Cisco ASR 9000 Series is a carrier-class Cisco aggregation services router family designed for service provider edge, metro aggregation, core routing, high-scale Ethernet services, IP/MPLS networks, and large enterprise edge environments. Unlike branch-focused routers, Cisco ASR 9000 routers are usually selected when the network requires very high availability, dense interface capacity, IOS XR software, advanced routing services, and long-term scalability. This page helps buyers understand the Cisco ASR 9000 Series, review licensing and ordering requirements, and move to the related Cisco ASR 9000 part numbers for accurate quote planning.
Series Highlights
- Suitable for service provider edge, metro aggregation, core routing, and large-scale transport networks
- Supports IOS XR, IP/MPLS, Segment Routing, EVPN, L2VPN, L3VPN, QoS, and carrier-grade routing services
- Offers chassis, route processor, line card, fabric, optics, and power options depending on deployment size
- Requires careful review of software licensing, Smart Licensing, capacity, hardware compatibility, and support coverage
- Helps buyers prepare the correct SKU, license, module, renewal, or support request before ordering
Review Cisco ASR 9000 Price List and request a quote tailored to your licensing needs.
Cisco ASR 9000 At a glance
What it is : Cisco ASR 9000 Series is a high-scale aggregation services router family for carrier, service provider, metro, edge, and core routing environments.
Product family : Cisco Router ASR
Typical use : Service provider edge, metro Ethernet aggregation, MPLS core, Segment Routing, EVPN, L2VPN, L3VPN, peering, transport edge, and large-scale routing services.
License or ordering scope : Chassis model, route processor, line cards, fabric cards, IOS XR software, feature licensing, Smart Licensing, Flexible Consumption Model, support renewal, optics, and hardware modules.
Who needs it : Service providers, carriers, cloud operators, and large enterprises that need the correct Cisco ASR 9000 part number, license, module, renewal, or activation guidance.
Series Overview
Cisco ASR 9000 Series is built for networks where routing scale, uptime, interface density, and service flexibility are critical. It is commonly used in service provider backbones, metro aggregation networks, carrier Ethernet environments, large enterprise edges, cloud interconnect designs, and high-capacity transport architectures.
In a typical deployment, Cisco ASR 9000 can aggregate customer traffic, connect metro and core networks, support MPLS services, provide Layer 2 and Layer 3 VPN functions, and handle advanced routing requirements across large-scale infrastructures. It is also used in environments that require Segment Routing, EVPN, QoS, high availability, and operational consistency through IOS XR.
Because this platform is modular and carrier-grade, ordering is more detailed than selecting a single router SKU. The correct quote may involve chassis type, route switch processor, line cards, fabric capacity, optics, power supplies, software licensing, support coverage, and activation method. The practical value of this page is to help buyers move from a general product name to the correct Cisco ASR 9000 part number and licensing scope.
Licensing and Part Number Guidance
Choosing the correct part number for Cisco ASR 9000 depends on the exact chassis, IOS XR release, required services, hardware modules, port density, bandwidth target, redundancy design, software license model, and support term.
Some deployments may require feature licensing for routing services, VPN services, Ethernet services, Segment Routing, or advanced network functions. Other requests may focus on Smart Licensing, Flexible Consumption Model, software entitlement, support renewal, line card replacement, or expansion modules.
Hardware selection is also a major part of the ordering process. ASR 9000 deployments may include route switch processors, line cards, fabric cards, power supplies, fans, optics, and other field-replaceable components. The selected part number must match the chassis generation, software support, and service role. Before selecting a SKU, the current network design and technical requirement should be reviewed. This helps avoid ordering a license, module, or chassis item that does not match the installed platform or required routing service.
Common Use Cases
| Use case | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Service provider edge routing | Supports carrier-grade routing, customer aggregation, peering, and edge service delivery |
| Metro Ethernet aggregation | Aggregates high-volume Ethernet traffic across metro and regional networks |
| IP/MPLS and VPN services | Supports MPLS, L2VPN, L3VPN, and enterprise or provider VPN services |
| Segment Routing and EVPN | Enables modern transport, traffic engineering, and scalable service architectures |
| Core and transport expansion | Helps scale routing capacity, interface density, and network availability |
| Module, license, or renewal planning | Helps validate chassis, software, line card, licensing, and support requirements before ordering |
Models, Licenses, and Ordering Scope
| Area to check | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| Chassis model | Exact Cisco ASR 9000 chassis, slot capacity, generation, and deployment role |
| Route processor | Required RSP model, IOS XR support, redundancy, and performance requirement |
| Line cards | Port speed, interface type, Ethernet density, optics, and hardware compatibility |
| Service requirement | MPLS, EVPN, L2VPN, L3VPN, Segment Routing, QoS, multicast, or traffic engineering needs |
| License type | IOS XR feature license, Smart License, Flexible Consumption Model, support renewal, or software entitlement |
| Capacity requirement | Bandwidth, port density, subscriber or service scale, redundancy, and growth target |
| Support status | Existing coverage, renewal eligibility, software access, lifecycle status, or replacement path |
| Activation method | Smart License, SLP, Classic License review, PLR License, SLR License, or Cisco-supported workflow where applicable |
| Part number | Correct Cisco ASR 9000 hardware SKU, license item, module, optic, renewal, or support SKU |
What to Check Before Requesting a Quote
Before requesting a quote for Cisco ASR 9000, confirm the exact chassis model, IOS XR version, route processor, installed line cards, required port speeds, service features, license status, and support coverage. When reviewing options across the broader Cisco Router License category, you should define the ASR 9000 deployment role clearly. A service provider edge router, metro aggregation node, MPLS core router, EVPN platform, and transport expansion project may each require different hardware and licensing decisions.
For upgrade or expansion requests, the existing system inventory should be checked before ordering. This includes chassis generation, RSP compatibility, line card support, optics, power, software release, and current entitlement status. If the environment is restricted or compliance-controlled, PLR License or SLR License options should be reviewed only where supported by Cisco licensing policy and the selected software workflow.
Activation and Delivery Notes
After the correct Cisco ASR 9000 part number is selected, activation depends on the IOS XR release, license type, software entitlement, and deployment model. Some environments may use Smart Licensing or Smart Licensing Using Policy. Other requests may involve Flexible Consumption Model licensing, software entitlement review, support renewal, or product-specific Cisco licensing workflows.
For hardware delivery, compatibility should be checked before shipment. Route processors, line cards, fabric modules, optics, and power supplies must match the chassis and software release. For renewal, replacement, or expansion projects, the current license and support status should be reviewed first. This helps prevent delivery delays and ensures that the ordered SKU matches the real service provider or carrier-grade routing environment.
Cisco ASR 9000 pricing depends on your router series, license type, deployment model and support requirements.