Chapter 2 Cisco ASR 1000 Series Routers Components

Cisco ASR 1000 Series Embedded Services Processor

The Cisco ASR 1000 Series Embedded Service Processors, Cisco ASR 1000-ESP5 and Cisco ASR1000-ESP10 provide two centralized forwarding-engine options for the Cisco ASR 1000 Series Aggregation Services Routers. The Cisco ASR 1000 Series ESPs:

Are responsible for the data-plane processing tasks and all network traffic flows through them.

Perform all baseline packet routing operations, including MAC classification, Layer 2 and Layer 3 forwarding, quality-of-service (QoS) classification, policing and shaping, security access control lists (ACLs), VPNs, load balancing, and NetFlow.

Are responsible for features such as firewalls, intrusion prevention, Network Based Application Recognition (NBAR), Network Address Translation (NAT), and flexible pattern matching.

The 5-Gbps Cisco ASR 1000 Series ESP (ASR1000-ESP5) supports 5-Gbps bandwidth and is supported only on the Cisco ASR1002 Router chassis. The 10-Gbps Cisco ASR 1000 Series ESP supports 10-Gbps bandwidth, is supported on all Cisco ASR 1000 Series chassis.

The Cisco ASR 1000 Series Routers support the following ESPs:

Cisco ASR 1000 Series ESP10—Supports forwarding performance with up to 8 Mpps with baseline features and bandwidth of 10Gbps. The Cisco ESP10 is located in:

Cisco ASR 1006 Router physical slots 3 and 4 and are labeled F0 and F1.

Cisco ASR 1004 Router physical slot 1 and is labeled F0.

Cisco ASR 1002 (which can use either the ESP10 or the ESP5; but Cisco ASR 1002 Router is the only chassis that supports Cisco ASR1000-ESP5)

Cisco ASR 1000 Series ESP5—Supports forwarding performance with up to 4 Mpps with baseline features and bandwidth of 5Gbps. The Cisco ASR1000-ESP5 is in slot 1 and is labeled F0 in the Cisco ASR 1002 Router.

The Cisco ASR 1000 Series Embedded Services Processor consists of three main elements:

Embedded services processor for packet processing and queueing and scheduling

Data plane interconnect

Forwarding Engine Control Processor (FECP) (located on the Cisco ASR Series Embedded Services Processor)

The forwarding processors for all initial Cisco ASR 1000 Series Embedded Services Processors are based on a common highly-programmable network Cisco QuantumFlow Processor (packet processing).

The Cisco ASR 1000 Series Embedded Services Processor (ESP) consists of a front panel label for indicator and control functions. The Cisco ASR 1000 Series Embedded Services Processor model number labeling is located on the left card module handle. The module also contains card handles to assist in insertion or removal of the module.

Cisco ASR 1000 Series Aggregation Services Routers Hardware Installation and Initial Configuration Guide

 

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Cisco Systems ASR1000 manual

ASR1000 specifications

The Cisco ASR 1000 Series Aggregation Services Routers are designed to meet the needs of enterprises and service providers seeking high-performance networking solutions. With a combination of scalability, reliability, and security, these routers provide an ideal platform for delivering a wide range of services in a compact form factor.

One of the standout features of the ASR 1000 is its embedded hardware architecture. It utilizes a unique Distributed Services Architecture that allows for greater resource allocation and management, resulting in enhanced performance across various applications. This architecture enables the router to dynamically balance workloads across multiple CPUs, ensuring optimal resource utilization and reducing latency.

The ASR 1000 Series supports a variety of interfaces, including Ethernet, T1/E1, and T3/E3, making it highly versatile for different connectivity options. With support for up to 200 Gbps of throughput, it can handle the growing demands of modern networks, including video conferencing, cloud applications, and data-intensive services.

Security is a paramount feature of the ASR 1000. The routers come equipped with advanced security technologies such as Cisco IOS XE software, which includes built-in encryption and secure access controls. This ensures that data remains protected in transit, allowing organizations to safeguard sensitive information while maintaining compliance with industry regulations.

Another key characteristic of the ASR 1000 is its modularity. Users can easily add or upgrade services through service modules and network interface modules, providing the flexibility needed to adapt to changing network requirements. This modular approach not only helps in managing costs but also extends the life cycle of the hardware.

In terms of manageability, the ASR 1000 Series incorporates Cisco’s Intelligent Network Services, providing comprehensive monitoring and troubleshooting capabilities. This allows network administrators to gain insights into network performance, optimize service delivery, and promptly address any issues that arise.

Finally, the ASR 1000 routers are designed for high availability, featuring redundant power supplies and fans. Coupled with advanced routing protocols and features such as Cisco’s Continuous Availability, the ASR 1000 ensures minimal downtime and uninterrupted service delivery.

In conclusion, the Cisco ASR 1000 Series Aggregation Services Routers combine performance, scalability, security, and manageability, making them an excellent choice for organizations looking to modernize their networking infrastructure while efficiently handling the demands of contemporary applications. Whether for enterprise networks or service provider environments, the ASR 1000 provides a robust and future-proof solution.