Cisco Route Processor 2

CiscoSKU: 10028370

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Sale price$43,102.06

Description

Cisco Route Processor 2

Meet the Cisco Route Processor 2 (RP2), the high-performance backbone for the Cisco ASR 1000 Series Aggregation Services Routers. Engineered to meet carrier-grade IP and Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) demands, RP2 delivers robust route processing that scales with growing traffic, services, and complexity. Designed to handle dense IP/MPLS networks, IPv4 and IPv6 transit, and advanced service chaining, RP2 provides the reliability and convergence speed operator teams rely on for modern edge deployments. This route processor is built to maximize throughput while minimizing latency, ensuring that service providers and large enterprises can deliver high-quality, low-latency experiences to their customers and users.

RP2 is more than an upgrade—it’s a strategic enabler for scalable, resilient networks. By consolidating control-plane operations into a purpose-built, redundant architecture, RP2 reduces congestion on data planes and streamlines route computation across vast topologies. In deployments where MPLS-enabled VPNs, traffic engineering, and quality-of-service (QoS) require precise coordination, RP2 stands out as the engine that maintains predictability under heavy load. Its design supports rapid convergence during topology changes, enabling carriers to recover quickly from link or node failures and maintain uninterrupted service levels for mission-critical applications.

In the context of the Cisco ASR 1000 Series, RP2 integrates tightly with other components to deliver a cohesive, feature-rich experience. Operators benefit from seamless interoperability with Cisco IOS XE, supporting modern automation, telemetry, and management frameworks. Robust security features safeguard control-plane integrity, while advanced service features—such as MPLS, VPNs, and QoS—empower operators to tailor traffic handling precisely to their service plans. The RP2 platform also emphasizes reliability and availability, offering hot-swappable support and redundancy options that fit service-level agreements and operational practices in data centers, regional hubs, and internet exchange points.

Performance, reliability, and manageability are the three pillars of RP2. Its architecture emphasizes efficient route computation, fast reboot times, and predictable behavior under peak loads. For operators pursuing network telematics, analytics, and proactive maintenance, RP2’s integration with Cisco management ecosystems provides visibility into performance metrics, fault domains, and capacity planning insights. In short, the Cisco Route Processor 2 is designed to future-proof networks, enabling carriers and enterprises to deploy richer services, more scalable networks, and higher levels of service assurance with confidence.

From a total-cost-of-ownership perspective, RP2 helps organizations maximize equipment utilization while reducing operational risk. The module’s compact form factor and compatibility with the ASR 1000 chassis simplify upgrades and expansions without wholesale changes to the data plane. By increasing the efficiency of control-plane tasks, RP2 can reduce power consumption per routed packet and help data centers meet sustainability targets. For teams migrating from older route processors, RP2 offers a clear upgrade path that preserves existing policies and service definitions while unlocking enhanced performance and new capabilities.

  • High-performance route processing for carrier-grade IP and MPLS networks, delivering fast convergence and low-latency packet handling.
  • Enhanced reliability and availability through hot-swappable RP2 modules and robust redundancy options designed for uninterrupted service.
  • Scalability to support large-scale deployments within the Cisco ASR 1000 Series, enabling growth in traffic, VPNs, and advanced services.
  • Advanced feature support for QoS, MPLS, VPNs, and security, enabling complex service chains and fine-grained traffic management.
  • Integrated with Cisco IOS XE and modern management tools for easier automation, telemetry, and centralized control across the network.

Technical Details of Cisco Route Processor 2

  • Architecture: RP2 module designed for carrier-grade route processing within the Cisco ASR 1000 Series, optimized for IP/MPLS workloads.
  • Redundancy and Availability: Supports hot-swappable operation and redundant configurations to maximize uptime and service continuity.
  • Protocol and Feature Support: Includes support for IPv4/IPv6, MPLS, QoS, VPNs, and related service capabilities within Cisco IOS XE environments.
  • Management and Compatibility: Integrates with Cisco management and telemetry tools, enabling monitoring, automation, and policy-driven networking.
  • Specifications: Detailed technical numbers (throughput, memory, power, dimensions) vary by chassis and deployment; consult official Cisco specifications for exact values.

How to install Cisco Route Processor 2

Installing the Cisco Route Processor 2 is a structured process that should be performed by qualified network personnel following your organization’s change-management procedures. Before you begin, ensure you have the correct RP2 module for your ASR 1000 chassis and that you have access to the maintenance window requested by your service-level agreements. Power down the router and disconnect power sources to prevent electrical hazards. Ground yourself to avoid static discharge that could damage sensitive electronics.

Identify the Route Processor slot designated for RP2 in your Cisco ASR 1000 system. If you are replacing an existing RP module, carefully remove the old processor, keeping any guidance labels or alignment markers for reference. Align the RP2 with the module rail, ensuring the connector interface engages smoothly. Slide the RP2 into the slot with steady, even pressure until it seats securely. Reconnect any cabling that interfaces with the RP2, ensuring connectors are fully seated to avoid intermittent faults. Replace the chassis cover and restore power. Once powered, monitor the system startup sequence and verify that the RP2 is recognized by the supervisor/controller module.

With the system back online, verify RP2 status through the management interface and the router’s operational commands. Check that the route processor is in a healthy state, that its resources are available, and that the platform recognizes the expected capabilities (IPv4/IPv6, MPLS, QoS modules, VPN features). Validate high-availability configurations if you are using redundant RP2 modules, ensuring failover paths are correctly configured and tested. Perform a basic traffic test to confirm routing plane readiness and ensure that traffic flows as expected through the ASR 1000 series. Document the installation for future maintenance and provide a rollback plan in case post-install issues arise.

For best results, perform installation during a maintenance window, coordinate with network operations staff, and follow Cisco’s deployment guides. Consider updating related firmware or IOS XE versions to ensure compatibility with RP2 features and related service modules. Finally, confirm that monitoring, logging, and alerting are properly configured to deliver proactive visibility into RP2 performance, health, and capacity, enabling rapid fault detection and remediation.

Frequently asked questions

  • Q: What is the Cisco Route Processor 2 and what role does it play in the ASR 1000 series?
    A: The Cisco Route Processor 2 (RP2) is the second-generation route processor designed to handle control-plane tasks, route computations, and service orchestration for the Cisco ASR 1000 Series. It enhances IP/MPLS performance, convergence speed, and reliability, enabling scalable, carrier-grade networking with advanced services such as VPNs, QoS, and MPLS.
  • Q: How does RP2 improve network reliability and uptime?
    A: RP2 supports redundant, hot-swappable configurations and optimized control-plane processing, reducing the risk of congestion and single points of failure. In conjunction with ASR 1000 chassis, it provides fast failover, stable management, and predictable operation under load, which is crucial for service-provider environments and enterprise edge deployments.
  • Q: Is RP2 compatible with all Cisco ASR 1000 routers?
    A: RP2 is designed to work with specific ASR 1000 chassis configurations and supervisor arrangements. Compatibility depends on your router model, chassis, and IOS XE version. Always refer to Cisco’s official compatibility matrices and installation guides to ensure correct pairing and firmware alignment.
  • Q: What deployment considerations should I plan for when upgrading to RP2?
    A: Plan for a maintenance window, ensure power redundancy, verify hardware compatibility, and coordinate with your network operations team. Review software prerequisites, backup current configurations, and prepare a rollback plan. Consider potential QoS policy refinements, MPLS label handling, and VPN configurations to align with RP2 capabilities.
  • Q: How can I verify RP2 installation and health after deployment?
    A: Use the management interface and router commands to confirm RP2 appears in healthy state, resources are allocated, and no fault registers are active. Validate throughput and convergence with targeted test traffic, review logs for warnings, and confirm that critical services (MPLS, VPNs, QoS) operate as expected. Continuous monitoring with Cisco telemetry will help maintain ongoing health.

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