A901-4C-F-D

Key Features of the Cisco A901-4C-F-D:

1. Compact Form Factor (1RU):

   • The A901-4C-F-D is a 1RU (rack unit) device, which makes it ideal for environments where space is limited, such as in small to medium-sized data centers, branch offices, or edge networks. Despite its compact form, it delivers substantial performance for high-speed routing and aggregation.

2. 4 x 10GbE Ports:

   • This model offers 4 x 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GbE) ports, which provide the necessary bandwidth for high-throughput environments. These ports are typically used for high-speed aggregation between multiple network segments or connecting to the core of the network, offering flexibility in fiber-optic (SFP+) or copper interfaces.
   • The 10GbE ports ensure that it can handle significant traffic loads, making it well-suited for edge and aggregation deployments that require high-performance routing without the need for excessive port density.

3. High-Performance Routing:

   • The A901-4C-F-D supports Layer 3 routing, which enables efficient data forwarding and routing at high speeds. It is compatible with a variety of routing protocols, including IPv4/IPv6, BGP (Border Gateway Protocol), OSPF (Open Shortest Path First), IS-IS (Intermediate System-to-Intermediate System), and MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching).
   • The router can also support advanced IP services, such as VPN (Virtual Private Network) tunneling and traffic engineering for efficient data flow management.

4. MPLS and VPN Support:

   • The MPLS support allows the router to provide traffic engineering, Layer 2 and Layer 3 VPNs, and quality of service (QoS) capabilities. This is especially useful for service providers and large enterprises that need to interconnect different branches or data centers securely and efficiently.
   • MPLS VPNs allow multiple customers or tenants to share the same physical infrastructure while maintaining logically isolated networks, which is ideal for managed services or cloud solutions.

5. Cisco IOS XR Software:

   • The A901-4C-F-D runs on Cisco IOS XR, a highly resilient, scalable, and flexible operating system designed for high-performance, mission-critical environments. IOS XR is known for its high availability, automation capabilities, and service-level agreement (SLA) assurance features.
   • The software provides advanced traffic management and network monitoring tools, ensuring that users can optimize performance and troubleshoot any issues easily.

6. Energy Efficiency:

   • The A901-4C-F-D is designed to be energy-efficient, helping reduce the operational costs typically associated with power-hungry devices. This is especially important in large-scale network deployments where multiple devices are required, and energy savings can make a significant difference.

7. Redundancy and High Availability:

   • Like other devices in the Cisco ASR 900 Series, the A901-4C-F-D is built with redundant power supplies and hot-swappable fans, ensuring high availability and reliability for mission-critical network operations. These features help minimize downtime and ensure that the network remains operational even during hardware failures.

8. Carrier-Class Features:

   • The A901-4C-F-D offers carrier-class features, including high-performance routing, scalability, and advanced network services. This makes it a suitable choice for service provider networks that need to deliver high-quality services to customers.

9. Virtualization Support:

   • The router supports various network virtualization technologies such as VXLAN and MPLS VPNs. These features help create virtual networks within the physical infrastructure, providing logical separation of traffic between different departments, customers, or tenants.
   • Network virtualization is particularly useful for multi-tenant environments, such as cloud service providers or managed services, where each tenant requires isolated network services.

Specifications:

• Form Factor: 1RU (rack-mounted)
• Ports: 4 x 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GbE) ports (SFP+ or optical interfaces)
• Routing Capabilities: Supports Layer 3 routing, IPv4/IPv6, BGP, OSPF, IS-IS, MPLS, VPNs, and more
• Software: Cisco IOS XR operating system
• Security: Supports IPSec VPNs, firewall, ACLs (Access Control Lists), and DDoS protection
• Redundancy: Hot-swappable fans and dual redundant power supplies
• Virtualization: Supports VXLAN, MPLS VPNs, and VLANs
• Power: Energy-efficient design
• Dimensions: 1.75 x 17.3 x 15.6 inches (44.5 x 438 x 396 mm)
• Weight: Approx. 7.7 kg (16.9 lbs)

Use Cases:

1. Branch Office Connectivity:

   • The A901-4C-F-D is ideal for branch offices or smaller remote sites that need to aggregate traffic from various departments or connect securely to a central data center or core network. With its 4 x 10GbE ports, it offers high-speed connectivity and security for remote locations without excessive port density.

2. Edge Routing:

   • As a high-performance edge router, the A901-4C-F-D can be deployed at the edge of a service provider or enterprise network to aggregate traffic from different branches or regional data centers. It provides secure routing and efficient data flow management to the core network.

3. Service Provider Aggregation:

   • The A901-4C-F-D is suitable for service provider networks looking to provide high-speed connectivity and VPN services to customers. The router’s MPLS and VPN support make it well-suited for multi-tenant environments, providing secure, isolated network services.

4. Multi-Tenant Cloud Services:

   • For cloud service providers or managed service providers (MSPs) offering virtualized services to customers, the A901-4C-F-D supports VXLAN and MPLS VPNs, enabling network virtualization and isolated tenant networks over a shared infrastructure.

5. Enterprise Network Aggregation:

   • In large enterprise networks, the A901-4C-F-D can serve as an aggregation device between the enterprise core and remote office locations. It aggregates traffic from various locations and securely forwards it to the central network or data center.

6. Data Center Interconnect:

   • The router can be used as part of a data center interconnect solution, providing high-speed 10GbE connectivity between geographically dispersed data centers, facilitating seamless communication between multiple sites.

Differences from Other ASR 900 Series Models:

• Compared to higher-end ASR 9000 models, the A901-4C-F-D offers a lower port density with 4 x 10GbE ports, making it more suitable for edge or branch office deployments rather than large-scale core aggregation.
• While the A901-4C-F-D provides advanced routing and VPN capabilities, it may not have the same level of scalability or service density as larger models, such as the ASR 9000 or ASR 9900 series, which offer higher port counts and more advanced features.
• The A901-4C-F-D is targeted at customers who need a more compact, cost-effective solution without compromising on the essential routing, security, and scalability features found in the ASR 900 Series.