Cisco ASR 9000 Series: A9K-36X10GE-TR – High-Density 10G Ethernet Module

Jun 11 , 2025 519

TL;DR: Product OverviewThe Cisco A9K-36X10GE-TR is a high-density 36-port 10 Gigabit Ethernet module designed for the ASR 9000 series routers. This 1RU module provides exceptional port density for service provider aggregation and enterprise core networking applications.

Cisco ASR 9000 Series: A9K-36X10GE-TR – High-Density 10G Ethernet Module

Product Overview
The Cisco A9K-36X10GE-TR is a high-density 36-port 10 Gigabit Ethernet module designed for the ASR 9000 series routers. This 1RU module provides exceptional port density for service provider aggregation and enterprise core networking applications.

Key Features & Specifications

• Port Configuration: 36x 10G SFP+ interfaces

• Forwarding Capacity: 360Gbps full duplex

• Protocol Support: IPv4/IPv6, MPLS, VPLS, L2VPN, L3VPN

• Encryption: Optional MACsec (software-based)

• Power Consumption: 180W (typical)

• Latency: <10μs in cut-through mode

• Compatibility: ASR 9904/9906/9910/9912/9922 chassis

• Hot-Swappable: Yes

Use Cases
✔ Service Provider Edge: High-density subscriber aggregation
✔ Mobile Backhaul: 4G/5G cell site termination
✔ Enterprise Core: Campus network backbone
✔ Video Distribution: IPTV and multicast streaming

Next-Generation Successor: A9K-36X25GE-SE

Evolutionary Improvements

Strategic Advantages of Next-Gen Model

1. 25G Readiness: Supports next-generation interface speeds

2. Enhanced Performance: Lower latency and higher throughput

3. Operational Efficiency: Improved power per port

4. Advanced Security: Hardware-accelerated encryption

Migration Recommendations

1. New Deployments: Standardize on A9K-36X25GE-SE for future needs

2. Existing Installations: Plan upgrade during hardware refresh cycles

3. Performance-Sensitive Apps: Prioritize -SE for latency-critical traffic

Conclusion
The A9K-36X10GE-TR continues to serve as a reliable high-density 10G solution, while the A9K-36X25GE-SE delivers:

• 2.5x greater port capacity

• Hardware-based security

• Significant latency improvements

• Better power efficiency

Alternative Title Option
"Cisco's High-Density Ethernet Evolution: From 10G to 25G Port Modules"

FAQ

Q: What is evolutionary Improvements?

A: Strategic Advantages of Next-Gen Model 25G Readiness: Supports next-generation interface speeds Enhanced Performance: Lower latency and higher throughput

Q: What is strategic Advantages of Next-Gen Model?

A: 25G Readiness: Supports next-generation interface speeds Enhanced Performance: Lower latency and higher throughput Operational Efficiency: Improved power per port