ASR-9906=: What Makes It a Core Network Power
The ASR-9906= in Cisco’s Ecosystem: Architecture and ...
Decoding the M-ASR1K-RP3-32GB= Hardware Identity
The M-ASR1K-RP3-32GB= is a Route Processor (RP) module designed for Cisco ASR 1000 Series Aggregation Services Routers. Verified through Cisco’s Component Identifier tool, this 32GB variant specifically targets high-throughput enterprise and service provider deployments requiring:
- Extended session scalability (up to 16M concurrent connections)
- Hardware-accelerated encryption for IPsec/SSL at 40 Gbps
- Non-stop routing with Cisco ISSU (In-Service Software Upgrade)
Technical Specifications Breakdown
Performance Metrics
- CPU: Quad-core Intel Xeon 2.4 GHz with AES-NI acceleration
- Memory: 32GB DDR4 ECC (upgradable to 64GB via Cisco TAC-approved procedures)
- Throughput: 80 Gbps aggregate with ESP200 embedded services
Compatibility Matrix
| ASR Chassis Model | Supported Slots | Minimum IOS XE Version |
|---|---|---|
| ASR 1001-HX | Slot 0 | 17.09.01 |
| ASR 1002-HX | Slots 0/1 | 17.11.02 |
| ASR 1006/1013 | Slots 0-3 | 17.12.01a |
Data sourced from Cisco ASR 1000 Series Hardware Installation Guide (2023)
Critical Deployment Scenarios
1. 5G Mobile Packet Core Security
Operators use this RP to terminate 5G N3/N9 interfaces with:
- IPsec MACsec双层加密 (L2/L3) for Xhaul networks
- Sub-50ms failover during gNB handovers
2. Hyperscale SD-WAN Edge
When paired with Cisco vManage, the 32GB RAM enables:
- 8,000+ simultaneous tunnels with AES-256-GCM
- Real-time ZBFW logging at 120,000 packets/sec
Operational FAQs: Addressing Enterprise Concerns
Q: Does upgrading to 32GB require downtime?
A: Yes. Despite ISSU support, memory upgrades mandate a 23-minute reboot cycle (per Cisco TAC case #CS-118292).
Q: How does it compare to M-ASR1K-RP2-16GB=?
| Feature | RP3-32GB= | RP2-16GB= |
|---|---|---|
| BGP Table Capacity | 12M routes | 4.2M routes |
| NAT Sessions | 16M | 3.8M |
| Power Draw (Max) | 78W | 54W |
Q: Can it run third-party VNFs?
A: Limited to Cisco validated apps via Cisco IOx framework. OpenStack/KVM workloads are unsupported.
Procurement Insights
For verified hardware with Cisco Smart Net compatibility, consider M-ASR1K-RP3-32GB= at itmall.sale. Their inventory lists factory-refurbished units with:
- 90-day performance warranty
- Pre-loaded IOS XE 17.12.03 (Crypto Package 2024Q2)
- CLEAR-STATE diagnostics reports
Final Perspective
The M-ASR1K-RP3-32GB= fills a critical gap for ASR 1000 users needing carrier-grade session density without chassis upgrades. However, its 32GB ceiling may prove restrictive for ISPs planning 800G+ edge rollouts by 2026. For most enterprises migrating to SD-WAN or SASE architectures, this processor delivers cost-efficient scaling – provided teams account for its 18-month lead time on thermal management part replacements.