Cisco ASR 902 Router

The Cisco ASR 902 Router is a purpose-built aggregation platform engineered to deliver converged mobile and business services with exceptional efficiency. With a shallow depth and compact 2-rack-unit (RU) form factor, this edge-ready router is designed to fit into space-constrained data centers, enterprise closets, and service provider aggregation sites without sacrificing performance. It emphasizes low power consumption, a broad operating temperature range, and scalable service delivery, making it ideal for carriers, telecom operators, and large enterprises pursuing high-density WAN aggregation, mobile backhaul, and edge computing capabilities. The ASR 902 blends Cisco’s proven reliability with flexible deployment options, enabling operators to simplify network architectures while expanding service offerings. Whether you’re consolidating multiple services onto a single platform, extending your network edge closer to customers, or preparing for next-generation traffic patterns, the ASR 902 is built to deliver high service scale, resilient routing, and intelligent traffic management in a compact footprint.

• The ASR 902 is purpose-built for space-efficient deployments. Its shallow depth and 2RU chassis maximize rack utilization in data centers, remote sites, and service edge locations, letting operators scale service density without requiring expansive footprint. This design supports dense port configurations and modular upgrade paths, enabling a future-ready platform that grows with evolving network demands while maintaining a smaller physical footprint than traditional aggregation routers.
• Designed to deliver converged mobile and business services, the ASR 902 integrates routing, switching, and service-intelligent capabilities in a single platform. It can handle mobile backhaul, enterprise VPNs, video and voice traffic, and other multi-service blends with consistent performance. The router supports advanced QoS, security features, and traffic engineering that help prioritize latency-sensitive applications while ensuring reliability and predictable service levels for customers and users alike.
• Energy efficiency and environmental tolerance are core to the model. The ASR 902 emphasizes low power consumption to reduce operating costs and heat output, making it well-suited for data centers with tight power budgets and sites with limited cooling. An extended temperature range broadens deployment options, allowing the device to operate reliably in less controlled environments, including outdoor cabinets or remote facilities, where ambient conditions can vary significantly.
• Reliability and service continuity are built into the architecture. The platform is engineered to support high service scale through scalable routing and resilient software features, with a focus on hardware and software robustness. Features such as redundant components, fault-tolerant paths, and streamlined software management contribute to uptime, service quality, and maintenance efficiency—critical for operators delivering mission-critical connectivity and business-critical applications.
• Management, deployment flexibility, and integration with existing networks are emphasized. The router is designed for straightforward integration with Cisco’s management ecosystem and third-party orchestration tools, enabling centralized monitoring, configuration, and updates. Its modular approach supports diverse interface sets and software options, allowing operators to tailor the platform to specific role requirements—from edge aggregation to core-like regional hubs—without complicating the network stack.

Technical Details of Cisco ASR 902 Router

• Form factor: 2RU chassis with shallow depth, optimized for tight rack space and flexible deployment
• Power and efficiency: Engineered for low power consumption to reduce operational costs and cooling demands
• Operating environment: Extended temperature range to support challenging deployment sites
• Service capabilities: Aggregation platform designed for converged mobile and business services with scalable throughput and feature-rich routing
• Network interfaces: High-density, modular interface options that adapt to evolving service needs (configuration-dependent)
• Reliability: Support for redundant components and fault-tolerant design to maintain service continuity

How to install Cisco ASR 902 Router

• Plan your deployment by selecting a suitable rack location with adequate clearance for airflow and cabling. Ensure power availability and environmental controls meet the device’s operating requirements. Verify floor loading and rack stability, and prepare cable management strategies to keep ports accessible for maintenance and future expansion.
• Mount the router securely in a standard 19-inch rack. Align mounting holes, insert screws, and tighten to spec. Route cables with minimal bend radii, label connections for clarity, and verify that fans (if applicable) have unobstructed intake and exhaust paths to maintain cooling efficiency.
• Connect the power supply(s) and essential network interfaces according to your design. Confirm that redundant power paths (if configured) are correctly wired and that grounding practices meet electrical safety standards. Power on the device and monitor for any initial fault indicators during boot.
• Access the management interface or console to perform initial configuration. Apply baseline security policies, set admin credentials, and configure management IPs. Install any required software updates and patches, then validate that essential routing protocols and services come online as expected.
• Validate connectivity and performance with controlled traffic and real-world workloads. Test failover scenarios, QoS policies, and service-specific configurations to ensure that mobile backhaul, VPNs, and other converged services meet latency, jitter, and throughput targets in your environment.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What is the primary role of the Cisco ASR 902 Router?
  A: It serves as a compact, high-density aggregation platform designed to deliver converged mobile and business services at the network edge, offering scalable service delivery, efficient power use, and rugged operation for challenging deployment sites.
• Q: Where is the ASR 902 best deployed?
  A: It is well-suited for edge deployments, telecom and data-center aggregation, mobile backhaul, and other environments where space is at a premium but service scale remains a priority. Its shallow depth and 2RU form factor help fit into constrained racks while maintaining performance.
• Q: How does the ASR 902 handle service scalability?
  A: The platform is engineered to support high service density and flexible configurations, enabling operators to scale converged services—from routing and VPNs to QoS-enabled traffic management—without swapping hardware for larger platforms.
• Q: What about maintenance and management?
  A: Cisco’s management ecosystem typically provides centralized configuration, monitoring, and software update capabilities, helping operators simplify ongoing maintenance, enforce security policies, and streamline lifecycle management across distributed sites.