Cisco ASA-SSP-10-INC: Compact Security Power for Demanding Networks

Jun 11 , 2025 74

ASA-SSP-10-INC: Compact Security Power for Demanding Networks

Balancing Performance and Budget in Mid-Sized Deployments

1. Core Identity & Role

The ASA-SSP-10-INC is the entry-level Security Services Processor for Cisco’s ASA 5585-X firewall platform. Designed for mid-sized enterprises, this module transforms the base chassis into a dedicated threat defense system capable of handling moderate traffic loads while maintaining rigorous security inspection.

2. Performance Benchmarks

Here’s how the SSP-10 compares to higher-tier SSP modules:

Real-World Use Case: Efficiently handles 300-500 users with basic threat features enabled. Ideal for regional offices or healthcare networks with moderate traffic.

5. Functional Capabilities

• Multi-Layer Security: Concurrent firewall, IPS, and application control

• VPN Support: IPsec/SSL VPN termination at wire speed

• Threat Intelligence: Integrated with Cisco Talos for real-time updates

• High Availability: Sub-second failover with stateful sync

6. Physical Design & Hardware Profile

• Form Factor: Hot-swappable blade (occupies single slot in ASA 5585-X)

• Dimensions: 30.5 cm × 3.8 cm × 20.3 cm (L×H×W)

• Cooling: Single centrifugal fan with thermal throttling

• Weight: 1.8 kg (4 lbs)

• Indicators: Tri-color LED (Green: Active, Amber: Warning, Red: Fail)

7. User Experience: Deployment & Management

Installation:

1. Power down chassis

2. Insert module into Slot 1 until audible click

3. Reboot – auto-detected in Cisco ASDM/CLI

Day-to-Day Operations:

• ASDM Interface: Intuitive drag-and-drop policy configuration

• CLI Access: Full Cisco IOS-style commands (show asp drop, capture asp drop)

• Pain Point: 16GB storage fills quickly with extended logging – requires external SIEM integration

Maintenance:

• Fan replacement takes <5 minutes (tool-less design)

• Predictive failure alerts via syslog/SNMP

8. Market Pricing & Value

• Original MSRP: 14,500-18,000 USD (discontinued)

• Refurbished: 2,200-3,800 USD (with 1-year warranty)

• Value Proposition: 40% cheaper per Gbps than SSP-20, ideal for budget-constrained deployments

9. Power & Thermal Efficiency

• Idle Consumption: 55W

• Peak Load: 75W

• Heat Output: 256 BTU/hr

• Annual Energy Cost: ≈65 USD (at 0.12/kWh)

• Cooling Requirement: Needs 15-30°C ambient temperature

10. Compatibility & Integration

11. Software Support & Lifecycle

• Minimum OS: ASA 9.1(4)

• Recommended OS: 9.8(4) – last stable full-featured release

• End-of-Support: October 2024 (limited vulnerability patches only)

• Critical Limitation: Incompatible with FirePOWER 6.6+ threat detection

Key Deployment Scenarios

Choose SSP-10-INC when:
✅ Securing sites with 300-500 users
✅ Running firewall + basic IPS (no advanced malware analysis)
✅ Budget under $4,000 USD for processing module

Avoid if:
❌ You require >5 Gbps inspected throughput
❌ Running resource-intensive features like encrypted traffic analysis
❌ Operating in environments above 30°C ambient