The Cisco A900-IMA48T-C is a high-density 48-Port T3/E3 Interface Module designed for the Cisco ASR 900 Series Aggregation Services Routers. This module enables service providers to deliver 48 ports of T3 or E3 connectivity, supporting the migration from legacy TDM and PDH networks to modern packet-based optical metro networks.
Key Features and Benefits
- Supports TDM and SONET/SDH migration to packet-based networks with cost-effective Circuit Emulation (CEM) and Carrier Ethernet capabilities over redundant MPLS/FlexLSP.
- Industry-leading carrier-class CEM technology for any-to-any connectivity using TDM, PDH, SONET/SDH, and Carrier Ethernet interfaces.
- High-density design provides 48 T3 or E3 ports, configurable per module as either T3 mode or E3 mode; mixing not supported.
- Clocking options include line or internal clock source; protocols configurable per interface for flexible deployment.
- Physical connectivity via single high-density connector, requiring external breakout cable and patch panel for DIN or HDBNC ports.
- Requires Fan-H for operation and is compatible with ASR 900 Series systems featuring RSP3.
- Supports Online Insertion and Removal (OIR) for higher system uptime.
- Part of comprehensive ASR 900 Series interface modules offering Ethernet from 10 Mbps to 100 Gbps, legacy interfaces from nxDS0 to OC-192/STM-64, and OTN wrapping.
Applications
Ideal for metro Carrier Ethernet aggregation, enabling Layer 2, Layer 3, IP, and MPLS transport for L2VPN, L3VPN, and Multicast services. Overcomes limitations of legacy PDH/SONET/SDH networks by providing unbounded scale with CEM and OTN over protected packet networks. Supports next-generation access with PWE3, H-QoS, IP/MPLS, and MPLS FlexLSP for sub-50ms resiliency.
Operational Efficiency
Integrated with Evolved Programmable Network Manager (EPN-M) for automated operations, fast provisioning, and proactive assurance. Comprehensive interfaces and protocols ensure versatility in access aggregation.






