ASR1001-X: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you in the market for a new router, and looking for one that can handle high-speed connectivity and advanced routing capabilities? Look no further than the Cisco ASR1001-X. This powerful router is designed to provide businesses with the speed and reliability they need to keep their network up and running smoothly.

The Cisco ASR 1000 Series Aggregation Services Routers are routers designed for the mid-range edge, which provide advantages to both enterprise and service providers by introducing a new class of price-to-performance. These routers utilize a unique custom-built ASIC, known as the Quantum Flow Processor, which enables the aggregation of services on a large scale.

In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the ASR1001-X, covering its features, benefits, and capabilities. We’ll also discuss some of the most frequently asked questions about this router.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction to the ASR1001-X
2. Features and Benefits
3. Technical Specifications
4. Network Scalability
5. Security Features
6. Management Capabilities
7. Deployment Options
8. Performance and Reliability of ASR1001-X
9. Parts of the ASR1001-X
10. Compatible Modules
11. Frequently Asked Questions for ASR1001-X

1. Introduction to the ASR1001-X

The Cisco ASR1001-X is a powerful router that is designed to handle the needs of businesses of all sizes. CISCO has designed this router to provide high-speed connectivity and advanced routing capabilities, making it the perfect solution for businesses that require reliable and secure network connectivity. You can obtain standard bandwidth of 2.5 Gbps from the router and it can be increased to 5, 10 or 20 Gbps by upgrading the licenses. This means you will not need to invest in hardware again and that all you need for a performance upgrade is a license.

Moreover, the router is capable of delivering high-end performance in a compact form factor using less rack-space and power. Additionally, this router also supports all general-purpose routing and security features. Let us take a deeper look into its capability.

2. Features and Benefits of ASR1001-X

One of the most notable features of the ASR1001-X is its ability to handle high-speed connectivity. This router is capable of delivering up to 20 Gbps of forwarding capacity, making it ideal for businesses that need to transfer large amounts of data quickly.

In addition to its high-speed connectivity, the ASR1001-X also offers a range of other features and benefits, including:

• Advanced routing capabilities: The ASR1001-X is designed to provide businesses with advanced routing capabilities, including support for Border Gateway Protocol (BGP), Open Shortest Path First (OSPF), and Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS).
• Network scalability: With support for up to 8 Gigabit Ethernet (GE) ports and 4 10 GE ports, the ASR1001-X is designed to provide businesses with the scalability they need to meet their evolving network needs.
• Security features: The ASR1001-X offers a range of security features, including access control lists (ACLs), Network Address Translation (NAT), and virtual private network (VPN) support, to help keep your network secure.
• Management capabilities: With support for Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP), Command Line Interface (CLI), and Cisco Prime Infrastructure, the ASR1001-X offers businesses a range of management capabilities to help keep their network running smoothly.
• Deployment options: CISCO has designed it to be deployed in a variety of environments, including data centers, branch offices, and service provider networks.

3. Technical Specifications ASR1001-X

The ASR1001-X offers a range of technical specifications, including:

• RJ-45 console ports and auxiliary ports, and a mini USB console port
• Six built-in 1 GE SFP-only interfaces (do not support SFP+), and two built-in 10 GE SFP+ interfaces – (support only 10-GE rate) that support SyncE – the 2 SFP+ ports require port based license but if the router is upgraded to 20G the ports are active by default.
• One Network Interface Module (NIM) bay
• An embedded USB (eUSB) flash module that supports 8 GB of nonvolatile Flash storage
• ESP Bandwidth: Up to 20 Gbps
• Memory: Up to 16 GB (8 GB in the base configuration) of DDR3 error-correcting code-protected field-replaceable memory, with single-bit error correction and multi-bit error detection.
• SIP and Ethernet: Integrated in Chassis
• Memory: 1-GB USB Flash Token for ASR 1000 Series (MEMUSB-1024FT)
• Aggregate throughput: 2.5 Gbps
• Power supply: AC or DC
• Rack units: 1
• AC input voltage: 85 to 264V AC
• AC input frequency: 47 to 63 Hz
• Maximum power consumption: 242Watt DC – 250Watt AC
• Redundant power supply: Yes
• Dimensions: 1.75 x 17.25 x 18.17 inches
• Weight: 24.9 poundsPlease note that the 2 x 10-GE SFP+ ports will be active after a port license but if you have upgraded to a 20G license these will be active by default

4. Network Scalability

One of the most important considerations when choosing a router is network scalability. The ASR1001-X offers a range of scalability options, including support for up to 8 GE ports and 4 10 GE ports. This makes it ideal for businesses that need to expand their network as they grow.

5. Security Features of ASR1001-X

Another important consideration when choosing a router is security. The ASR1001-X offers a range of security features, including ACLs, NAT, and VPN support, to help keep your network secure.

6. Management Capabilities

The ASR1001-X offers businesses a range of management capabilities to help keep their network running smoothly. With support for SNMP, CLI, and Cisco Prime Infrastructure, businesses can manage their network with ease.

7. Deployment Options

You can deploy the ASR1001-X router in various environments as it is a very versatile router. Some of the deployment options include:

• Data centers: CISCO has designed this router for data centers to provide high-speed connectivity and advanced routing capabilities to support mission-critical applications.
• Branch offices: You can deploy this router in branch offices to provide secure and reliable connectivity to remote locations.
• Service provider networks: It is also extremely suitable for service provider networks, as it offers support for carrier-grade NAT and Multiprotocol Border Gateway Protocol (MP-BGP).

8. Performance and Reliability of ASR1001-X

CISCO designed the ASR1001-X for high-performance, high-density network connectivity. Its features include high-throughput data forwarding, low-latency packet processing, and advanced security and service virtualization capabilities. The router also supports a wide range of interface types and network protocols, making it suitable for a variety of network deployment scenarios.

The router is designed to provide robust performance and reliability, with features such as hardware redundancy, in-service software upgrades, and support for hot-swappable components. These features help ensure that the router can operate continuously without interruption, even in the event of component failures or software upgrades. Overall, you can obtain high-performance and high reliability from the ASR1001-X router that is well-suited for demanding network environments.

9. Parts of the ASR1001-X

1 – NIM Slots
2 – One RJ-45/RS-232 compatible auxiliary port
3 – Pne RJ-45 10/100/1000 management ethernet port
4 – Shared port adapter slot
5 – Mini USB port
6 – 2 SFP+ ports
7 – 6 SFP ports
8 – RJ-45/RS-232 compatible console port
9 – 2 USB ports

10. Compatible Modules

NIM-1MFT-T1/E1
NIM-2MFT-T1/E1
NIM-4MFT-T1/E1
NIM-8MFT-T1/E1
NIM-1CE1T1-PRI
NIM-2CE1T1-PRI
NIM-8CE1T1-PRI

11. Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the ASR1001-X router?
   • CISCO engineers designed this router to provide high-speed connectivity and advanced routing capabilities to businesses of all sizes.
2. What are some of the key features of the ASR1001-X?
   • The ASR1001-X offers a range of features and benefits, including network scalability, security, and management capabilities. Some of its key features include support for up to 20 Gbps of forwarding capacity, support for carrier-grade NAT and MP-BGP, and redundant components for maximum uptime and reliability.
3. How does the ASR1001-X differ from other routers?
   • CISCO designed the ASR1001-X to offer higher performance and greater scalability than many other routers on the market. Additionally, it offers advanced security features, such as hardware-based encryption and support for Secure Boot, that are not available on all routers.
4. What deployment options are available for the ASR1001-X?
   • You can deploy the router in a variety of environments, including data centers, branch offices, and service provider networks.
5. What security features does the ASR1001-X offer?
   • The ASR1001-X offers a range of advanced security features, including hardware-based encryption, support for Secure Boot, and access control lists (ACLs) to protect against network attacks and unauthorized access. Additionally, the router includes support for security features such as Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and Network Address Translation (NAT) to further enhance network security.

Smart Links

Cisco ASR1001-X Configuration Guide
Other CISCO ASR Routers
Cisco ASR 1000 Series Data Sheet
Unboxing Video of ASR1001-X