Description
Overview of the Cisco A9K-40GE-SE 40 Ports Expansion Module
The Cisco A9K-40GE-SE is a name that carries a great deal of significance. It’s an expansion module that belongs to the ASR 9000 Series, designed to enhance and optimize network services. This particular module is equipped with 40 ports of 10 Gigabit Ethernet, and it also features 1 expansion slot for further customization. The Cisco ASR 9000 Series is a line of routers that are widely recognized for their exceptional performance and scalability. These routers are designed for service providers, data centers, and enterprises that require high-speed and high-capacity networks. They are equipped to meet the demands of today’s data-intensive applications and services.
Key Features of Cisco A9K-40GE-SE
The Cisco A9K-40GE-SE expansion module boasts an array of features that make it a valuable addition to the ASR 9000 Series. Let’s explore its key attributes:
40 Ports of 10 Gigabit Ethernet
This expansion module offers a whopping 40 ports of 10 Gigabit Ethernet. This means it can support 40 devices or connections at 10 gigabits per second each, providing a total throughput of 400 gigabits per second. This level of bandwidth is crucial for modern networks that need to support high data transfer rates.
Service Edge Optimization
The “SE” in A9K-40GE-SE stands for Service Edge, signifying its suitability for edge networking. Edge networking is important because it brings network resources closer to the end-users, reducing latency and improving performance. The A9K-40GE-SE is optimized for such scenarios, making it an ideal choice for edge routers in service provider networks.
Expansion Slot
This module comes with a 1 X expansion slot, allowing for further customization. Users can add additional modules or cards to expand the router’s capabilities, making it adaptable to changing network requirements.
Small Form-Factor Pluggable Plus
The module includes 40 Small Form-Factor Pluggable Plus (SFP+) ports. SFP+ is a compact and hot-pluggable transceiver module commonly used for high-speed data communication. This ensures compatibility with various optical and copper interfaces.
Gigabit SFP Support
In addition to the 10 Gigabit Ethernet ports, the A9K-40GE-SE expansion module includes 16 Gigabit SFP (Small Form-Factor Pluggable) ports. This provides additional flexibility for connecting devices with lower bandwidth requirements.
Specifications of 10 Gigabit Ethernet Expansion Module
To understand the Cisco A9K-40GE-SE expansion module more comprehensively, it’s essential to delve into its technical specifications. Let’s break down the numbers and terminologies that describe this module:
- Port Density: As mentioned earlier, this module is equipped with 40 ports, offering 40 times the capacity for connecting devices or other network components.
- Ethernet Speed: All 40 ports support 10 Gigabit Ethernet, indicating that data can be transferred at a rate of 10 gigabits per second (Gbps) for each connected device.
- Expansion Slot: The presence of 1 expansion slot means you have room for additional modules or features to enhance the capabilities of the ASR 9000 Series router where this module is installed.
- SFP+ Ports: The 4 SFP+ ports are designed to accommodate Small Form-Factor Pluggable Plus modules, which are hot-swappable and versatile in terms of optical and copper connectivity.
- Gigabit SFP Ports: In addition to the SFP+ ports, this module offers 16 Gigabit SFP ports. These are designed for devices that require a Gigabit Ethernet connection, providing flexibility for various network scenarios.
- Compatibility: The Cisco A9K-40GE-SE is designed specifically for the ASR 9000 Series routers, ensuring seamless integration and optimal performance within this product family.
Benefits of Cisco A9K-40GE-SE
Now that we have a comprehensive understanding of the Cisco A9K-40GE-SE expansion module’s features and specifications, it’s important to highlight the benefits of using this module in your network infrastructure.
High Port Density
The 40 ports of 10 Gigabit Ethernet and 16 Gigabit SFP ports provide an exceptional level of port density. This means you can connect a large number of devices and services without compromising on network speed or performance.
Service Edge Optimization
The service edge optimization of the A9K-40GE-SE is particularly important for scenarios where low latency is crucial, such as in service provider networks and data centers. This optimization ensures that critical applications and services run smoothly without delays.
Scalability
The presence of an expansion slot and the ability to use SFP+ transceivers for 10 Gigabit Ethernet ports make this module highly scalable. You can adapt your network infrastructure to changing requirements and growth by adding more modules or cards.
Compatibility with ASR 9000 Series
The A9K-40GE-SE is specifically designed for ASR 9000 Series routers. This ensures seamless integration and compatibility, reducing the risk of technical issues and streamlining network management.
Network Management Capabilities
The module supports advanced network management features, which allow network administrators to monitor, diagnose, and optimize the performance of their network. This is crucial for maintaining a reliable and efficient network infrastructure.
Versatility
The inclusion of 10 Gigabit Ethernet and Gigabit SFP ports makes this module versatile, accommodating a wide range of network devices and services. Whether you need high-speed connections or have devices with lower bandwidth requirements, the A9K-40GE-SE can handle it.
Reliability
Cisco is a well-known name in the networking industry, and its products are known for their reliability and quality. By choosing the A9K-40GE-SE, you’re investing in a trusted brand and a product designed for long-term performance.
Potential Applications
The Cisco A9K-40GE-SE expansion module can find applications in various networking scenarios, thanks to its versatile features and capabilities. Let’s explore some potential use cases:
- Data Centers: Data centers often require high-speed, high-density connections to support the vast amount of data being processed and stored. The A9K-40GE-SE is an excellent fit for data centers, where its 40 ports of 10 Gigabit Ethernet can handle the demands of large-scale data processing. Data centers are the backbone of modern digital services. They require massive data throughput and low latency to handle the data processing needs of numerous businesses and organizations. The A9K-40GE-SE can play a vital role in enhancing the network infrastructure within data centers, ensuring fast and reliable connectivity.
- Service Providers: Telecommunication service providers can benefit from this module by using it in their edge routers. The high port density and customizable expansion slots can help optimize their service delivery and network performance. Service providers often need to deliver high-speed internet and other services to a large number of customers. The A9K-40GE-SE is well-suited for this purpose, with its high port density and optimized service edge capabilities. It can handle the demands of a busy service provider network efficiently.
- Enterprise Networks: Large enterprises with extensive networking requirements can make use of the A9K-40GE-SE to streamline their network infrastructure. The customizable expansion slot allows for tailored solutions to meet specific needs. Large enterprises with complex networking requirements can also benefit from the Cisco A9K-40GE-SE expansion module. It allows them to handle a significant number of connections and devices while maintaining high-speed data transfer rates. This is especially important for organizations that rely on cloud-based services and applications.
- Education Institutions: Educational institutions, especially those with a high volume of students and staff accessing the network, can benefit from the scalability and reliability of this module. It can ensure seamless connectivity for online learning, administrative tasks, and more.
- Healthcare Facilities: Healthcare facilities, including hospitals and clinics, rely on network connectivity for patient records, telemedicine, and various medical equipment. The A9K-40GE-SE can support the critical data transmission required in these settings.
- Content Delivery Networks (CDNs): CDNs that serve media streaming and content delivery to a global audience can leverage the high-speed capabilities of this module to ensure smooth and uninterrupted content delivery.
- Financial Institutions: Banks and financial institutions often deal with large volumes of financial transactions and sensitive data. The A9K-40GE-SE’s reliability and high-speed connectivity can support secure and efficient operations.
- Research Institutions: Research facilities that rely on high-performance computing and data analysis can utilize this module to facilitate data transfer and communication among research teams and equipment.
- Government Organizations: Government agencies handling critical information and services can enhance their network infrastructure with the Cisco A9K-40GE-SE to ensure reliable and secure data transfer.
- Internet Service Providers (ISPs): ISPs can use this expansion module in their core network infrastructure to manage and provide high-speed internet services to customers.
General Information about this Cisco A9K-40GE-SE
- Manufacturer: Cisco
- Part Number or SKU# A9K-40GE-SE
- Product Type: Expansion Module
Technical Information of the 10 Gigabit Ethernet Expansion Module
- Form Factor: Plug-in Module
- Ports: 4 x 10 Gigabit SFP+ and 16 x Gigabit SFP
- Data Link Protocols: Gigabit Ethernet, 10 Gigabit Ethernet
- Compliance Standards: IEEE 802.3, IEEE 802.3x, IEEE 802.3ah, IEEE 802.1ag, ITU-T Y.1731
- Connectivity Technology: Wired
- Data Link Protocols: Gigabit Ethernet, 10 Gigabit Ethernet
- Remote Management Protocol: CLI (Command Line Interface)
- Interfaces: 4 x SFP+ and 12 x SFP (mini-GBIC)
In summary, the Cisco A9K-40GE-SE 40 Ports Service Edge Optimized 10 Gigabit Ethernet ASR 9000 Series Expansion Module is a powerful and versatile networking component that can significantly enhance network performance and connectivity. With its high port density, customization options, and support for various types of connections, it finds applications in diverse industries and network environments.






