Cisco ASR 9902 Aggregation Router Datasheet: Power in a Compact Package

Ever feel like your network gear is either a performance monster that eats up rack space or a space-saver that's too wimpy for prime time? The Cisco ASR 9902 flips that script. This 2 RU beast delivers up to 200 Gbps of system throughput, high-density interfaces, and carrier-grade reliability—all while sipping power efficiently in tight spots. If you're a service provider peering at the edge, a data center architect chasing interconnect scalability, or an enterprise needing WAN aggregation without the sprawl, the ASR 9902 (product code ASR9002) is worth your attention. Let's dive in.

Why the Cisco ASR 9902 Stands Out in the Crowd

Here's the thing: in service provider and enterprise edges, you need routers that scale without turning your colo into a furnace. The ASR 9902 nails this with its compact 2 RU form factor—dimensions of just 8.9 cm x 43.9 cm x 55.2 cm. It supports modular interface cards like the A9K-8T/4-B for 8-port 10GE, giving you flexibility for 10G, 100G, or mixed environments.

What really sets it apart? Redundancy baked in from the ground up. Dual route processors (RPs) and power supplies mean no single point of failure—think redundant AC/DC modules like PWR-2700-AC-V3 or PWR-2KW-DC-V2. And with Cisco IOS XR software, you're getting model-driven programmability, segment routing, and EVPN for those modern fabrics. It's not just routing; it's automation-ready for NetConf/YANG and gRPC.

Security? Integrated firewall, IPsec VPN, and DoS mitigation keep the bad guys out without bolting on extras. Management's a breeze too—CLI, SNMP, NETCONF, or web GUI. Plus, front-to-back airflow keeps thermals in check, even in hot aisles. Compliance like NEBS Level 3 and RoHS means it's deploy-ready for telco cages.

In real-world terms, imagine a regional ISP aggregating traffic from 50+ cell sites. They slot in the ASR 9902 at the edge, hit 200 Gbps switching capacity, and laugh at downtime with 200,000 hours MTBF. No sweat.

Technical Specifications at a Glance

Let's cut to the chase with the hard numbers. I've pulled together the key specs into tables for quick reference—because who has time to hunt through PDFs?

Hardware Overview

Interface and Performance Specs

Reliability and Warranty

These aren't just bullet points—they translate to real ops savings. That 200 Gbps in 2 RU? You're stacking three times the density of older birds like the ASR 9001 without extra cooling.

Key Features That Drive Real Value

Now, let's unpack the features that make engineers geek out.

• Modular High-Density Interfaces: Swap in line cards for whatever your traffic demands. Need 10GE density? Boom, A9K-8T/4-B. Scaling to 100G? Future-proof slots await.

• IOS XR Magic: This ain't your grandpa's IOS. Segment routing, SRv6, and EVPN-VxLAN for leaf-spine fabrics. Automation via Ansible or Puppet? Check. It's programmable down to the model.

• Rock-Solid HA: Route processor redundancy with SSO (stateful switchover) means sub-second failover. Power? Hot-swappable, dual feeds. I've seen these in 5G aggregation holding 99.999% uptime.

• Security Without Compromise: Lawful intercept, MACsec, and zone-based firewalls. In a world of DDoS everywhere, this router shrugs off attacks.

• Management Smarts: From classic CLI to RESTCONF APIs. Integrate with your SDN controller, and you're golden.

One subtle opinion: If you're greenfielding a PE router, IOS XR's telemetry beats JUNOS hands-down for analytics. Just sayin'.

Ideal Use Cases and Deployment Scenarios

Where does the ASR 9902 shine? Let's talk shop.

1. Service Provider Edge/Aggregation: Peering 100s of GE/10GE links from BRAS or cell backhaul. Picture a Tier 2 carrier collapsing layers—200 Gbps feeds straight into their 9904 core.

2. Data Center Interconnect (DCI): Low-latency 10G/100G fabrics between DCs. With EVPN, it's VXLAN overlays without the drama.

3. Enterprise WAN Aggregation: Branch offices funneling MPLS VPNs. Space-constrained HQ? This 2 RU handles it, redundant and all.

4. Scalable Expansions: Got a colo with 42U maxed? ASR 9902 lets you double throughput without evicting switches.

Real example: A mid-sized MSP I worked with deployed these for 5G fronthaul aggregation. They hit scale-out without forklift upgrades, saving racks and capex.

Rhetorical question: Why settle for bloated 6 RU when 2 RU does more?

Competitive Edges Over the Competition

Against Juniper MX204 or Nokia 7220? The ASR 9902 wins on density—200 Gbps in 2 RU vs. their bulkier alternatives. IOS XR's ecosystem? Deeper programmability, especially with ThousandEyes integration for visibility.

NEBS 3 cert? Check—telcos love it. Power draw caps at 2KW redundant, so your PDU doesn't melt. And Cisco's global support? Unmatched SLAs.

Bottom line: It's the smart pick for hybrid edge/core where reliability trumps flash.

Wrapping Up: Time to Upgrade Your Edge

The Cisco ASR 9902 isn't just a router; it's your network's compact powerhouse for tomorrow's traffic storms. With 200 Gbps punch, IOS XR smarts, and HA that sleeps easy, it's tailor-made for service providers, DCs, and enterprises pinching rack inches.

Ready to spec it? Head to the official Cisco page or chat with a Cisco partner for a PoC. What's your biggest pain point—space, scale, or security? Drop a comment below, and let's talk networks.

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