What Is the Cisco A9K-24P10G-AIP-TR= Line Card? Port Density, Features, and Deployment Best Practices

Introduction to the A9K-24P10G-AIP-TR=

The Cisco A9K-24P10G-AIP-TR= is a ​​24-port 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GE) line card​​ designed for the Cisco ASR 9000 Series routers. Tailored for service providers and enterprises, it combines high-density connectivity with advanced traffic management for demanding applications like 5G backhaul and cloud-scale networking.

Core Technical Specifications

• ​​Port Configuration​​: 24 SFP+ ports supporting ​​10GE, 1GE, or OTU2e​​ via software configuration.
• ​​Throughput​​: Delivers ​​240Gbps aggregate capacity​​ with full duplex operation.
• ​​Advanced QoS​​: Implements ​​hierarchical shaping/policing​​ to prioritize latency-sensitive traffic (e.g., VoIP, video).
• ​​Energy Efficiency​​: Consumes ​​25% less power​​ per port compared to previous-generation cards.

Key Use Cases and Applications

• ​​Mobile Backhaul​​: Aggregates traffic from 5G small cells and macro sites with strict SLAs.
• ​​Enterprise Edge​​: Connects distributed campuses or data centers with high-throughput, low-jitter links.
• ​​Content Delivery Networks (CDNs)​​: Manages high-volume video streaming and caching workloads.

Addressing Common Deployment Questions

​​Q: Is the A9K-24P10G-AIP-TR= compatible with older ASR 9000 chassis?​​
A: Yes, but ​​full performance requires a Gen 3 or newer ASR 9000 chassis​​ (e.g., ASR 9906, 9912). Older chassis may limit throughput due to backplane constraints.

​​Q: How does it handle network congestion?​​
A: Leverages ​​Cisco’s AIP (Advanced Interface Processor) technology​​ for per-flow queuing and microburst absorption, preventing packet loss during traffic spikes.

Competitive Advantages

• ​​Scalability​​: Supports ​​MACsec encryption​​ across all ports for secure WAN/MAN deployments.
• ​​Resilience​​: Offers ​​hitless in-service software upgrades (ISSU)​​ and 1:1 redundancy options.
• ​​Automation​​: Integrates with Cisco Crosswork Network Controller for zero-touch provisioning.

Sourcing and Compatibility Checks

For guaranteed authenticity and Cisco lifecycle support, the “A9K-24P10G-AIP-TR=” is available here. Prior to deployment, verify chassis compatibility and ensure IOS XR 7.3.2 or newer is installed for full feature support.

Practical Deployment Insights

In a Tier 1 carrier deployment, the A9K-24P10G-AIP-TR= reduced latency variance by ​​40%​​ compared to older line cards, thanks to its granular QoS controls. While its upfront cost is higher than fixed-configuration alternatives, the ability to repurpose ports dynamically (e.g., shifting from 1GE to 10GE as needs evolve) eliminates costly hardware swaps during network scaling. For operators balancing CAPEX and future-proofing, this module is a strategic asset.