Description
Overview of the Cisco 36 Ports Transport Optimized Line Card
In the ever-evolving landscape of networking technology, the demand for high-performance equipment is crucial to meet the increasing data traffic and communication needs. The A9K-36X10GE-TR is a cutting-edge 36 Ports 10 Gigabit Ethernet Line Card designed for Aggregation Services Routers (ASR) 9000 Series. This guide aims to provide an in-depth understanding of the A9K-36X10GE-TR, focusing on its features, benefits, and applications in the realm of packet transport optimization.
Unveiling the A9K-36X10GE-TR Service Module
The A9K-36X10GE-TR is a line card service module specifically designed for Aggregation Services Routers belonging to the 9000 Series. This networking powerhouse is equipped with 36 ports dedicated to 10 Gigabit Ethernet, utilizing the Small Form-Factor Pluggable Plus (SFP+) optics for enhanced connectivity. Let’s explore the key attributes that make the A9K-36X10GE-TR a go-to solution for organizations seeking top-notch data transport optimization.
10 Gigabit Ethernet ProwessSmall Form-Factor Pluggable Plus (SFP+)
At the heart of the A9K-36X10GE-TR lies the Small Form-Factor Pluggable Plus (SFP+) technology, a compact yet powerful interface standard. This technology enables the module to support 36 ports, each dedicated to transmitting data at a staggering rate of 10 Gigabits per second. The compact design of the SFP+ not only optimizes space but also facilitates hot swapping, allowing for dynamic reconfiguration without disrupting the entire network.
Optics for Enhanced Connectivity
The utilization of SFP+ optics ensures not only high-speed data transfer but also provides flexibility in connecting various network devices. The A9K-36X10GE-TR supports a diverse range of optical modules, allowing organizations to tailor their network infrastructure based on specific requirements. Whether it’s short-range, long-range, or intermediate connectivity, the A9K-36X10GE-TR adapts seamlessly to diverse networking scenarios.
Packet Transport Optimization
Efficient packet transport is a cornerstone of any high-performance network, and the A9K-36X10GE-TR excels in this aspect.
Advanced Packet Handling
The A9K-36X10GE-TR is engineered with advanced packet handling capabilities, ensuring that data is transmitted seamlessly across the network. This is particularly crucial in environments where low latency and high reliability are paramount. The module’s ability to handle packets efficiently contributes to the overall optimization of data transport, making it an ideal choice for applications demanding real-time communication.
Quality of Service (QoS) Implementation
In the realm of networking, ensuring the prioritized delivery of critical data is essential. The A9K-36X10GE-TR integrates Quality of Service (QoS) mechanisms, allowing organizations to allocate network resources based on the specific requirements of different applications. This not only enhances the overall performance of the network but also ensures a consistent and reliable user experience.
Line Card-Service Module for Aggregation Services Routers 9000 SeriesSeamless Integration
The A9K-36X10GE-TR is purpose-built for integration with the Aggregation Services Routers (ASR) 9000 Series. This seamless integration ensures that the module operates synergistically with the router, maximizing overall system performance. The ASR 9000 Series, known for its scalability and versatility, coupled with the A9K-36X10GE-TR, forms a formidable networking solution capable of meeting the demands of modern digital landscapes.
Scalability and Flexibility
One of the standout features of the A9K-36X10GE-TR is its scalability. Organizations can scale their network infrastructure by seamlessly adding multiple modules, catering to the growing demands of data-intensive applications. This scalability, combined with the flexibility to choose different optical modules, positions the A9K-36X10GE-TR as a versatile solution for a wide range of networking scenarios.
A Reliable and Flexible Solution for Enterprise Networking
The A9K-36X10GE-TR Cisco ASR 9000 36 Ports Service Module is a high-performance, carrier-class service module that is designed to deliver reliable and flexible enterprise networking solutions. The module is compatible with Cisco ASR 9000 series routers and provides up to 36 10 Gigabit Ethernet ports for high-speed data transfer and connectivity.
One of the key features of the A9K-36X10GE-TR module is its flexibility. It supports a wide range of Ethernet interfaces, including 10GBASE-SR, 10GBASE-LR, 10GBASE-LRM, and 10GBASE-ER. This flexibility allows it to be used in a variety of enterprise networking environments, including data centers, service provider networks, and campus networks.
In addition to its flexibility, the A9K-36X10GE-TR module also offers high reliability and availability. It features hot-swappable interfaces, which allow for easy replacement and maintenance of individual ports without disrupting the entire network. It also includes redundant power supplies and fans, ensuring that the module remains operational even in the event of a power or cooling failure.
The A9K-36X10GE-TR module also supports advanced networking features, including Quality of Service (QoS) and traffic shaping. These features allow for better management and control of network traffic, ensuring that critical applications receive the bandwidth they need to operate effectively.
ApplicationsData Center Networking
In the modern era of cloud computing and big data, data centers require high-performance networking equipment. The A9K-36X10GE-TR finds its application in data centers, facilitating the rapid and reliable transfer of large volumes of data between servers and storage.
Telecommunications Networks
Telecommunications networks demand robust and scalable solutions to handle the increasing demand for high-speed data and communication services. The A9K-36X10GE-TR, with its packet transport optimization, is well-suited for telecommunications infrastructure, ensuring seamless connectivity and low-latency communication.
Enterprise Networking
Enterprises with extensive network infrastructure benefit from the A9K-36X10GE-TR’s high port density and compatibility with ASR 9000 Series Routers. This line card enhances the performance of enterprise networks, supporting applications ranging from video conferencing to data backup.
Achieving High Availability
The A9K-36X10GE-TR Cisco ASR 9000 36 Ports Service Module is designed to provide high availability and redundancy for network infrastructure. Here are some ways in which this service module can achieve high availability:
- Redundancy: The A9K-36X10GE-TR service module provides hardware redundancy with dual modular route processors (RPs) and dual power supplies. This means that if one RP or power supply fails, the other one can take over without interrupting the network.
- Load Balancing: The service module supports load balancing across multiple links, which helps to distribute traffic evenly and prevent any one link from becoming overloaded.
- Fast Failover: The A9K-36X10GE-TR service module provides fast failover with Cisco Stateful Switchover (SSO) technology. This means that if one RP fails, the other one can take over in less than 50 milliseconds, ensuring uninterrupted network operation.
- Virtualization: The service module supports virtualization with Cisco Virtualized Service Module (VSM) technology, which allows multiple virtual instances to run on a single physical device. This provides greater flexibility and scalability for network infrastructure.
- Advanced Monitoring: The A9K-36X10GE-TR service module provides advanced monitoring capabilities with Cisco IOS XR software. This includes real-time monitoring of system performance, as well as proactive alerts for potential issues.
Future Developments and Roadmap
The A9K-36X10GE-TR is a service module for the Cisco ASR 9000 series routers, designed to provide high-density 10 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity for data centers and service provider networks. As of my knowledge cutoff in 2021, here is a roadmap for future developments and enhancements for this module:
- Higher Port Density: The module may be upgraded to support even higher port densities, with up to 48 or more 10 Gigabit Ethernet ports on a single module.
- Enhanced Performance: Cisco may continue to optimize the module’s performance, such as improving packet forwarding rates and reducing latency, to better meet the increasing demands of high-bandwidth applications and services.
- Multi-rate support: The module may be enhanced to support multiple data rates, including 1G, 10G, 25G, 40G, and 100G, to provide greater flexibility in network design and deployment.
- Advanced Analytics and Telemetry: Cisco may integrate advanced analytics and telemetry capabilities into the module to enable real-time monitoring and troubleshooting of network performance, as well as to support automated network management and optimization.
- Software-defined networking (SDN) support: The module may be enhanced to support SDN, which would enable programmable control of network resources and policies, as well as greater automation and agility in network provisioning and management.
General Information for the Cisco A9K-36X10GE-TR 36-port Service Module
- Manufacturer: Cisco
- Model Number or SKU# A9K-36X10GE-TR
- Product Name: ASR 9000 36-Port 10GE Packet Transport Optimized Line Card
- Product Type: Service Module
Performance of the Cisco Expansion Module
- Connectivity Technology: Wired
- Data Link Protocol: 10 Gigabit Ethernet
- Features: Flow Control, Full Duplex Capability, Layer 3 Switching, Layer 2 Switching, MPLS Support, Quality Of Service (QoS), Netflow
- Compliant Standards: IEEE 802.1x, IEEE 802.3ah, IEEE 802.1ag, ITU-T G.709
Compatibility
- Compatible with Cisco ASR 9000 Series Aggregation Services Routers
In summary, the A9K-36X10GE-TR stands as a testament to the evolution of networking technology, offering a potent solution for organizations seeking to optimize data transport in their digital ecosystems. From its 36 ports dedicated to 10 Gigabit Ethernet with SFP+ optics to its advanced packet handling and seamless integration with the ASR 9000 Series, every aspect of the A9K-36X10GE-TR is designed with performance and efficiency in mind. As organizations continue to navigate the complexities of modern networking, the A9K-36X10GE-TR emerges as a reliable ally, empowering them to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.
