Q
What are the key features of Cisco ASR 9000 network adapters?
A
Cisco ASR 9000 network adapters deliver high-density 1G–400G ports, hardware-based packet forwarding, advanced QoS, and seamless scalability to meet service provider and data center requirements.
Q
Which Cisco ASR 9000 adapter modules are available for 100G connectivity?
A
For 100G, Cisco offers QSFP28-based adapter modules such as the A9K-MPA-100G-Q and the A9K-MPA-8X10GE-QR, supporting CFP2 and QSFP28 optics for flexible deployment.
Q
How do I install a network adapter on an ASR 9000 series router?
A
Power down the ASR 9000, slide the adapter module into an open line card slot until it clicks, then power on and verify installation with the show platform hardware command.
Q
What throughput can I expect from ASR 9000 network adapters?
A
Throughput varies by module: 10G adapters deliver up to 10 Gbps per port, 40G modules up to 40 Gbps per QSFP, and 100G adapters up to 100 Gbps per port line rate.
Q
Are ASR 9000 adapters compatible with IOS-XR?
A
Yes, Cisco ASR 9000 network adapters are fully supported under Cisco IOS-XR, enabling advanced routing, MPLS, and segment-routing features on all ports.
Q
What is the maximum MTU supported by ASR 9000 adapters?
A
ASR 9000 network adapters support jumbo frames with an MTU up to 9216 bytes to optimize throughput for large-packet applications.
Q
Can I mix different adapter modules in one ASR 9000 chassis?
A
Yes, you can mix 1G, 10G, 40G, and 100G adapter modules within the same ASR 9000 chassis as long as the line card slot and software license support them.
Q
What cooling requirements do ASR 9000 network adapters have?
A
ASR 9000 routers use front-to-back airflow; ensure proper rack ventilation and install all required fan trays to maintain adapter operating temperatures between 0°C and 45°C.
Q
How do I license advanced features on ASR 9000 adapters?
A
Advanced feature licenses such as burstable speed and MPLS Label Switched Paths are activated via the IOS-XR license install command and require a valid Cisco Smart Account entitlement.
Q
What power consumption should I plan for each adapter?
A
Power consumption varies by module: 10G adapters draw approximately 15–20 W per port, 40G modules around 40–50 W per QSFP, and 100G adapters up to 100 W per port.
Q
How can I monitor the health and performance of ASR 9000 adapters?
A
Use Cisco IOS-XR built-in commands (show controllers, show interfaces) and SNMP/Telemetry to monitor port status, error counters, temperature, and utilization in real time.
Q
Do ASR 9000 adapters support hardware-based encryption?
A
Certain ASR 9000 line cards support built-in MACsec encryption on 10G and 100G ports to secure data in transit without impacting throughput.
Q
What redundancy features do ASR 9000 adapters offer?
A
ASR 9000 adapters support both stateful Switchover (SSO) and nonstop forwarding (NSF) to ensure carrier-grade redundancy and minimal traffic disruption.
Q
Can I use third-party optics on ASR 9000 adapters?
A
Cisco recommends Cisco-qualified optics to guarantee compatibility and performance, though third-party transceivers may work if they fully meet MSA specifications.
Q
Are ASR 9000 network adapters virtualization-ready?
A
Yes, ASR 9000 adapters support virtualized environments with features like Network Virtualization using GRE/VXLAN and Cisco IOS-XR Segment Routing for multi-tenant networks.
Q
What warranty and support options are available for ASR 9000 adapters?
A
Cisco provides a limited lifetime warranty on hardware with Next Business Day replacement and offers SMARTnet contracts for 24x7 technical support and software updates.