Overview of the A9K-8HG-2RTU-SE

The Cisco A9K-8HG-2RTU-SE is a ​​high-density 8-port 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GE) and 1 Gigabit Ethernet (1GE) combo line card​​ designed for the Cisco ASR 9000 Series routers. Optimized for service provider edge and metro networks, this module combines flexible port configurations with Carrier Ethernet capabilities, making it ideal for scenarios requiring mixed-speed traffic aggregation and service delivery.

Key Technical Specifications

• ​​Port Configuration​​: 8x SFP+ ports supporting ​​10GE/1GE auto-sensing​​, with optional RJ-45 copper compatibility via SFP modules.
• ​​Forwarding Capacity​​: ​​Up to 80 Gbps throughput​​ using Cisco’s Quantum Flow Processor architecture.
• ​​Layer 2/Layer 3 Features​​: MPLS, QoS, IPv4/IPv6, VPLS, and MEF-compliant E-LINE/E-LAN services.
• ​​Redundancy​​: Hot-swappable design with ISSU (In-Service Software Upgrade) support for zero downtime during updates.

Addressing Critical User Concerns

​​Q: Can this module handle both 10GE and 1GE traffic simultaneously?​​
Yes. The A9K-8HG-2RTU-SE supports ​​auto-negotiation between 10GE and 1GE speeds​​, allowing seamless integration of legacy and modern infrastructure.

​​Q: Is it compatible with existing ASR 9000 chassis?​​
The module is compatible with ASR-9901/9904/9910/9922 chassis but requires ​​IOS XR 7.3.2 or later​​ for advanced features like segment routing over IPv6 (SRv6).

Deployment Scenarios

• ​​Metro Ethernet Aggregation​​: Consolidates traffic from DSLAMs, cell towers, or enterprise branches with mixed-speed requirements.
• ​​Cloud Gateway​​: Delivers scalable 10GE uplinks for data center interconnect while maintaining 1GE compatibility for legacy services.
• ​​Disaster Recovery​​: Supports sub-50ms failover with MPLS Fast Reroute (FRR) for mission-critical applications.

Purchasing and Configuration Notes

For operators prioritizing backward compatibility and future-ready infrastructure, the “A9K-8HG-2RTU-SE” is available here. Verify chassis slot requirements (supports both single and double-height slots) and confirm IOS XR compatibility before deployment.

Final Perspective: Balancing Legacy and Future Needs

The A9K-8HG-2RTU-SE addresses a critical gap in networks transitioning from 1GE to 10GE architectures. Its ​​dual-speed flexibility​​ eliminates the need for separate aggregation platforms, reducing rack space and operational complexity. While 25GE/100GE modules dominate new deployments, this card remains indispensable for hybrid environments where gradual migration trumps wholesale upgrades. The true value lies in its ability to extend the lifecycle of legacy infrastructure while providing a clear path for future bandwidth expansion – a pragmatic solution for cost-conscious carriers managing phased modernization programs.