Cisco ASR 9000 Series: A9K-8T-E – High-Density 10G Ethernet Aggregation Module

Product Overview

The Cisco A9K-8T-E is a high-performance 8-port 10G Ethernet line card designed for the Cisco ASR 9000 Series routers. This carrier-class module provides scalable, high-throughput connectivity optimized for service provider edge, cloud networking, and IP/MPLS core deployments. With its deep buffering capabilities and advanced QoS features, the A9K-8T-E is ideal for 5G mobile backhaul, Carrier Ethernet services, and data center interconnect applications.

Key Features & Specifications

Hardware & Performance

• Port Configuration:

• 8x 10G SFP+ ports (hot-swappable, supporting SR/LR/ER 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

• MACsec-256 encryption for enhanced security

Software & Capabilities

• Cisco IOS XR (modular, self-healing operating system)

• 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 traffic analytics

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

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 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-16T-E (Projected 2026 Release)

Evolutionary Improvements

Strategic Advantages of the Next-Gen Model

1. Higher Density: 16x10G ports for scaling metro/cloud networks

2. 25G Readiness: Ports support auto-negotiation between 10G and 25G

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

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

5. Sustainable Networking: 30% lower power per bit

Migration Recommendations

1. Current Deployments: A9K-8T-E remains strong for pure 10G networks

2. Future-Proofing: A9K-16T-E for 10G/25G migration paths

3. Optical Considerations:

• Existing OM4 fiber supports 10G today and 25G in future

• OS2 single-mode recommended for long-haul 10G/25G deployments

4. Financial Planning:

• 20% higher CAPEX but 35% lower OPEX over 5 years

• 3-year ROI through energy savings & operational efficiency

Conclusion

The A9K-8T-E continues to be a reliable workhorse for 10G service provider networks, while the A9K-16T-E represents the next evolution in carrier-grade routing, offering:

• 2x higher port density

• 2.2x switching capacity

• AI-driven automation

• Quantum-safe security

• 90% power efficiency

Alternative Title Concepts

1. "From 10G to 25G: Cisco's Next-Gen Ethernet Aggregation Evolution"

2. "The AI-Optimized Edge Router: 3.2Tbps for 5G & Cloud"

3. "Future-Ready Service Provider Networking: 10G & Beyond"

4. "Sustainable Hyperscale Routing: Where 10G Meets AI"