Cisco A9K-8X100GE-TR Line Card: Advanced Routing Performance for Core Networks

Cisco ASR 9000: Scaling Next-Gen Networks

Overview:

The Cisco ASR 9000 A9K-8X100GE-TR line card is a high-capacity, high-performance 8-port 100 Gigabit Ethernet (100GE) line card designed for Cisco ASR 9000 Series Aggregation Services Routers. This Traffic-Ready (TR) model is engineered to support large-scale network environments, providing superior traffic handling and routing capabilities for service providers and enterprise networks. With high-speed interfaces, robust security, and carrier-grade reliability, this line card meets the demands of data-intensive applications and bandwidth-heavy traffic.

Key Features:

1. 8 x 100 Gigabit Ethernet (100GE) Ports:

   • Provides ultra-fast 100GE connections for high-bandwidth applications.
   • Compatible with various 100GE optics, including QSFP28, enabling flexible deployment options.

2. Traffic-Ready (TR) Capabilities:

   • Optimized to handle high levels of traffic, making it ideal for data center interconnects and backbone networks.
   • Supports advanced QoS features and service-level monitoring, ensuring smooth and efficient data handling across the network.

3. High Performance and Scalability:

   • Delivers up to 800 Gbps of forwarding capacity per line card, allowing for future-proof scalability in high-demand networks.
   • Ideal for environments requiring substantial bandwidth, such as service provider core networks and large enterprise backbones.

4. Enhanced Redundancy and Reliability:

   • Fully redundant when deployed within Cisco ASR 9000 Series routers, with hot-swappable components for uninterrupted operation.
   • Carrier-grade reliability with Cisco’s high-availability (HA) features and hardware redundancy.

5. Advanced Security Features:

   • Supports MACsec (Media Access Control Security) encryption for secure data communications.
   • Cisco’s TrustSec framework ensures end-to-end security, providing data isolation and integrity within complex network environments.

Technical Specifications:

Use Cases:

• Service Provider Core Networks: Suitable for core networks that require ultra-high-speed connectivity to manage vast amounts of traffic for applications such as video streaming and 5G.
• Data Center Interconnect (DCI): Provides low-latency, high-throughput connections between data centers, ideal for cloud and content-rich applications.
• Enterprise Backbone Networks: Supports large-scale enterprise networks where data security and performance are critical.
• Traffic-Heavy Network Environments: Ideal for networks requiring high QoS and traffic shaping for optimized data flow.

Benefits:

• High Port Density: 8 x 100GE ports provide exceptional connectivity and high-density deployments for data-intensive networks.
• Scalable and Future-Proof: The 800 Gbps forwarding capacity ensures the infrastructure can scale with growing data needs.
• Reliability and Redundancy: Robust hardware and redundancy features within ASR 9000 routers minimize downtime.
• Enhanced Security: Integrated MACsec encryption and Cisco TrustSec provide secure communication channels.
• Advanced Traffic Management: TR capabilities offer precise control over traffic management, with advanced QoS and bandwidth allocation.

FAQs:

1. What are the differences between SE and TR versions of line cards?

• TR focuses on core routing, while SE includes enhanced service features.

2. Can this card handle multicast efficiently?

• Yes, it supports robust multicast capabilities with IGMP and PIM.

3. What environments is it optimized for?

• Ideal for WAN, core routing, and large-scale ISP networks.

4. What cooling is required?

• Compatible with the ASR chassis’s redundant cooling systems.

5. Does it support segment routing?

• Yes, it is optimized for advanced segment routing deployments.

6. What are the main features of the Cisco ASR 9000 A9K-8X100GE-TR Line Card?
   The Cisco ASR 9000 A9K-8X100GE-TR Line Card features:

• 8 x 100GE ports for high-bandwidth, low-latency connections.

• Flexibility to support a variety of interfaces, including 10GE, 40GE, and 100GE.

• Advanced network processing capabilities for service providers.

• Carrier-class reliability with integrated forwarding and filtering.

7. What is the Cisco ASR 9000 A9K-8X100GE-TR Line Card used for?
   The A9K-8X100GE-TR Line Card is typically used for:

• Core and edge routing in service provider networks.

• High-speed 100GE connections for data centers, telecoms, and cloud environments.

• MPLS, IP, and Metro Ethernet services.

• 5G and IoT network infrastructure due to its high capacity and throughput.

8. How does the Cisco ASR 9000 A9K-8X100GE-TR support scalability?
   This line card supports scalable, high-performance solutions by providing 8 x 100GE ports, allowing for seamless integration into existing Cisco ASR 9000 series systems. It can scale to meet growing bandwidth needs, with support for multiple interface types and high throughput.
   

9. What is the performance capacity of the Cisco ASR 9000 A9K-8X100GE-TR Line Card?
   The A9K-8X100GE-TR Line Card offers a total throughput of 800 Gbps with its 8 x 100GE ports, making it ideal for high-bandwidth applications and network expansion.

10. Is the Cisco ASR 9000 A9K-8X100GE-TR Line Card compatible with other Cisco ASR 9000 products?
    Yes, the A9K-8X100GE-TR Line Card is designed for compatibility with the Cisco ASR 9000 Series Routers, including the ASR 9000, ASR 9010, and ASR 9020 routers, providing flexible integration and network upgrades.

11. What type of applications benefit from the Cisco ASR 9000 A9K-8X100GE-TR Line Card?
    Applications that benefit include:

• Large-scale video streaming and data center interconnects.

• Cloud-based services and 5G mobile networks.

• Carrier-grade MPLS for service providers.

• High-performance IP routing and high-density packet transport.

12. How does the Cisco ASR 9000 A9K-8X100GE-TR support network reliability?
    The A9K-8X100GE-TR Line Card ensures high reliability through:

• Advanced error correction and traffic management features.

• Integrated redundancy with support for hot-swappable modules.

• Carrier-class performance to minimize downtime and maintain uptime.