Cisco ASR 1000 Series: ASR1000-6TGE – High-Density 6-Port 10/100/1000 Ethernet Interface Card

Product Overview

The Cisco ASR1000-6TGE is a 6-port Gigabit Ethernet interface card designed for the Cisco ASR 1000 Series Aggregation Services Routers. This versatile network interface module provides high-density copper connectivity for enterprise WAN, service provider edge, and cloud gateway deployments, delivering reliable, high-performance Ethernet aggregation in a compact form factor.

Key Features & Specifications

Hardware & Performance

• Port Configuration:

• 6 x 10/100/1000BASE-T RJ-45 ports (auto-negotiating)

• 6Gbps aggregate throughput

• Support for jumbo frames (up to 9216 bytes)

• Performance Characteristics:

• <5µs port-to-port latency

• Wire-speed forwarding with services enabled

• Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE) 802.3az compliant

• Physical Specifications:

• Hot-swappable field-replaceable unit

• Front-accessible status LEDs

• Operating temperature: -5°C to 45°C (23°F to 113°F)

Software & Services

• Cisco IOS XE Integration:

• Full compatibility with advanced routing features

• Support for QoS, ACLs, and NetFlow

• MACsec encryption capability

• Deployment Flexibility:

• VLAN trunking and access port configurations

• Port channel/LACP support

• Automatic MDI/MDIX crossover detection

Use Case Applications

✔ Enterprise WAN edge connectivity
✔ Service provider customer premises equipment (CPE)
✔ Branch office aggregation
✔ Data center gateway services
✔ Network function virtualization (NFV) connectivity

Next-Generation Successor: ASR1000-6TGE-X (Projected 2025 Release)

Evolutionary Improvements

Strategic Advantages

1. Multi-Gigabit Ready – Supports modern bandwidth requirements

2. Enhanced Performance – Lower latency and higher throughput

3. Energy Efficient – Reduced power consumption per port

4. Future-Proof Security – Protection against emerging threats

5. Backward Compatibility – Works with existing ASR 1000 chassis

Migration Considerations

• Backward Compatibility: Works in existing ASR 1000 routers

• Deployment Scenarios:

• High-density branch offices

• 5G mobile backhaul

• SD-WAN edge deployments

• Financial Planning:

• 30% cost premium with 2-year ROI through operational efficiencies

Conclusion

The ASR1000-6TGE provides reliable Gigabit Ethernet connectivity for ASR 1000 routers, while the ASR1000-6TGE-X delivers:

• Multi-Gigabit (2.5G/5G) capability

• Sub-2µs latency

• Enhanced energy efficiency

• Quantum-resistant security

• Seamless backward compatibility

Alternative Title Concepts

1. "From Gigabit to Multi-Gig: The WAN Edge Evolution"

2. "The Intelligent Edge: Next-Gen Routing Performance"

3. "Beyond Connectivity: Powering the Future Branch"

4. "The Quantum-Ready Router Interface: Secure, Fast, Efficient"