are specified, with peak operation maximums provided for both standard rack-mount operation and compliance with NEBS standards, providing reassurance regarding noise emissions in deployment locations.
The storage environment specifications indicate the temperature and altitude conditions under which the router can be safely stored before deployment, ranging from -40 to +70ºC up to 15,000 ft (4570m). The router also meets Seismic Zone 4 requirements, demonstrating its ability to withstand seismic activity in earthquake-prone regions. Overall, the power and environmental specifications of the Cisco ASR 920 Series highlight its suitability for deployment in a wide array of demanding locations, making it a robust and reliable solution for extending network reach into challenging environments.
| Description | Cisco ASR 920 Router |
|---|---|
| Power consumption | ASR-920-12CZ-A: Max 115W, Typical: 80W ASR-920-12CZ-D: Max 110W, Typical: 80W ASR-920-4SZ-A: Max 105W, Typical: 75W ASR-920-4SZ-D: Max 105W, Typical: 75W |
| AC input voltage and frequency | Voltage range: 85V AC to 264V AC, nominal 100V AC to 240V AC Frequency Range: 47 to 63 Hz, nominal 50 to 60 Hz |
| DC input voltage | Voltage range: -19.2V DC to -72V DC, nominal -24V DC to -48V DC |
| Description | Cisco ASR 920 Router |
|---|---|
| Operating environment and altitude | -40ºC to +70ºC, up to 1,000 feet (300m) -40ºC to +65ºC, up to 6,000 feet (1800m) -40ºC to +55ºC, up to 13,000 feet (4000m) |
| Relative humidity | 5 to 95 percent, noncondensing |
| Acoustic noise | Acoustic noise peak operation maximum 52-dBA sound pressure level, bystander position for rack-mount products at 20ºC operation as measured by ISO 7779 NAIS noise measurement test standard. Acoustic noise peak operation compliant to the Network Equipment Building Standards (NEBS) GR-63-Core Issue 3 sound power level of 78 dB at 27ºC operation as measured by the ANSI S12.10/ISO 7779 NAIS noise-measurement test standard. |
| Storage environment | Temperature: -40 to +70ºC altitude: 15,000 ft (4570m) |
| Seismic Zone 4 | Seismic Zone 4 |
Safety and Compliance
Adherence to safety and compliance standards is non-negotiable for network equipment deployed in service provider infrastructures. The Cisco ASR 920 Series routers meet a comprehensive set of standards, ensuring their safe and reliable operation within defined regulatory frameworks. Safety compliance is a fundamental requirement, and the ASR 920 platforms comply with key international standards such as UL 60950-1, CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 60950-1, IEC 60950-1, EN 60950-1, and AS/NZS 60950.1. These certifications cover crucial aspects of electrical and mechanical safety, providing assurance that the equipment is designed and manufactured to minimize risks of electric shock, fire, and mechanical hazards during installation and operation.
Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) is another critical area of compliance, covering both emissions and immunity. The ASR 920 conforms to standards related to electromagnetic emissions, such as FCC CFR47 Part 15 Class A, EN55022 Class A, CISPR22 Class A, and others, ensuring that the router’s operation does not generate electromagnetic interference that could affect other electronic devices. Equally important is immunity compliance, which verifies the router’s ability to operate correctly in the presence of external electromagnetic disturbances. The ASR 920 meets standards including EN 300 386, EN 61000-6-1, and various parts of the EN/KN 61000-4 series, ensuring its resilience against electrostatic discharge, radiated and conducted radio frequency interference, and other forms of electromagnetic interference commonly encountered in deployment environments.
For service providers, compliance with Network Equipment Building Standards (NEBS) is often a mandatory requirement, particularly for equipment deployed in telecommunications central offices and similar facilities. The Cisco ASR 920 is designed to meet rigorous NEBS standards, including GR-63-CORE Issue 4 and GR-1089-CORE Issue 6. It also meets SR-3580 NEBS Level 4. While meeting most NEBS requirements, it’s noted that there are specific exceptions, such as the absence of fan filters and all cabling being provided through the front panel. European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) standards are also critical for deployments in Europe, and the ASR 920 complies with relevant ETSI standards related to equipment practice, environmental conditions (storage, transportation, and in-use), and acoustic noise emissions.
Given the importance of precise timing in converged networks, particularly for mobile backhaul and synchronization-sensitive applications, network synchronization compliance is vital. The ASR 920 adheres to a comprehensive set of network synchronization standards, including ANSI T1.101, various GR-CORE documents (GR-1244-CORE, GR-253-CORE), ITU-T G.703, G.781, G.813, G.823, G.824, G.8261/Y.1361, G.8262, G.8264, and IEEE1588-2008. These standards ensure compatibility with existing network timing infrastructure and the capability to provide highly accurate synchronization. Collectively, these safety and compliance certifications underscore the ASR 920 Series’ suitability for deployment in demanding and regulated service provider environments, providing confidence in its reliability and adherence to industry best practices.
| Type | Standards |
|---|---|
| Safety |
|
| Electromagnetic Emissions compliance |
|
| Immunity compliance |
|
| NEBS |
|
| ETSI |
|
| Network synchronization |
|
Optics Support and Connectivity
The versatility of network connectivity is a key strength of the Cisco ASR 920 Series, supporting a wide array of optics to accommodate various fiber types, distances, and bandwidth requirements. This broad support ensures that the ASR 920 can seamlessly integrate into diverse network topologies and connect to a variety of devices, from customer premises equipment to upstream aggregation routers. The router features slots for Small Form-Factor Pluggable (SFP) and Enhanced Small Form-Factor Pluggable (SFP+) modules, allowing for flexible interface configurations. The supported optics include modules for Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, and 10-Gigabit Ethernet speeds, providing options for connecting at different rates based on service needs and existing infrastructure.
For Fast Ethernet connectivity, the ASR 920 supports a range of 100BASE SFPs, including modules for distances up to 10km (100BASE-LX, 100BASE-BX10), 40km (100BASE-EX), and even 80km (100BASE-ZX). Ruggedized versions of some Fast Ethernet SFPs are also supported, designed for more demanding environmental conditions. This variety in Fast Ethernet optics ensures compatibility with legacy equipment and allows for cost-effective connectivity over various distances.
Gigabit Ethernet connectivity is extensively supported with a wide selection of 1000BASE SFPs. This includes modules for multimode fiber (1000BASE-SX), single-mode fiber for short and long distances (1000BASE-LX/LH, 1000BASE-EX, 1000BASE-ZX), as well as copper twisted-pair (1000BASE-T). Bidirectional (BiDi) SFPs are also supported, which transmit and receive on different wavelengths over a single fiber strand, effectively doubling the capacity of existing fiber infrastructure, particularly useful for extending reach in constrained environments. Additionally, colored optics for Gigabit Ethernet, such as Coarse Wavelength Division Multiplexing (CWDM) and Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) SFPs, are supported. These allow for multiple Gigabit Ethernet signals to be transported over a single fiber pair using different wavelengths, significantly increasing fiber capacity without deploying new fiber infrastructure.
For higher bandwidth requirements, the ASR 920 supports 10-Gigabit Ethernet using SFP+ modules. The range of supported SFP+ optics covers various distances and fiber types, including modules for short reach over multimode fiber (SFP-10G-SR), long reach over single-mode fiber (SFP-10G-LR, SFP-10G-ER, SFP-10G-ZR), and copper cables (SFP-H10GB-CUxM). Extended temperature range versions of some 10G SFP+ modules are also available, aligning with the router’s temperature-hardened design. Similar to Gigabit Ethernet, colored 10-Gigabit Ethernet SFP+ optics (DWDM and CWDM) are supported, facilitating deployment in WDM networks and maximizing fiber utilization. The availability of BiDirectional SFP+ modules for 10km and 40km distances further enhances flexibility in fiber deployment scenarios. This extensive optics support is a key factor in the ASR 920’s ability to serve as a versatile access platform, adaptable to a wide range of network connectivity requirements and existing infrastructure conditions.
Network Management and Services
Effective network management is crucial for the successful deployment and operation of service provider infrastructure, and the Cisco ASR 920 Series routers are designed to integrate seamlessly with comprehensive management solutions. The ASR 920 Series routers are supported within the Cisco Prime™ for EPN architectures. Cisco Prime is presented as an end-to-end network management solution that significantly streamlines the design, provisioning, and ongoing management of carrier-grade networks. This integrated approach contrasts with managing network elements in siloes and leads to improved operational efficiency and reduced complexity.
The Cisco Prime solution centralizes and automates key processes related to service delivery and network operations. This includes automated service design, simplifying the complex task of defining and configuring services across the network. Service fulfillment is also automated, enabling faster activation of new services and reducing manual configuration errors. Furthermore, Cisco Prime provides robust capabilities for service assurance and performance analysis. This allows service providers to proactively monitor network performance, identify and troubleshoot issues quickly, and analyze traffic patterns to optimize network resources. By centralizing these functions, Cisco Prime helps service providers maintain high levels of service availability and performance, contributing to meeting customer expectations and SLAs.
The integration of the Cisco ASR 920 Series with Cisco Prime for EPN architectures provides a unified management experience, which is particularly beneficial in large and distributed access networks. Instead of using disparate tools for different network elements, operators can leverage a single platform to manage the ASR 920 routers alongside other components of the EPN. This consistency in management simplifies training, reduces the learning curve for network personnel, and minimizes the potential for errors arising from using multiple, unconnected management tools. The comprehensive nature of Cisco Prime, covering design, fulfillment, assurance, and performance analysis, provides a holistic view of the network and the services being delivered, facilitating more informed decision-making and more efficient resource utilization.
Beyond the capabilities offered by Cisco Prime, the Cisco ASR 920 Series also supports various standard network management protocols and interfaces, ensuring interoperability with other management systems. While the document highlights Cisco Prime as a primary solution, the inherent capabilities of Cisco IOS XE Software mean that the router can also be managed using traditional methods like Command-Line Interface (CLI) via SSH or Telnet, Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) for monitoring, and potentially other programmatic interfaces depending on the IOS XE version and installed features. This multi-faceted approach to management provides service providers with the flexibility to choose the management tools and strategies that best fit their existing infrastructure and operational workflows.
Ordering Information
The Cisco ASR 920 Series low-port-density routers and their accessories are available through specific orderable part numbers. These part numbers allow customers to select the desired router model based on port density and power supply type (AC or DC), as well as the necessary rack-mounting options for their specific deployment environment. Understanding these part numbers is essential for procurement and deployment planning.
The core router models with low port density are identified by the following part numbers:
- ASR-920-12CZ-A: This part number corresponds to the Cisco ASR 920 Series router featuring 12 Gigabit Ethernet ports and 2 x 10-Gigabit Ethernet ports, equipped with an AC power supply.
- ASR-920-12CZ-D: This part number denotes the Cisco ASR 920 Series router with the same port configuration (12 GE and 2 x 10GE) but equipped with a DC power supply.
- ASR-920-4SZ-A: This part number represents the Cisco ASR 920 Series router configured with a lower port density, specifically 2 Gigabit Ethernet ports and 4 x 10-Gigabit Ethernet ports, and an AC power supply.
- ASR-920-4SZ-D: This part number is for the Cisco ASR 920 Series router with 2 GE and 4 x 10GE ports, equipped with a DC power supply.
In addition to the router units themselves, various accessories are available to facilitate deployment in different types of racks and cabinets. These rack-mount options are also ordered using specific part numbers:
- A920-RCKMT-ETSI: This part number is for the ETSI Rack mount Option, suitable for deploying the Cisco ASR 920 in ETSI standard racks.
- A920-RCKMT-19: This part number is for the EIA 19” Rack mount Option, for installation in standard 19-inch data center or network racks.
- A920-RCKMT-23: This part number is for the EIA 23” Rack mount Option, used for deployment in 23-inch racks, commonly found in telecommunications facilities.
- A920-RCKMT-C-ETSI: This part number is for the ETSI Rack mount Option specifically for the Cisco ASR 920 Compact models (though these specific compact models are not detailed as low-port-density in the source material, the accessory is listed).
- A920-RCKMT-C-19: This part number is for the EIA 19” Rack mount Option for the Cisco ASR 920 Compact.
- A920-RCKMT-C-23: This part number is for the EIA 23” Rack mount Option for the Cisco ASR 920 Compact.
Customers interested in acquiring these Cisco ASR 920 Series routers and their accessories can find competitive global discount offers by visiting https://itmall.sale. This provides a direct avenue for procurement and potentially significant cost savings on network infrastructure investments.
| Part Number | Description |
|---|---|
| ASR-920-12CZ-A | Cisco ASR920 Series – 12GE and 2-10GE – AC model |
| ASR-920-12CZ-D | Cisco ASR920 Series – 12GE and 2-10GE – DC model |
| ASR-920-4SZ-A | Cisco ASR920 Series – 2GE and 4-10GE – AC model |
| ASR-920-4SZ-D | Cisco ASR920 Series – 2GE and 4-10GE – DC model |
| A920-RCKMT-ETSI | ETSI Rack mount Option for the Cisco ASR 920 |
| A920-RCKMT-19 | EIA 19” Rack mount Option for the Cisco ASR 920 |
| A920-RCKMT-23 | EIA 23” Rack mount Option for the Cisco ASR 920 |
| A920-RCKMT-C-ETSI | ETSI Rack mount Option for the Cisco ASR 920 Compact |
| A920-RCKMT-C-19 | EIA 19” Rack mount Option for the Cisco ASR 920 Compact |
| A920-RCKMT-C-23 | EIA 23” Rack mount Option for the Cisco ASR 920 Compact |
Service and Support
Investing in network infrastructure is not solely about the hardware and software; it also encompasses ensuring ongoing operational efficiency, availability, and the ability to adapt to future needs. Cisco offers a comprehensive portfolio of service and support programs designed to help customers maximize their investment in the ASR 920 Series routers and accelerate their success. These services are crucial for maintaining network health, optimizing performance, and leveraging the full capabilities of the platform.
Cisco’s service programs are delivered through a combination of expert personnel, defined processes, specialized tools, and a network of partners. This multi-faceted approach aims to achieve high levels of customer satisfaction by addressing various aspects of the network lifecycle, from initial deployment to ongoing maintenance and future upgrades. The services are broadly categorized into technical support services and advanced services. Technical support services are focused on keeping the network operational and includes access to software updates, web-based technical repositories for information and troubleshooting guides, and telephone support through the Cisco Technical Assistance Center (TAC). The TAC provides expert assistance for diagnosing and resolving technical issues. A key component of technical support is the advance replacement of hardware parts, which minimizes downtime in case of a hardware failure.
Advanced services are designed to help customers plan, build, and optimize their networks. These can include services like project management for large-scale deployments, site surveys to assess readiness, configuration and deployment services, installation, testing, and cutover support to ensure a smooth transition to new equipment. Training services are also available to equip customer staff with the necessary skills to manage and operate the ASR 920 platforms effectively. For significant network changes, such as major moves, adds, or changes, advanced services can provide the expertise and resources required. Design review and product staging services help in validating network designs and pre-configuring equipment to expedite deployment. These advanced services can supplement internal IT staff capabilities, help ensure that the deployed solution meets specific business needs, and mitigate risks associated with network changes or deployments.
The services and support programs for the ASR 920 Series are typically available as part of broader service solutions, such as the Cisco Carrier Ethernet Switching Service and Support solution. These services can be purchased directly from Cisco or through authorized Cisco resellers, providing customers with flexibility in how they acquire support. Cisco’s commitment to minimizing the total cost of ownership extends to these support offerings, ensuring that customers have access to the necessary resources to maintain the efficiency, availability, and currency of their ASR 920 installations. By leveraging these comprehensive service and support options, service providers can enhance the reliability of their access network, improve operational efficiency, and prepare their infrastructure for future technological advancements and service demands.