What Is the ASR-9901? Core Features, Performance, and Deployment Scenarios Explained

ASR-9901 Overview

The ​​ASR-9901​​ is a ​​compact, high-capacity edge router​​ in Cisco’s ASR 9000 Series, designed for ​​service provider core networks, data center interconnects, and 5G transport​​. It balances high-density 100G/400G interfaces with energy efficiency, targeting operators needing scalable aggregation for cloud, video, or mobile traffic.

Key Technical Specifications

• ​​Throughput​​: ​​2.4 Tbps​​ full-duplex capacity, supporting up to ​​16x100G or 4x400G interfaces​​ in a 3RU chassis.
• ​​Power Efficiency​​: ​​0.3 Watts per Gigabit​​, achieved via Cisco’s Quantum Flow Processor and optimized airflow design.
• ​​Redundancy​​: Dual ​​3.6 kW AC/DC power supplies​​ and modular fan trays for N+N resiliency.
• ​​Software​​: Runs ​​Cisco IOS XR 7.x​​, enabling segment routing, EVPN, and network slicing for 5G transport.

Addressing Critical Deployment Questions

​​Q: Can the ASR-9901 integrate with existing ASR 9000 Series chassis?​​
Yes. It shares ​​compatible line cards and fabric modules​​ with other ASR 9000 routers, simplifying upgrades from older nodes like ASR 9904.

​​Q: Does it support coherent optics for long-haul DCI?​​
Yes. With ​​Cisco CPAK-1TCO-C12​​ modules, it handles ​​100G ZR+​​ links up to 1200 km, eliminating standalone transponders.

​​Q: Is Layer 3 VPN performance impacted at full 400G load?​​
No. ​​Hardware-based forwarding​​ ensures consistent sub-50µs latency even with 400G line-rate traffic and 2 million BGP routes.

Sourcing Genuine ASR-9901 Hardware

Non-certified resellers often supply refurbished units with outdated firmware or missing licenses. For verified ASR-9901 routers, purchase through [“ASR-9901” link to (https://itmall.sale/product-category/cisco/).

Field-Tested Perspective

During a Tier 1 carrier’s core network overhaul, the ASR-9901’s 400G interfaces eliminated three legacy aggregation layers, slashing operational costs by 40%. However, teams initially underestimated its power draw in non-climate-controlled PoPs—always validate thermal design against facility limits. Cutting-edge routers demand precision planning; their raw performance is worthless without robust power and cooling foundations.