Cisco ASR 900 Combo 8-Port 10/100/1000 and 1-Port 10GE Interface Module

The Cisco ASR 900 Series Combo Ethernet Interface Module delivers unmatched flexibility and value for modern networks. This specific module combines eight auto-negotiating 10/100/1000 Ethernet ports with a single 10 Gigabit Ethernet uplink, enabling you to consolidate access-layer connectivity and high-speed backhaul in a compact, cost-efficient footprint. Built on a shared core across the ASR 900 family, it brings time stamping for Y.1731 operations, administration, and maintenance (OAM) delay measurement, giving network teams precise visibility into latency, jitter, and performance. Whether you manage a service provider edge, a distributed enterprise, or a data center edge, this interface module is designed to streamline deployment, simplify management, and harden your network against evolving traffic patterns.

• Eight 10/100/1000 Ethernet ports plus one 10GE uplink — This compact combo module provides broad access-layer connectivity with eight versatile 1G ports and a single high-speed 10GE uplink, enabling efficient distribution of devices at the network edge while maintaining a fast backbone connection to cores or data centers. The combination supports multiple service profiles, including voice, video, data, and IoT, without demanding separate cards for each function. This arrangement is ideal for branch offices, edge sites, and smaller data centers that require reliable 1G access alongside scalable 10G aggregation.
• Time stamping and Y.1731 OAM delay measurement — The module is designed with time stamping capabilities that support Y.1731 OAM operations, enabling accurate one-way and round-trip delay measurement. This feature is essential for SLA verification, performance analytics, and proactive fault isolation in networks that demand deterministic performance. By capturing precise timing data, operators can quantify latency, monitor jitter, and validate service quality across paths that traverse the edge and core within Cisco ecosystems.
• Common core across ASR 900 interface modules — Cisco standardizes the interface core across the ASR 900 Series, delivering consistent behavior, predictable performance, and simplified management. This commonality reduces the learning curve for network engineers and accelerates scale-out across multiple sites, ensuring uniform configuration practices, policy application, and telemetry across a broad footprint.
• Flexible deployment for service providers and enterprises — The 8x 1G ports with a 10GE uplink configuration supports diverse use cases, including edge aggregation, remote site connectivity, and multi-service delivery. With this combo module, operators can consolidate access devices and high-speed backhaul into a single card, reducing footprint and cabling while preserving the capacity to scale bandwidth as demand grows. Its modular nature makes it easier to adapt to evolving requirements without a full equipment refresh.
• Reliability, management, and network visibility — Built to operate in demanding environments, this module integrates with Cisco management platforms and monitoring tools to simplify maintenance and diagnostics. The inclusion of OAM-enabled timing and measurement helps network teams quickly pinpoint latency sources, verify service levels, and optimize performance through observability, fault detection, and proactive remediation.

Technical Details of Cisco ASR 900 Combo 8-Port 10/100/1000 and 1-Port 10GE Interface Module

• Port configuration — 8 x 10/100/1000BASE-T Ethernet ports plus 1 x 10 Gigabit Ethernet interface. This mixed-port design enables flexible access-layer connectivity with a high-speed uplink for efficient backhaul and core connectivity.
• Core capabilities — Common core across ASR 900 Series Ethernet interface modules with time stamping support for Y.1731 OAM delay measurement, enabling precise latency tracking and SLA-oriented performance monitoring.
• Operational role — Designed as a reusable, slot-in interface module for Cisco ASR 900 routers, supporting diverse deployment scenarios at the edge, in distribution networks, and in service-provider environments that require a balance of 1G access and 10GE uplink capacity.
• Performance characteristics — Delivers dependable Ethernet performance with latency-aware capabilities that facilitate SLA verification and end-to-end performance analysis. The integration of timing measurements helps ensure predictable behavior under varying traffic conditions.
• Compatibility and ecosystem — Part of the Cisco ASR 900 Series, designed to integrate with Cisco management tools, telemetry, and standard network management workflows, enabling cohesive operation within a broader Cisco-based network architecture.

how to install Cisco ASR 900 Combo 8-Port 10/100/1000 and 1-Port 10GE Interface Module

Installing this interface module should follow standard practices for Cisco ASR 900 chassis components. Begin with a careful readiness check and ensure you have the correct slot and software support. Steps are intended to be high-level and RAS-friendly, suitable for trained network technicians:

• Power down the router and disconnect any power sources to prevent damage during module handling. Follow all safety guidelines for your specific equipment.
• Identify the appropriate slot for the interface module in the Cisco ASR 900 chassis. Confirm compatibility with your model and software release, and review any release notes for module-specific prerequisites.
• Remove the filler panel from the target slot if needed, and align the module with the connector. Gently insert the module until it seats securely in place, applying even pressure to avoid bent pins.
• Reconnect power and boot the router. Monitor the chassis LEDs or management console to verify that the module is recognized and brought online as expected.
• Attach the eight 10/100/1000BASE-T cables to the corresponding ports and connect the 10GE uplink to your core or distribution network. Use appropriate cabling per port type (copper for 1G, any supported fiber options if applicable for the uplink) and route cables to maintain tidy, organized infrastructure.
• Enter your management interface (console, SSH, or GUI) to configure the new interfaces. Assign IP addresses or VLANs as required, and implement QoS, security policies, and service profiles appropriate for your network design.
• Enable Y.1731 OAM delay measurement and time-stamping configurations if you intend to monitor latency and SLA metrics. Verify that the monitoring tools are reporting accurate timing data and that any dashboards reflect real-time performance.
• Perform end-to-end connectivity tests, including basic link verification, throughput tests, and latency measurements. Validate that the 10GE uplink routes traffic correctly to the desired destinations and that 1G access ports service endpoints as expected.
• Document the installation, including slot location, port mappings, and any policy or QoS settings. Schedule regular health checks and maintain a baseline performance profile for ongoing monitoring.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What does this Cisco ASR 900 Combo module provide?

  A: It offers eight 1G Ethernet ports plus one 10GE uplink, designed for flexible edge access and high-speed backhaul within Cisco ASR 900 Series networks. It also supports time stamping and Y.1731 OAM delay measurements for precise performance visibility.

• Q: Is this module compatible with all Cisco ASR 900 models?

  A: The module is designed for Cisco ASR 900 Series routers. Always verify compatibility with your specific model, slot availability, and software version using Cisco’s compatibility matrices and release notes before purchasing or installing.

• Q: What networks benefit most from this module?

  A: Service provider edge deployments, distributed enterprise networks, and data-center edge environments where a combination of 1G access ports and a high-capacity 10GE uplink is advantageous. Real-time latency monitoring is particularly beneficial for SLA-driven services and QoS-intensive applications.

• Q: What is the advantage of Y.1731 OAM delay measurement?

  A: Y.1731 OAM delay measurement provides objective timing data for one-way and round-trip delays, enabling accurate SLA verification, latency troubleshooting, and proactive performance management across the network path.

• Q: How should I maintain and troubleshoot this module?

  A: Use Cisco management tools to monitor interface status, run diagnostics for OAM timing, and review latency measurements. If issues arise, verify cabling, slot seating, and software compatibility, and consult Cisco support resources for advanced diagnostics.