Core Features of the Cisco C9404R-48U-BNDL-E

The ​​Cisco C9404R-48U-BNDL-E​​ is a pre-configured bundle designed for the Cisco 9400 Series modular routers. It combines a ​​4-slot chassis (C9404R)​​ with 48 universal (U) interface slots, optimized for high-density service integration. Key components include:

• ​​Multi-service support​​: Built for Layer 2/3 VPNs, MPLS, and SD-WAN deployments.
• ​​Scalability​​: Accommodates up to 4 line cards, supporting 10G/40G/100G interfaces.
• ​​Redundancy​​: Dual Route Processor (RP) slots for uninterrupted operation.

Performance and Use Cases

​​Who should deploy this system?​​

• Enterprises requiring ​​carrier-grade reliability​​ for data centers or WAN edge applications.
• Organizations transitioning to ​​software-defined networking (SDN)​​ with Cisco IOS XR.

​​Performance benchmarks​​:

• Throughput up to ​​3.2 Tbps​​ per chassis.
• Sub-50-microsecond latency for latency-sensitive workloads like financial trading.

Licensing and Software Integration

The “BNDL-E” suffix indicates an ​​Essentials licensing package​​, which includes:

• Base IOS XR Software.
• Basic security features (ACLs, Zone-Based Firewall).
• Limited telemetry tools.

​​Upgrade considerations​​:

• Advanced encryption or full NetFlow analytics require ​​Premium licenses​​.
• Compatibility with Cisco Crosswork Automation for centralized management.

Deployment Best Practices

​​Common pitfalls to avoid​​:

• Overlooking power requirements: The chassis supports ​​AC/DC input​​, but high-density line cards demand redundant PSUs.
• Misconfiguring service prioritization: Use QoS policies to avoid congestion in multi-tenant environments.

​​Integration with existing infrastructure​​:

• Seamless interoperability with Cisco ASR 9000 and NCS 5500 platforms via XR Transport Manager.

Availability and Procurement

The C9404R-48U-BNDL-E is available through Cisco-authorized resellers like itmall.sale, which specializes in verified refurbished and new surplus hardware.

​​Final Perspective​​: Having worked with similar Cisco systems, the C9404R-48U-BNDL-E stands out for balancing cost and capability in hybrid network environments. Its modular design future-proofs investments, though careful license planning is critical to avoid hidden costs. For enterprises prioritizing flexibility over all-out performance, this bundle offers a pragmatic entry into scalable SDN architectures.