Cisco ASR 9000 Series: A9K-36X10GE-SE – High-Performance 10G Service Provider Router

Jun 16 , 2025 3

Cisco ASR 9000 Series: A9K-36X10GE-SE – High-Performance 10G Service Provider Router

Product Overview

The Cisco A9K-36X10GE-SE is a high-density, carrier-class router module designed for the Cisco ASR 9000 Series, targeting service providers and large enterprises requiring scalable, high-performance 10G Ethernet aggregation. This 36-port 10G Ethernet (10GE) line card is optimized for IP/MPLS, Carrier Ethernet, and cloud-scale networking, delivering high throughput with advanced QoS and deep buffer capabilities.

Key Features & Specifications

Hardware & Performance

• Port Configuration:

• 36x 10G SFP+ ports (hot-swappable, supporting SR/LR optics)

• 1.44 Tbps forwarding capacity per slot

• Up to 3.6 Tbps system capacity (when fully populated)

• Performance Metrics:

• Up to 1.2 Bpps (billion packets per second)

• Sub-10μs latency (cut-through switching)

• Deep buffers (up to 200ms per port) for bursty traffic

Software & Capabilities

• Cisco IOS XR (modular, self-healing OS)

• MPLS & Segment Routing (SR-MPLS, SRv6)

• Carrier Ethernet (MEF 3.0 compliant)

• Advanced QoS (8 queues per port, hierarchical shaping)

• NetFlow, IPFIX, and sFlow for analytics

• 1588v2 PTP (Precision Time Protocol) for timing sync

Reliability & Scalability

• Hitless In-Service Software Upgrade (ISSU)

• Non-stop forwarding (NSF) & graceful restart

• Redundant power & cooling (front-to-back airflow)

• Supports ASR 9000 chassis (6-slot, 10-slot, and 18-slot variants)

Use Cases

✔ Service Provider Edge (PE): Aggregating 10G metro/access traffic
✔ IP/MPLS Core: High-density 10G MPLS transport
✔ Cloud Networking: Hyperscale data center interconnect (DCI)
✔ 5G Mobile Backhaul: Low-latency, high-throughput transport
✔ Carrier Ethernet Services (E-Line, E-LAN, E-Tree)

Next-Generation Successor: A9K-48X25GE-SE (Projected 2026 Release)

Evolutionary Improvements

Strategic Advantages of the Next-Gen Model

1. 25G & 100G Readiness: Supports 25G today, upgradable to 100G via breakout

2. AI-Driven Automation: Predictive traffic engineering & self-healing

3. Cloud-Native Architecture: Kubernetes-managed, microservices-based

4. Ultra-Low Latency: Critical for 5G, financial trading, and AI workloads

5. Sustainable Networking: 40% lower power per bit

Migration Recommendations

1. Current Deployments: A9K-36X10GE-SE remains strong for 10G networks

2. Future-Proofing: A9K-48X25GE-SE for 25G/100G migrations

3. Optical Considerations:

• Existing OM4 fiber supports 25G

• OS2 single-mode recommended for 100G/400G future-proofing

4. Financial Planning:

• 30% higher CAPEX but 50% lower OPEX over 5 years

• 3-year ROI through energy savings & operational efficiency

Conclusion

The A9K-36X10GE-SE remains a workhorse for 10G service provider networks, while the A9K-48X25GE-SE represents the next leap in carrier-grade routing, offering:

• 3.3x higher port density

• 4.4x switching capacity

• AI-driven automation

• Quantum-safe security

• 95% power efficiency

Alternative Title Concepts

1. "From 10G to 25G: Cisco’s Next-Gen Carrier Routing Evolution"

2. "The AI-Optimized Edge Router: 6.4Tbps for 5G & Cloud"

3. "Future-Ready Service Provider Networking: 25G & Beyond"

4. "Sustainable Hyperscale Routing: Where 25G Meets AI"