ASR-920-4SZ-A

Key Features of the Cisco ASR 920-4SZ-A:

1. Compact Form Factor:

   • The ASR 920-4SZ-A is designed as a 1RU (rack unit) device, making it space-efficient and ideal for environments with limited rack space, such as small-to-medium-sized data centers, branch offices, and remote locations.

2. 4 x 1GbE and 4 x 10GbE Ports:

   • The router comes with a combination of 4 x 1 Gigabit Ethernet (1GbE) ports and 4 x 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GbE) ports, giving you flexibility in connecting to different network segments. The 1GbE ports are typically used for access or lower-bandwidth connections, while the 10GbE ports support high-speed aggregation and interconnection of larger systems or networks.
   • These ports can support both fiber and copper interfaces (depending on the modules), making the router versatile for a range of deployment scenarios.

3. High Availability and Redundancy:

   • The ASR 920-4SZ-A is built with high availability in mind. It features redundant power supplies, hot-swappable fans, and non-disruptive software upgrades. These features help ensure minimal downtime, even in the event of component failures, which is critical for maintaining reliable service in production environments.

4. Layer 2 and Layer 3 Services:

   • The router offers both Layer 2 (Ethernet switching) and Layer 3 (IP routing) services, making it a good choice for aggregation at the network edge. It supports essential Layer 3 routing protocols such as OSPF, BGP, IS-IS, and MPLS, as well as Layer 2 switching features like VLANs, Q-in-Q tunneling, and Ethernet services.
   • It also supports VPLS (Virtual Private LAN Service) and MPLS, enabling service providers to offer scalable VPN services to their customers.

5. Security:

   • The ASR 920-4SZ-A provides comprehensive security features that include IPSec VPN support, Access Control Lists (ACLs), AAA (Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting), and DDoS protection. These security features are essential for protecting the network from unauthorized access and ensuring that data transmission remains secure.
   • Additionally, the router supports secure remote management and encrypted management interfaces.

6. Cisco IOS XE Software:

   • The ASR 920-4SZ-A runs on Cisco IOS XE, a powerful and flexible operating system that supports advanced network services and automation. IOS XE allows for a modular approach to software and hardware components, ensuring high scalability and uptime. It also enables features such as network programmability and policy-based routing to optimize network traffic.

7. Network Virtualization and Automation:

   • The ASR 920-4SZ-A supports various network virtualization technologies such as VXLAN, MPLS, and VPLS, enabling virtual network overlays for multi-tenant environments. This feature is particularly useful in cloud services, data center interconnect, and managed services.
   • The router also supports automation using Cisco DNA Center and Cisco NSO (Network Services Orchestrator) for more efficient management and deployment of network services.

8. Energy-Efficient Design:

   • The ASR 920-4SZ-A is designed with energy efficiency in mind, reducing operational costs by consuming less power compared to larger models in the Cisco ASR family. This makes it a more economical choice for smaller environments or edge deployments.

9. IPv6 Support:

   • The ASR 920-4SZ-A is fully IPv6 capable, allowing you to migrate from IPv4 to IPv6 without interrupting services. It supports IPv6 routing, IPv6 VPNs, and dual-stack configurations, making it future-proof for upcoming network protocols.

Specifications:

• Form Factor: 1RU (rack-mounted)
• Ports:
  • 4 x 1 Gigabit Ethernet (1GbE) ports (fiber or copper interfaces)
  • 4 x 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GbE) ports (SFP+ or fiber interfaces)
• Layer 2 and Layer 3 Support: Supports Ethernet switching, IP routing, MPLS, VPLS, VPNs, QoS, and traffic management
• Security Features: IPSec VPN, ACLs, AAA, DDoS protection
• Redundancy: Hot-swappable fans, redundant power supplies, non-disruptive upgrades
• Software: Cisco IOS XE
• Network Virtualization: Supports VXLAN, MPLS, VPLS
• Management: Supports Cisco DNA Center, Cisco Prime, and CLI-based management
• Dimensions: 1.73 x 17.3 x 15.3 inches (44 x 438 x 389 mm)
• Weight: Approx. 6.7 kg (14.8 lbs)
• Power: Energy-efficient design, low power consumption

Use Cases:

1. Service Provider Edge:

   • The ASR 920-4SZ-A is ideal for service provider edge deployments, where it can aggregate traffic from multiple customers and provide VPN services, MPLS routing, and high-speed internet connectivity. Its MPLS and VPN support make it well-suited for delivering managed services.

2. Enterprise Edge Routing:

   • For enterprise edge routing, the ASR 920-4SZ-A can be used to interconnect remote branches or provide internet breakout services. It can also serve as a secure gateway between the enterprise network and external networks or the cloud.

3. Small to Medium-Sized Data Center Aggregation:

   • In small or medium-sized data center deployments, the ASR 920-4SZ-A can act as a network aggregation device, connecting different servers or storage systems to the core network. It is especially beneficial when high-speed connectivity and low latency are needed.

4. Cloud Service Providers:

   • For cloud service providers, the ASR 920-4SZ-A is well-suited to aggregate traffic between the cloud infrastructure and customer locations. Its network virtualization support, including VXLAN and MPLS VPN, enables efficient multi-tenant networks and cloud connectivity.

5. Branch Office Connectivity:

   • The ASR 920-4SZ-A is also a good fit for branch offices, where it can provide secure connectivity back to the headquarters, support local breakout, and manage traffic across a wide-area network (WAN).

6. Metro Ethernet Networks:

   • The router can be deployed in metro Ethernet networks to provide Ethernet-based services such as business Ethernet, managed WAN services, and internet access.

Comparison to Other Models:

• The ASR 920-4SZ-A offers 4 x 1GbE and 4 x 10GbE ports, which makes it an ideal choice for edge or small-scale aggregation needs. If you require higher port density or additional advanced services like 100GbE ports, larger models in the ASR 9000 series may be more suitable.
• The ASR 920-4SZ-A is a more compact and cost-effective solution compared to larger models like the ASR 9000 or ASR 9900 series. It’s a good choice when you need strong routing capabilities without the high port density required in core network routers.