Cisco ASA5585-NM-4-10GE: High-Speed Connectivity for Enterprise Security

Jun 06 , 2025 9

**Cisco ASA5585-NM-4-10GE: High-Speed Connectivity for Enterprise Security**  

For enterprises needing to future-proof their Cisco ASA 5585-X firewalls, the **ASA5585-NM-4-10GE** module delivers critical performance upgrades without chassis replacement. Here’s how it transforms legacy security infrastructure:  

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 **1. Performance Benchmarks vs. Standard Modules**  

| **Metric**          | **ASA5585-NM-4-10GE** | **Base ASA 5585-X** |  

|----------------------|------------------------|----------------------|  

| **Throughput**       | 20 Gbps                | 10 Gbps             |  

| **Latency**          | <5 μs                  | 15 μs               |  

| **Max Sessions**     | 10 million             | 4 million           |  

| **Encryption**       | AES-256 at 8 Gbps      | AES-256 at 3 Gbps   |  

| **Power Draw**       | 28W (idle) / 45W (max) | 22W (idle)          |  

*Real-world tests show 2.5× faster threat inspection during 40G DDoS attacks.*  

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**2. Critical Functional Advantages**  

- **Port Density**: 4×10G SFP+ ports (supports copper/fiber via SFP-H10GB-CU*/SFP-10G-SR).  

- **Traffic Prioritization**: Hardware-accelerated QoS for VoIP/video (DSCP marking).  

- **Failover Sync**: Sub-second stateful failover between ASA chassis.  

- **Threat Intelligence**: Integrates with FirePOWER services for encrypted traffic analysis.  

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**3. Industrial-Grade Design**  

- **Form Factor**: Front-accessible module (occupies one ASA 5585-X slot).  

- **Cooling**: Passive heat sink (zero moving parts; silent operation).  

- **Durability**: Operates at 50°C ambient (IEC 60068-2-14 certified).  

- **Visual Indicators**: Per-port LEDs (green/amber for link/activity).  

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**4. Operational Experience**  

- **Deployment**: Hot-swappable in <2 minutes (no chassis reboot).  

- **Management**: Centralized via Cisco Security Manager (CSM) or ASDM.  

- **Troubleshooting**: Embedded NetFlow v9 export for real-time traffic analysis.  

- **Scalability**: Combine with SSP-60 for 40G aggregate threat inspection.  

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**5. Total Cost Analysis**  

| **Component**       | **New**    | **Refurbished** |  

|----------------------|------------|------------------|  

| Module               | $9,500     | $4,200           |  

| 3YR Smart Net        | $2,100     | N/A              |  

| **5YR TCO Savings**  | **$18,000**| **$8,400**       |  

*Refurbished units include 1-year warranty and tested transceivers.*  

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**6. Power Efficiency**  

- **Consumption**: 45W max (adds <10% to chassis power budget).  

- **Battery**: None – compatible with ASA’s RPS 2300 redundant power.  

- **Heat Output**: 153 BTU/hr (suitable for confined network closets).  

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**7. Compatibility & Integration**  

- **Supported Platforms**: ASA 5585-X only (requires SSP-10/20/40/60).  

- **Software**: ASA OS 9.8+ with FirePOWER 6.4+.  

- **SD-WAN**: Interoperates with Cisco vEdge via VRF-aware tunnels.  

- **Cloud**: AWS Gateway Load Balancer (GWLB) support for hybrid deployments.  

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**8. Software & Lifecycle Support**  

- **Updates**: Monthly vulnerability patches via Cisco PSIRT.  

- **EoL Schedule**: Last software update 2028; hardware support until 2031.  

- **APIs**: pxGrid 2.0 for Splunk/Stealthwatch integration.  

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**Cisco ASA5585-NM-4-10GE: High-Speed Connectivity for Enterprise Security**  

Upgrade your ASA 5585-X firewall with the **ASA5585-NM-4-10GE** module for high-density 10G connectivity. Key advantages:  

**Performance Leadership**:  

- 20 Gbps firewall throughput  

- <5 μs latency for financial trading  

- AES-256 encryption at 8 Gbps  

**Core Features**:  

- 4×10G SFP+ ports (fiber/copper support)  

- Hardware-accelerated QoS  

- Sub-second stateful failover  

**Design**:  

- Tool-less installation in ASA 5585-X  

- Silent passive cooling  

- Industrial temperature range  

**Operational Benefits**:  

- Hot-swappable in 2 minutes  

- Central management via Cisco Security Manager  

- Combines with SSPs for 40G inspection  

**Pricing**:  

- New: $9,500 | Refurbished: $4,200  

- 5YR TCO savings up to $18,000  

**Compatibility**:  

- ASA 5585-X chassis only  

- Requires ASA OS 9.8+  

**Why It Matters**:  

- Avoids $50K+ chassis replacement  

- Extends firewall lifespan 5+ years  

- Enables 100G-ready backbone  

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