The Cisco S-A9K-TUNNEL-ENT is an ASR 9K Smart License RTU (Right-To-Use) License specifically designed for Tunnel Protocols on the Cisco ASR 9000 Series Aggregation Services Routers. This license unlocks advanced tunneling capabilities essential for Carrier Ethernet transport networks, including Layer 2 VPN (L2VPN), Layer 3 VPN (L3VPN), and other tunnel-based services on platforms like the compact Cisco ASR 9901 Router.
Product Overview
Part of the Cisco ASR 9000 Series, the Cisco ASR 9901 Router is a high-capacity Provider Edge (PE) router delivering 456 Gbps of nonblocking, full-duplex fabric capacity in a 2RU form factor. Powered by the Cisco IOS XR 64-bit operating system, it standardizes features across the series for consistent deployment. The S-A9K-TUNNEL-ENT license enhances this platform with tunnel protocol support, enabling large-scale aggregation, Data Center Interconnect (DCI), and Satellite Network Virtualization (nV) in System mode.
The router features an Integrated Route Switch Processor (RSP) and 42 integrated ports supporting 1/10/100GE speeds, GPS input for stratum-1 clocking, BITS ports, and management ports. It sets standards for Layer 2 and Layer 3 10GE/1GE service density, with industry-leading MAC-SEC encryption across all port speeds. Operators can deploy this chassis for Layer 2, Layer 3, DCI, or aggregation, reducing CapEx and OpEx while accelerating service deployment.
Key Features and Benefits
Supported Applications and Services
Cisco ASR 9000 Series supports Carrier Ethernet applications including business services such as Layer 2 and Layer 3 VPN (L2VPN and L3VPN), mobile backhaul transport networks, and Broadband Network Gateway (BNG). Features include Ethernet Services; L2VPN; IPv4, IPv6, and L3VPN; Layer 2 and Layer 3 multicast; Synchronous Ethernet (SyncE), Ethernet Operations, Administration, and Maintenance (EOAM) and MPLS OAM; Layer 2 and Layer 3 Access Control Lists (ACLs); Hierarchical Quality of Service (HQoS); MPLS Traffic Engineering Fast Reroute (MPLS TE-FRR); Multichassis Link Aggregation (MC-LAG); Integrated Routing and Bridging (IRB); Cisco Nonstop Forwarding (NSF) and Nonstop Routing (NSR). Advanced features include Segment Routing, EVPN, Programmability, Telemetry, and enhancements in IOS-XR 64 Bit Operating System.
The S-A9K-TUNNEL-ENT license specifically enables Tunnel Protocols, integral to these VPN and transport services, ensuring versatile deployment in aggregation, DCI, and virtualization scenarios.
Deployment Flexibility
The ASR 9901 is available through Flexible Consumption Model (FCM) or Traditional Business Model, with pay-as-you-grow options. It supports optional feature licenses like S-A9K-TUNNEL-ENT for tailored functionality. The system emphasizes high availability with redundancy in power supplies and fans, distributed architecture, and self-healing IOS XR OS for always-on operation.
Cisco IOS XR 64-bit provides innovative self-healing and distributed operations designed for carrier-class reliability. Programmability and telemetry further enhance service assurance and automation.