Cisco A901-12C-FT-D

Key Features of the Cisco A901-12C-FT-D:

1. High-Density, High-Performance 10G Ethernet:

   • The A901-12C-FT-D is equipped with 12 x 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GbE) ports, providing high-speed, high-capacity Ethernet interfaces ideal for handling large amounts of data and high-throughput applications. This makes it suitable for network aggregation and interconnection in environments with high traffic demands.
   • The 10GbE ports support both fiber-optic connections and copper interfaces, which gives flexibility depending on the deployment requirements.

2. Compact 1RU Form Factor:

   • The A901-12C-FT-D is a 1RU rack-mounted device, making it ideal for environments with limited space while still requiring the performance and scalability that comes with the Cisco ASR 900 Series.
   • This compact form factor is particularly useful for remote locations, branch offices, or as an aggregation device in larger network infrastructures where space and efficiency are critical.

3. Advanced Routing and Aggregation:

   • The A901-12C-FT-D is designed for Layer 3 routing, supporting IPv4/IPv6, BGP, OSPF, IS-IS, and MPLS. This makes it suitable for edge routing, aggregation, and routing between different network segments or between remote locations and core networks.
   • MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching) enables efficient routing and traffic engineering in large, complex networks, providing flexibility in managing traffic flows.
   • It can also support VPN technologies, providing secure, isolated network connections for different business units or customer networks.

4. Flexible and Scalable:

   • The A901-12C-FT-D supports the flexibility to scale as needed by allowing modular upgrades and adding different types of interface modules. This modularity allows users to expand the system as network demands increase.
   • Cisco’s modular design also means that users can upgrade components like the power supply, cooling, and interface modules without having to replace the entire unit.

5. Cisco IOS XR Software:

   • The router operates on Cisco IOS XR, a robust, highly reliable, and scalable operating system that is designed for carrier-grade environments. This software provides advanced features such as automation, traffic management, and high availability.
   • IOS XR also allows for enhanced network monitoring and troubleshooting, with integration into Cisco’s suite of network management tools.

6. Security Features:

   • The A901-12C-FT-D supports various security protocols to ensure the integrity and confidentiality of data. These include IPSec VPNs, firewall capabilities, ACLs (Access Control Lists), and DDoS (Distributed Denial-of-Service) protection.
   • These security features help ensure that the router can securely manage traffic in environments where high availability and data security are critical, such as remote branch offices or service provider networks.

7. Energy Efficiency:

   • The router is designed to be energy-efficient, offering optimized power consumption without compromising performance. This helps reduce operational costs, especially in large-scale deployments where energy efficiency is a key consideration.

8. Redundancy and High Availability:

   • The A901-12C-FT-D includes redundant power supplies and hot-swappable fans, ensuring high availability in mission-critical applications.
   • Redundant components ensure that the system remains operational even in the event of component failure, minimizing downtime and service interruptions.

9. Support for Virtualization:

   • The A901-12C-FT-D supports various network virtualization technologies such as VXLAN, MPLS VPNs, and VLANs, enabling users to create logical network separation on the same physical infrastructure. This makes it ideal for multi-tenant environments, such as cloud service providers or managed service providers.

10. Carrier-Class Features:

    • The A901-12C-FT-D is part of the Cisco ASR 900 Series, which is tailored for carrier-class deployments. It supports high-density interfaces, robust routing capabilities, and service-level agreement (SLA) assurance, making it suitable for service providers offering enterprise-grade services to customers.

Specifications:

• Form Factor: 1RU rack-mounted
• Ports: 12 x 10GbE ports (SFP+ or optical interfaces)
• Routing Capabilities: Supports Layer 3 routing, BGP, OSPF, IS-IS, MPLS, VPNs, and more
• Software: Cisco IOS XR
• Security: IPSec VPNs, ACLs, DDoS protection, firewall
• Power Supply: Dual redundant power supplies for high availability
• Redundancy: Hot-swappable fans and power supplies
• Virtualization: Supports VXLAN, MPLS VPNs, and VLANs
• Energy Efficiency: Optimized for low power consumption
• Weight: Approx. 7.7 kg (16.9 lbs)
• Dimensions: 1.75 x 17.3 x 15.6 inches (44.5 x 438 x 396 mm)

Use Cases:

1. Branch Office and Remote Site Connectivity:

   • The A901-12C-FT-D is ideal for branch offices, providing high-performance routing for remote locations that need to aggregate traffic and connect securely to the corporate network. It supports both high-speed 10GbE connectivity and security protocols like IPSec VPN to ensure secure communication.

2. Service Provider Edge:

   • The router is perfect for service providers looking to provide high-speed services to end customers. With its support for MPLS, VPNs, and Layer 3 routing, it is well-suited for enterprise aggregation, interconnection with other service providers, or providing managed services.

3. Enterprise Edge Routing:

   • As part of an enterprise’s edge network, the A901-12C-FT-D can aggregate data from multiple branch offices or data centers, routing traffic between different segments of the corporate network and the internet or private WANs.

4. Multi-Tenant Environments:

   • The router’s support for VXLAN and MPLS VPNs makes it an excellent solution for multi-tenant environments, where each tenant needs isolated network paths. This is useful for cloud providers, managed service providers, or data centers offering shared infrastructure with network separation for different clients.

5. Data Center Interconnect:

   • The A901-12C-FT-D can be used as part of a data center interconnect (DCI) solution, providing 10GbE aggregation between multiple data centers, ensuring high-speed data transmission across geographically dispersed locations.

Differences from Other ASR 900 Series Models:

• Compared to other models in the ASR 900 Series, the A901-12C-FT-D offers a 12-port 10GbE configuration, which is a mid-range option between the lower-end models with fewer ports and the higher-end models with higher density (such as ASR 9000).
• The A901-12C-FT-D is designed for environments requiring scalable, high-performance edge routing without the need for extensive service provider features, like those found in the ASR 9000 or ASR 9900 series.
• It is also a more compact and cost-effective solution compared to larger ASR models, making it ideal for branch offices or edge deployments where space and budget constraints are important.