The Cisco A9K-NVSAT1-LIC is the NV Host License for 1 nV Client, a feature license designed specifically for the Cisco ASR 9903 Compact High-Performance Router. Part of the Cisco ASR 9000 Series, this license enables advanced network visibility and satellite client support on the platform, allowing customers to leverage powerful monitoring and management capabilities in demanding network environments.
The Cisco ASR 9903 Router delivers up to 3.6 Tbps of nonblocking, full-duplex capacity in a compact Three-Rack-Unit (3RU) form factor. It uses the same Cisco IOS XR software image as other ASR 9000 Series routers, ensuring feature and service consistency across deployments. The router supports multiple port rates including 400 Gigabit Ethernet, 200 Gigabit Ethernet, 100 Gigabit Ethernet, 40 Gigabit Ethernet, 25 Gigabit Ethernet, and 10 Gigabit Ethernet, providing flexibility to mix and match interface types.
As a fully redundant, high-performance multi-purpose platform, the ASR 9903 is ideal for business PE, metro aggregation, cloud edge, Internet peering, Data Center Interconnect (DCI), mobile edge in 4G/5G networks, enterprise border routing, and peering with Internet service providers. Its compact size with 600 mm depth, front-to-back airflow, PTP Telecom profiles support, and varied port rates enhance efficiency and flexibility.
Power-Optimized Architecture and Service Scales
The ASR 9903 offers a power-optimized architecture with high-density multi-rate ports and super service scales, helping reduce Capital Expense (CapEx) and Operating Expense (OpEx) while delivering predictable, flexibly managed service infrastructure.
Chassis and Component Overview
The router supports two redundant Route Processors (RPs), two integrated switch fabrics, 4 AC or DC power supply modules, and 4 fans in redundant configuration. The fixed board includes 16 integrated QSFP28-based 100GE ports plus 20 integrated SFP+-based ports, with maximum 1.6T data bandwidth. Port combinations include 16x100GE, 15x100GE + 10x10GE, or 14x100GE + 20x10GE.
The Route Processor features a 64-bit Intel CPU, 32GB memory, and front-panel interfaces: console and auxiliary serial ports, two management Ethernet interfaces, Class A USB port, GPS interface (10MHz, 1PPS, ToD ports), and two BITS interfaces.
Optional Port Expansion Cards (PECs) enhance capacity: The A9903-20HG-PEC provides 20 physical ports with up to 2T bandwidth, including 5 QSFP-DD/QSFP28 ports (400GE/200GE/100GE, migratable to 400GE via license) and 15 QSFP28 100GE ports. The A9903-8HG-PEC offers 48 ports with 800G bandwidth, including 32 SFP28/SFP+ 25GE/10GE ports and 16 SFP+ 10GE ports.
All applicable transceivers from the ASR 9903 work across ASR 9000 Series modular chassis. QSFP-DD optics match QSFP28 mechanicals, supporting breakout to 25GE/10GE, 40GE, 100GE, 200GE, or 400GE for gradual migrations.
The platform is supported starting with Cisco IOS XR Software Release 7.1.25 and operates in service edge variant.
Key Features and Benefits
Advanced Capabilities
The ASR 9903 supports feature licenses like A9K-NVSAT1-LIC to activate specialized functions, including network visibility satellite hosting for up to 1 nV Client. Similar licenses scale to 5 or 20 clients. Other features include VRF activation, full-scale VRF, CGv6 transformation, 400G port enablement, MACSEC encryption at 10G/40G/100G, Lawful Intercept, Tunnel Protocols, and Advanced Mobile.
Transceivers are interchangeable across ASR 9000 Series, ensuring broad compatibility and future-proofing.