A901-4C-FT-D Cisco ASR 901 PAYG 4 GE Port TDM Router

Overview of the Cisco ASR 901 Series Router

The Cisco ASR 901 Series Aggregation Services Router offers a robust and scalable solution for modern network infrastructures. Designed for high-performance environments, this router provides reliable connectivity and streamlined network management for service providers and enterprises alike

Manufacturer Details

• Manufacturer: Cisco Systems, Inc.
• Brand: Cisco
• Model Number: A901-4C-FT-D

Product Specifications

• Series: ASR 901
• Product Type: Router
• Product Name: ASR 901 Series Aggregation Services Router Chassis

Interface and Port Details

• Total Number of Ports: 8
• Management Port: Yes
• Powerline Integration: No

Media and Performance Specifications

• Carrier Type: T-carrier/E-carrier

I/O Expansion Capabilities

• Expansion Slots: 8 total slots available

Networking and Communication Features

• Network Technology: 10/100/1000Base-T
• Ethernet Technology: Gigabit Ethernet

Power and Redundancy

• PoE (RJ-45) Port: Not supported
• Redundant Power Supply: Supported

Environmental Considerations

• Eco-Friendly: Yes
• Environmental Certification: RoHS compliant

Compatibility

The ASR 901 Series Router is compatible with a wide array of networking equipment and service provider infrastructures. Its flexible interface options and standard networking protocols allow it to integrate effortlessly with existing systems, ensuring smooth deployment in diverse environments.

• Works seamlessly with Cisco service provider networks and enterprise setups
• Supports integration with Gigabit Ethernet and T/E-carrier systems
• Compatible with multiple I/O modules and expansion cards
• Fully interoperable with standard network management protocols

The Cisco A901-4C-FT-D ASR 901 PAYG 4 GE Port TDM Router

The Cisco A901-4C-FT-D ASR 901 PAYG 4 GE Port TDM Router is a high-performance networking solution designed for service providers and enterprise networks requiring reliable, scalable, and efficient connectivity. This router belongs to the Cisco ASR 900 Series, known for its flexibility, modularity, and exceptional throughput capabilities. With a pay-as-you-go (PAYG) model, it provides operators with the ability to scale resources based on real-time demand, making it a cost-effective choice for dynamic network environments.

The router features four Gigabit Ethernet (GE) ports alongside Time-Division Multiplexing (TDM) support, enabling seamless integration with legacy telecommunication systems while maintaining high-speed data transfer for modern IP networks. Its architecture ensures low latency, high reliability, and end-to-end network performance, which is critical for supporting mission-critical applications, VoIP services, and real-time data traffic.

Key Features of Cisco A901-4C-FT-D ASR 901

One of the defining characteristics of the Cisco A901-4C-FT-D is its modular design. Each router module can be configured with multiple interface types, allowing businesses to customize their network according to specific connectivity requirements. This flexibility simplifies network upgrades and expansions without the need for complete hardware replacements.

In addition to modularity, the ASR 901 router supports high availability features, including redundant power supplies, route processors, and advanced failover mechanisms. These features minimize downtime and ensure continuous network operation, which is crucial for service providers offering 24/7 services. The router also incorporates robust security protocols, such as built-in encryption, firewall support, and secure access policies to protect sensitive enterprise and service provider data.

Advanced Networking Capabilities

The Cisco A901-4C-FT-D excels in supporting multi-service network environments. Its TDM and GE port combination allows for integration of legacy TDM circuits with modern Ethernet-based infrastructure, providing a seamless transition path for networks upgrading from older technologies. The router is also optimized for Voice over IP (VoIP) and multimedia services, offering quality of service (QoS) features that prioritize voice and video traffic to prevent latency or jitter.

Furthermore, the router supports IPv4 and IPv6 routing protocols, ensuring compatibility with the latest Internet standards. Advanced routing capabilities such as BGP, OSPF, and MPLS make the ASR 901 ideal for enterprise WAN networks, data centers, and metropolitan area networks (MANs). Its traffic management features allow operators to monitor network performance, optimize bandwidth usage, and enforce policies that maintain high service quality.

Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG) Model Benefits

The PAYG licensing model offered with the Cisco A901-4C-FT-D allows operators to manage network costs efficiently. Instead of paying for full-scale capabilities upfront, organizations can enable specific features based on usage and operational needs. This approach reduces initial capital expenditure, supports agile deployment strategies, and simplifies budgeting for service providers scaling their operations.

Additionally, the PAYG model provides flexibility for seasonal or variable network demands. Businesses experiencing fluctuating network loads can activate additional capacity temporarily, ensuring that the network can handle peak traffic without permanent over-provisioning. This scalability is particularly advantageous for cloud service providers, mobile backhaul operators, and enterprises with multiple remote sites.

High-Performance Hardware

The hardware design of the Cisco A901-4C-FT-D ASR 901 router emphasizes both performance and reliability. It is built with high-speed processors capable of handling multiple simultaneous data streams without degradation in service quality. The four GE ports support fast data throughput, while TDM interfaces allow for efficient integration with older telecommunications infrastructure.

Redundant components, including dual power supplies and hot-swappable modules, enhance the router’s resilience against hardware failures. This ensures uninterrupted network operation, which is critical for mission-critical applications such as financial transactions, emergency communications, and enterprise-wide cloud services. Its compact form factor also makes it suitable for deployment in space-constrained network environments without compromising performance.

Deployment Scenarios and Use Cases

The Cisco A901-4C-FT-D is suitable for a wide range of deployment scenarios, from small enterprise branch offices to large-scale service provider networks. In enterprise networks, it can function as a core router, aggregating traffic from multiple access points and distributing it efficiently to internal or cloud-based resources. Its TDM capabilities make it ideal for organizations that still rely on legacy telephony systems.

For service providers, the ASR 901 router serves as a cost-effective, high-performance solution for metropolitan area networks, mobile backhaul, and broadband aggregation. Its ability to manage mixed traffic types, including data, voice, and video, ensures consistent service quality across diverse customer bases. Network operators can leverage the router’s modularity to upgrade capacity incrementally, avoiding expensive hardware replacements while expanding network reach.

Enhanced Security

Security is a top priority in modern networking, and the Cisco A901-4C-FT-D addresses this through multiple layers of protection. It supports secure management protocols such as SSH, SNMPv3, and RADIUS authentication, enabling safe remote administration. Integrated firewall features and IPsec encryption provide protection against unauthorized access and data breaches.

The router also supports advanced monitoring and management tools, allowing administrators to track network performance, configure QoS policies, and troubleshoot issues in real-time. Cisco’s management platform simplifies configuration and reduces operational complexity, making it easier for IT teams to maintain optimal network performance without extensive manual intervention.

Scalability and Future-Proofing

One of the key advantages of the Cisco A901-4C-FT-D ASR 901 router is its ability to scale as network requirements grow. Organizations can start with a basic configuration and expand functionality over time by adding additional modules, interfaces, or enabling PAYG features. This ensures that the investment remains relevant and capable of supporting emerging technologies and increasing data traffic demands.

Future-proofing is also achieved through software upgrades and modular hardware design. The router supports the latest Cisco IOS XR software releases, providing access to enhanced features, security patches, and protocol updates without the need for hardware replacement. This makes it a long-term solution for organizations aiming to maintain a competitive and reliable network infrastructure.

Reliability and High Availability Features

Reliability is a critical aspect of the Cisco A901-4C-FT-D ASR 901 router. Its high availability features include dual route processors, redundant power supplies, and hot-swappable modules, which collectively minimize network downtime. In the event of a hardware failure, the router can automatically switch to backup components, ensuring uninterrupted operation.

These features make the router ideal for critical applications where downtime can have significant business or operational impact. Enterprises handling financial services, healthcare networks, and emergency communications can benefit from the ASR 901’s robust fault-tolerance mechanisms and reliable performance under heavy traffic conditions.

Operational Efficiency

Energy efficiency is increasingly important for networking equipment, and the Cisco ASR 901 router is optimized to reduce power consumption while maintaining high performance. Its intelligent power management features adjust energy usage based on traffic loads and operational demands. This not only reduces operational costs but also supports sustainability initiatives for organizations aiming to lower their carbon footprint.

The router’s compact form factor also allows for dense deployments in data centers or network closets, maximizing space utilization without sacrificing airflow or cooling efficiency. This design ensures that network administrators can maintain scalable, high-performance networks in constrained physical environments.