Cisco ASR 1000 Series: ASR1000-ESP100 – Embedded Services Processor

Product Overview

The Cisco ASR1000-ESP100 is a high-performance embedded services processor designed for the Cisco ASR 1000 Series Aggregation Services Routers. This critical component delivers wire-speed packet forwarding and advanced services processing for enterprise WAN, service provider edge, and cloud gateway deployments. The ESP100 provides the compute foundation that enables the ASR 1000 platform to deliver carrier-class performance with rich feature sets.

Key Features & Specifications

Hardware & Performance

• Processing Architecture:

• Multi-core CPU with hardware acceleration

• 20 Gbps system throughput

• Support for up to 1 million packets per second (pps)

• Performance Characteristics:

• <10µs latency for encrypted traffic

• Deep packet inspection capabilities

• Stateful firewall and NAT services

• Physical Specifications:

• Hot-swappable field-replaceable unit

• Redundant power inputs

• Operating temperature: -5°C to 45°C

Software & Services

• Cisco IOS XE Integration:

• Full compatibility with advanced routing features

• Support for VPN, QoS, and NBAR2

• MACsec and IPsec encryption offload

• Deployment Flexibility:

• Service chaining capability

• Virtualized services support

• Automatic failover with RP redundancy

Use Case Applications

✔ Enterprise WAN aggregation
✔ Service provider edge routing
✔ Cloud gateway services
✔ Secure VPN termination
✔ NFV service hosting

Next-Generation Successor: ASR1000-ESP200 (Projected 2025 Release)

Evolutionary Improvements

Strategic Advantages

1. 50G Readiness – Supports next-generation WAN bandwidth requirements

2. Enhanced Performance – Lower latency and higher throughput

3. Energy Efficient – Reduced power consumption per Gbps

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:

• 5G mobile backhaul

• High-performance SD-WAN edges

• Cloud-scale VPN termination

• Financial Planning:

• 25% cost premium with 2-year ROI through operational efficiencies

Conclusion

The ASR1000-ESP100 delivers carrier-class processing for ASR 1000 routers, while the ASR1000-ESP200 represents the future of edge routing with:

• 50G throughput

• Sub-5µs latency

• Enhanced energy efficiency

• Quantum-resistant security

• Seamless backward compatibility

Alternative Title Concepts

1. "From 20G to 50G: The Edge Routing Evolution"

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

3. "Beyond Connectivity: Powering the Future WAN"

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