Cisco ASR1002-HX Router

The Cisco ASR1002-HX Router is a high-performance, enterprise-grade aggregation services router designed to unify multiple WAN connections, accelerate secure traffic, and deliver service-rich edge functionality. It scales from 2.5 Gbps to 200 Gbps line speeds, enabling rapid growth without overhauling the network. Built for reliability, security, and intelligent management, this router combines hardware and software redundancy with advanced encryption, traffic management, and service insertion capabilities. It is ideal for large enterprises, data centers, and service providers who demand linear scalability, resilient uptime, and precise control over how traffic is steered across diverse WAN paths.

• High-performance WAN aggregation — The ASR1002-HX brings together diverse WAN connections into a single, scalable fabric. With support for high-density 10/40/100 GbE line cards and scalable interface options, it sustains aggregate throughput up to 200 Gbps while maintaining line-rate performance for mixed traffic mixes, including real-time applications like voice and video. Its architecture optimizes traffic distribution, reducing bottlenecks and enabling faster time-to-value for multisite, cloud-enabled networks. This makes it an ideal backbone for enterprise branches, campuses, and service-provider edge deployments seeking predictable, consistent performance.
• Robust reliability and high availability — Engineered for mission-critical operations, the ASR1002-HX features redundant power supplies and hot-swappable components, along with stabilized control planes and non-stop forwarding. In the event of hardware faults or maintenance, failover occurs with minimal disruption, preserving active sessions and service continuity. This resilience is essential for organizations that require zero-downtime maintenance windows, 24/7 connectivity, and dependable uptime for business-critical applications, disaster recovery pipelines, and 24x7 operations centers.
• Security at line rate with encrypted transport — Security is built into the platform with hardware-accelerated cryptographic engines that enable IPsec, TLS, and other encryption methods without sacrificing throughput. The router supports VPNs, policy-based encryption, and secure management, ensuring data remains protected across multiple WAN links. Combined with access controls, anomaly detection, and secure boot capabilities, the ASR1002-HX provides a hardened edge that defends against evolving threats while maintaining high performance for encrypted traffic.
• Application-aware services and routing intelligence — Beyond simple routing, this platform excels at service insertion, QoS, traffic shaping, MPLS, NAT, and IPv6 support. You can implement enterprise-grade firewall features, granular ACLs, and VPN policies to control traffic flow precisely where it matters. Real-time telemetry, NetFlow, IP SLA, and performance-monitoring capabilities help IT teams observe behavior, tune performance, and quickly diagnose issues—keeping critical applications on track and end-user experiences smooth across the WAN.
• Manageability, visibility, and scalable deployment — Running Cisco IOS XE, the ASR1002-HX benefits from familiar CLI, REST APIs, and secure remote management. The platform supports in-service software upgrades, configuration backups, and centralized management through Cisco’s ecosystem, enabling scalable rollout across many sites and automated provisioning. Telemetry and monitoring tools deliver proactive insights, while role-based access and auditing simplify governance. This combination reduces time-to-value for new services and accelerates modernization efforts without compromising reliability.

Technical Details of Cisco ASR1002-HX Router

• Throughput: Up to 2.5–200 Gbps of aggregate WAN performance, designed to scale with traffic and services as business needs grow.
• Interfaces: High-density, modular port support with 10/40/100 GbE line cards for flexible WAN connectivity and immediate deployment across diverse environments.
• Security and encryption: Hardware-accelerated crypto engines enable IPsec, TLS, and other encryption at line rate; supports VPNs and policy-based security features.
• Redundancy and availability: Hot-swappable power supplies and fans; redundant control planes; non-stop forwarding; designed for carrier-class reliability and business continuity.
• Management and deployment: Cisco IOS XE with CLI, secure REST APIs, and standard network management protocols for monitoring and control; supports in-service upgrades and comprehensive telemetry.

How to install Cisco ASR1002-HX Router

• Step 1 — Plan and rack: Confirm available rack space, cooling capacity, electrical provisions, and compatibility with existing topology. Verify chassis and power configurations, prepare a maintenance window, and ensure you have the appropriate line cards and cables for your WAN mix.
• Step 2 — Unpack, inspect, and assemble: Remove packaging, inspect for transit damage, install any modular line cards, attach redundant power supplies, and connect management interfaces (console and optional out-of-band access).
• Step 3 — Basic bootstrap: Connect to the console, set device identity, configure initial security credentials, and enable essential services such as routing, basic management, and SNMP or telemetry collectors. Establish a management IP address for remote access.
• Step 4 — Configure WAN and services: Define interface addresses, implement routing protocols, configure MPLS VPNs if needed, apply QoS policies, set up VPNs and encryption policies, and define path redundancy to ensure failover across WAN links.
• Step 5 — Validation and hardening: Verify connectivity across all WAN interfaces, perform throughput tests to confirm line-rate performance, enable telemetry, and implement security hardening with access controls, firewall rules, and secure management practices. Save configurations and document the deployment for future upgrades.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What is the maximum throughput of the Cisco ASR1002-HX Router? A: The router delivers aggregate line-rate performance from 2.5 Gbps up to 200 Gbps, dependent on the chosen line cards and configuration, enabling scalable WAN throughput for growing networks.
• Q: Does the ASR1002-HX support encryption? A: Yes. It includes hardware-accelerated cryptographic engines for IPsec, TLS, and other encryption methods, ensuring secure data transport across diverse WAN paths.
• Q: What redundancy features does it offer? A: It provides hot-swappable power supplies and fans, redundant control planes, and non-stop forwarding to minimize downtime and maintain service continuity in demanding environments.
• Q: Which management options are available? A: Cisco IOS XE powers the device with a CLI, secure REST APIs, and standard management protocols, complemented by telemetry and monitoring tools for visibility and automation.
• Q: Is it suitable for both enterprise and service-provider deployments? A: Yes. The ASR1002-HX is designed to meet the needs of large enterprises, data centers, and service providers seeking scalable WAN aggregation, advanced security, and flexible service insertion at the network edge.