Cisco ASA-SSP-20-INC: The Mid-Tier Security Workhorse for Demanding Networks

Jun 11 , 2025 13

 ASA-SSP-20-INC: The Mid-Tier Security Workhorse for Demanding Networks

Balancing Performance and Value for Enterprise Threat Defense

1. Core Identity & Purpose

The ASA-SSP-20-INC is a Security Services Processor module designed exclusively for Cisco’s ASA 5585-X firewall series. As the mid-tier option in the SSP lineup, it transforms the base chassis into a dedicated threat defense appliance capable of handling medium-to-large enterprise traffic loads while maintaining rigorous security inspection.

2. Performance Specifications: The Engine Beneath the Hood

Here’s how the SSP-20 stacks up against its siblings:

Real-World Impact: Handles 3,000+ employees with multiple security services enabled simultaneously.

5. Functional Capabilities

• Multi-Threat Inspection: Concurrent IPS, malware scanning, and application visibility

• Encryption: Supports IPsec/SSL VPNs at wire speed

• High Availability: Seamless failover with <500ms disruption

• Granular Controls: Application-aware firewalling and user-based policies

6. Physical Design & Hardware Profile

• Form Factor: Hot-swappable blade (fits rear slot of ASA 5585-X chassis)

• Dimensions: 30.5 cm x 3.8 cm x 25.4 cm (LxHxW)

• Cooling: Dual centrifugal fans with speed monitoring

• Indicators: Multi-color LED status panel (System/Active/Fail)

• Weight: 2.3 kg (5.1 lbs)

7. User Experience: Day-to-Day Operations

Installation:

1. Power down chassis

2. Slide module into Slot 1 until audible click

3. Reboot – auto-recognized in ASDM/CLI

Administration:

• ASDM Interface: Drag-and-drop policy configuration

• CLI Access: Full Cisco IOS-style commands

• Reporting: Real-time threat visualization dashboards

Maintenance:

• Fan replacement without tools

• Predictive failure alerts via syslog

8. Market Pricing & Value

• New: Discontinued (Original MSRP: 28,000-35,000 USD)

• Refurbished: 6,500-9,200 USD (with 1-year warranty)

• Cost Efficiency: 40% cheaper per Gbps than SSP-40

9. Power & Thermal Management

• Idle Consumption: 85W

• Peak Load: 125W

• Heat Output: 427 BTU/hr (requires 15°C ambient cooling)

• Annual Energy Cost: ≈110 USD (at 0.12/kWh)

10. Compatibility & Integration

11. Software Support & Lifecycle

• Minimum OS: ASA 9.1(4)

• Recommended OS: 9.8(4) for full feature support

• End-of-Support: 2024 (Limited firmware patches available)

• Critical Note: Incompatible with ASA FirePOWER 6.7+

Key Considerations Before Deployment

Choose SSP-20-INC when:
✅ You need 5-8 Gbps of inspected throughput
✅ Running IPS + URL filtering + VPN simultaneously
✅ Budget requires future-proofing beyond SSP-10

Avoid if:
❌ You require 10Gbps+ encrypted throughput
❌ Operating in ambient >35°C environments
❌ Deploying new Cisco FirePOWER TD stacks