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 Router is designed to deliver robust, high-performance networking solutions for enterprise and service provider environments. This aggregation services router is engineered to provide flexibility, reliability, and efficiency in data traffic management.

General Information

• Brand: Cisco
• Model Number: A901-4C-FT-D

Technical Specifications

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

Ports and Connectivity Options

• Total Ports Available: 8
• Dedicated Management Port: Yes
• Powerline Integration: Not available
• Supported Carrier Types: T-carrier and E-carrier
• High-Speed Networking: Gigabit Ethernet
• Network Technology: Compatible with 10/100/1000Base-T

Expansion and Upgrade Capabilities

• Total Expansion Slots: 8
• Allows Enhanced I/O Flexibility
• Supports Modular Network Configuration

Power Management and Redundancy

• Power over Ethernet (PoE) RJ-45: Not supported
• Redundant Power Supply: Included for continuous operation

Environmental and Compliance Features

• Eco-Friendly Design: Yes
• Environmental Certification: RoHS Compliant
• Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Materials

Compatibility

• Seamlessly integrates with existing Cisco ASR Series network infrastructure
• Supports major carrier and enterprise network protocols
• Compatible with modular line cards and expansion modules
• Works with standard 10/100/1000Base-T Ethernet environments
• Ensures interoperability with other Cisco networking devices and management tools

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, pay-as-you-go networking solution designed for modern enterprise and service provider environments. This router delivers exceptional reliability, scalable connectivity, and advanced traffic management capabilities. With four Gigabit Ethernet (GE) ports and integrated TDM support, it ensures seamless integration into both legacy and next-generation network architectures. The ASR 901 series is renowned for its compact form factor, energy efficiency, and the ability to handle demanding applications without compromising performance.

High-Speed Connectivity

The router features four dedicated Gigabit Ethernet ports that provide robust and high-speed data transfer capabilities. Each port supports full-duplex operation, minimizing latency and maximizing throughput. Whether deployed in enterprise branch offices, remote sites, or service provider networks, the Cisco A901-4C-FT-D ensures uninterrupted and reliable network connectivity for mission-critical applications. Its TDM integration allows organizations to maintain legacy voice and data services while transitioning to IP-based networks.

Scalable Architecture

Scalability is a hallmark of the ASR 901 series. The Cisco A901-4C-FT-D supports modular expansion, enabling additional services and features as network demands grow. Organizations can deploy the router in small branch offices or scale up to larger enterprise sites without the need for costly hardware replacements. Its modular design allows for software-defined upgrades and feature activation, ensuring long-term investment protection.

PAYG (Pay-As-You-Go) Flexibility

The PAYG model of the Cisco A901-4C-FT-D ASR 901 router provides unparalleled financial flexibility. Organizations can pay for the services they use, reducing upfront costs while maintaining access to advanced routing capabilities. This model is ideal for businesses with fluctuating network demands, seasonal traffic spikes, or dynamic operational requirements. PAYG licensing simplifies budgeting and ensures cost efficiency without compromising performance or reliability.

Advanced Routing Capabilities

The Cisco A901-4C-FT-D router includes integrated Time-Division Multiplexing (TDM) support, enabling seamless connectivity for legacy voice and data networks. This feature allows businesses to maintain their existing TDM infrastructure while migrating to IP-based networks gradually. The router supports both traditional TDM services and modern Ethernet traffic, providing a versatile solution for hybrid network environments. TDM integration reduces the complexity of managing multiple network protocols and ensures consistent service quality.

High Availability and Reliability

Cisco has engineered the ASR 901 series with redundancy and reliability in mind. The A901-4C-FT-D router features hardware and software mechanisms that ensure high availability, including dual power supplies, failover capabilities, and rapid recovery protocols. Network administrators can rely on this router to deliver uninterrupted service even during hardware failures or unexpected traffic surges. Its robust error handling, link aggregation, and packet-forwarding optimization ensure continuous operation under demanding workloads.

Advanced QoS

Quality of Service (QoS) is a critical component of modern networking, and the Cisco A901-4C-FT-D excels in this area. The router allows administrators to prioritize traffic based on application type, ensuring that critical business services receive the bandwidth they need. Traffic shaping, policing, and queuing mechanisms help manage congestion and optimize network performance. For organizations that run VoIP, video conferencing, or cloud-based applications, this ensures minimal latency and a smooth end-user experience.

Comprehensive Network Security

Security is a core feature of the Cisco A901-4C-FT-D ASR 901 router. It supports advanced firewall features, intrusion detection and prevention, and VPN capabilities, protecting enterprise networks from unauthorized access and cyber threats. The router includes support for secure tunneling protocols and encrypted communications, ensuring that sensitive data remains protected during transit. Network segmentation and access control lists allow administrators to define granular policies for traffic management and user access.

Data Privacy

Built-in encryption capabilities safeguard sensitive traffic across the network. The Cisco A901-4C-FT-D supports both hardware-accelerated and software-based encryption for data at rest and in transit. This ensures compliance with industry regulations and protects against eavesdropping, man-in-the-middle attacks, and other security vulnerabilities. The router also allows secure remote management, providing administrators with the ability to monitor and configure the network without compromising data privacy.

Energy Efficiency

Despite its high performance, the ASR 901 series emphasizes energy efficiency. The Cisco A901-4C-FT-D consumes minimal power compared to traditional routers of similar capability, reducing operational costs and environmental impact. Advanced power management features allow administrators to monitor and optimize energy usage without compromising network performance. This makes it an ideal choice for enterprises that prioritize sustainable IT infrastructure.

Compact and Space-Saving

The router’s compact form factor allows deployment in small network closets, branch offices, and crowded data centers. Its space-saving design does not compromise performance or expandability, providing a balance between physical footprint and network capability. The ASR 901’s modular construction allows for easy upgrades and maintenance, reducing downtime and simplifying network management.

Service Provider Networks

Service providers benefit from the ASR 901’s high-performance routing and flexible licensing. The router can handle multiple subscriber connections, deliver VPN services, and support TDM integration for legacy customer networks. Its advanced traffic management and QoS features ensure that service-level agreements (SLAs) are met consistently. The PAYG model allows providers to offer customized packages to customers, optimizing revenue and minimizing operational complexity.

Hybrid Network Environments

In hybrid network environments, where legacy TDM systems coexist with modern Ethernet networks, the Cisco A901-4C-FT-D serves as a critical bridge. It allows organizations to migrate gradually to IP-based systems without disrupting existing services. Administrators can integrate legacy voice networks, high-speed data links, and modern applications within a single routing platform. This hybrid capability simplifies network management, reduces operational costs, and ensures a smooth transition to future-ready infrastructures.

Performance Metrics

The ASR 901 delivers exceptional throughput, low latency, and high packet-per-second processing. It supports multiple routing protocols including OSPF, BGP, and EIGRP, enabling efficient network traffic management. Hardware acceleration ensures optimal performance for encryption, tunneling, and QoS features, while software-defined configurations allow fine-tuning to match specific operational requirements.

Cisco Ecosystem

The router integrates seamlessly with the broader Cisco ecosystem, including network management, security, and cloud services. This ensures compatibility with existing infrastructure and simplifies deployment in multi-vendor environments. Integration with Cisco DNA Center and other management tools provides centralized control, automation, and analytics, enhancing operational efficiency.

Reliable and Secure Networking

With integrated security, advanced QoS, and high-availability features, the Cisco A901-4C-FT-D ensures a secure and reliable network infrastructure. Organizations can maintain consistent performance, protect sensitive data, and comply with regulatory standards. Its hybrid TDM and Ethernet support allows seamless connectivity across legacy and modern network services.

Flexible and Scalable Deployment

The modular design, compact form factor, and scalable architecture make the ASR 901 series adaptable to diverse network environments. Whether deployed in small branch offices, large enterprises, or service provider networks, the router provides consistent performance, easy management, and long-term scalability. Its PAYG licensing enhances deployment flexibility and cost-effectiveness.

Future-Proof Networking

The modular and scalable architecture ensures that the Cisco A901-4C-FT-D remains relevant as network technologies evolve. Organizations can upgrade features, enable new services, and expand capacity without replacing the hardware. This future-proof design protects investments and ensures long-term network resilience.