A901-12C-F-D

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

1. High Performance and Scalability:

   • The A901-12C-F-D offers high-performance capabilities, supporting high-density 10G Ethernet interfaces. It is designed for environments where high-speed networking and bandwidth scalability are needed.
   • With the 12 x 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GbE) ports, this router is ideal for aggregating traffic from smaller branches, edge networks, or even as part of a larger service provider’s infrastructure.

2. Compact Form Factor:

   • The A901-12C-F-D is part of the Cisco ASR 900 Series, known for its compact form factor that doesn’t compromise on performance. This makes it well-suited for space-constrained environments like remote offices or network edge deployments.
   • It offers a 1RU (1 Rack Unit) form factor, which makes it easy to integrate into existing data center racks or smaller deployments where space is limited.

3. Routing and Aggregation:

   • The Cisco A901-12C-F-D is designed for data aggregation, offering routing capabilities in edge and aggregation layers of the network. It is often used to aggregate multiple network connections into higher-bandwidth uplinks, helping reduce congestion and improve overall network efficiency.
   • It supports advanced Layer 3 features, including IPv4/IPv6 routing, BGP, OSPF, IS-IS, and MPLS, making it a versatile option for complex network infrastructures.

4. Support for High-Speed Ethernet Interfaces:

   • The router includes 12 x 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GbE) interfaces, which provide significant bandwidth and flexibility for handling high-throughput traffic. These interfaces support fiber-optic connections for high-speed data transmission over long distances.
   • The router can also support additional optical modules, allowing for customization of the interface types based on network needs (e.g., single-mode fiber, multi-mode fiber, or copper).

5. Advanced Security Features:

   • As part of the Cisco Aggregation Services Router family, the A901-12C-F-D incorporates advanced security features such as:
     • IPSec VPN support for secure communication across untrusted networks.
     • Firewall capabilities to protect the network from unauthorized access.
     • Advanced ACLs (Access Control Lists) for granular control over network traffic.
     • DDoS protection and other traffic anomaly detection systems for enhanced security.
   • These features make it suitable for environments where security is a key concern, such as in branch offices, service providers, and other sensitive edge deployments.

6. Cisco IOS XR Software:

   • The router runs on Cisco IOS XR, a highly resilient and scalable operating system that is optimized for large-scale, high-performance routing. IOS XR provides advanced routing capabilities and supports features such as automation, service chaining, traffic engineering, and network virtualization.
   • It also integrates seamlessly with Cisco’s network management platforms, such as Cisco Prime, to provide streamlined network monitoring, troubleshooting, and configuration.

7. Modular and Flexible Design:

   • The A901-12C-F-D is a modular system, meaning that additional interface modules and power supplies can be added as network needs grow.
   • This modularity allows for cost-effective expansion, making it suitable for evolving network infrastructures.

8. Energy Efficiency:

   • Cisco’s ASR 900 Series routers are designed to be energy-efficient while providing high-performance capabilities. The A901-12C-F-D benefits from Cisco’s attention to reducing power consumption without compromising on performance.

9. Network Virtualization:

   • The A901-12C-F-D supports network virtualization technologies, such as VXLAN and MPLS, making it ideal for multi-tenant environments and data center interconnect solutions.
   • It can be used to create virtual networks that are logically separate from the physical infrastructure, allowing for improved flexibility and better resource utilization.

10. High Availability and Redundancy:

    • The router is designed with high availability in mind, supporting features like redundant power supplies, hot-swappable fans, and failover protection.
    • This is crucial for deployments in mission-critical environments where uptime and reliability are paramount.

Specifications:

• Form Factor: 1RU rack-mounted
• Ports: 12 x 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GbE) ports
• Routing and Switching: Supports Layer 3 routing, IPv4/IPv6, BGP, OSPF, MPLS, and more.
• Software: Cisco IOS XR operating system
• Power: Dual redundant power supplies for high availability
• Redundancy: Hot-swappable fans and power supplies
• Network Security: Advanced VPN, ACLs, and DDoS protection
• Bandwidth: Supports high-bandwidth, high-throughput networking, ideal for data aggregation.

Use Cases:

1. Branch and Edge Networks:

   • The A901-12C-F-D is often deployed in branch offices or edge networks where it can aggregate multiple connections from remote sites and provide secure, high-speed connectivity to central data centers or core networks.
   • It is an excellent solution for networks requiring high-speed backhaul or aggregation between branch offices and a service provider.

2. Service Provider Deployments:

   • The A901-12C-F-D is designed for service provider environments, particularly for the aggregation of multiple lower-speed connections into high-capacity uplinks. It supports MPLS and VPN technologies, making it ideal for carrier-grade services like Layer 2 and Layer 3 VPNs.

3. Data Center Edge:

   • It can be used in the edge of data centers for high-speed aggregation and to connect to external networks. Its high-density 10GbE ports provide robust bandwidth for the interconnect between the data center and the external internet or other remote locations.

4. Aggregation Layer in Large Networks:

   • The A901-12C-F-D is suitable for the aggregation layer in large-scale enterprise networks where high-performance routing and bandwidth aggregation are necessary for managing traffic between different network segments.

5. Multi-Tenant Environments:

   • With network virtualization capabilities, the router can be used in multi-tenant environments, offering virtual networks and isolated traffic pathways, perfect for managed services or data center environments that require separation of tenant traffic.

Differences from Other ASR 900 Models:

• The A901-12C-F-D offers 12 x 10GbE ports, which is fewer than some higher-end ASR models that may support more ports or have higher throughput capabilities (e.g., the ASR 9000 series).
• It is smaller and more compact, designed for use in space-constrained environments, whereas larger models in the ASR 9000 series provide much higher port densities and additional features for larger-scale deployments.
• It is typically targeted at smaller-to-medium-sized enterprise or edge deployments compared to the larger ASR 9000 or ASR 9900 series routers, which are used for core and aggregation layers in massive service provider networks.