Overview
The Cisco ASR 1001 and ASR 1002 are compact, high-performance routers designed for enterprise WAN edge and aggregation applications. Both are part of Cisco's Aggregation Services Router family, offering hardware-based forwarding and extensive feature support.
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Cisco ASR 1001: A compact 1RU router offering up to 2.5 Gbps forwarding capacity. Designed for branch offices and smaller aggregation points where space is at a premium.
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Cisco ASR 1002: A 2RU router with modular interface options and higher throughput capabilities. Suited for regional aggregation and larger branch deployments requiring interface flexibility.
Both platforms run Cisco IOS-XE and support advanced features like MPLS, VPN, and QoS, making them popular on the secondary market for cost-conscious network builds.
Specifications Comparison
| Parameter | Cisco ASR 1001 | Cisco ASR 1002 | |--------------------------|---------------------------|----------------------------| | Form Factor | 1 RU | 2 RU | | Forwarding Capacity | 2.5 Gbps (base) / 5 Gbps (upgrade) | 5 Gbps (base) / 10-36 Gbps (upgrade) | | ESP (Embedded Services Processor) | ESP-2.5G / ESP-5G | ESP-5G / ESP-10G / ESP-20G | | Interface Slots | Fixed + 1x SPA slot | 3x SPA slots | | Built-in Ports | 4x GE SFP, 1x GE RJ45 | 3x GE SFP | | Redundancy | Single power supply | Dual power supplies | | Memory | 4GB base | 4-8GB | | Typical Use Case | Branch office, SMB | Regional aggregation, HQ |
Used Market Pricing
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Cisco ASR 1001: Typically priced between $1,500–$3,500 depending on ESP configuration and included SPAs. Base ESP-2.5G models are at the lower end.
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Cisco ASR 1002: Ranges from $2,500–$5,500, with higher ESP configurations (ESP-20G) and redundant power supplies commanding premiums.
Price Influencers:
- ESP Module: Higher-capacity ESP modules significantly increase value.
- SPA Modules: Included Shared Port Adapters (1GE, 10GE, etc.) add $200-800 per module.
- Software License: Advanced feature licenses (Advanced IP Services, etc.) add value.
- SmartNet Eligibility: Units eligible for Cisco SmartNet support carry 20-30% premiums.
When to Choose Each
Cisco ASR 1001
- Space-Constrained Deployments: 1RU form factor ideal for crowded racks.
- Lower Throughput Needs: Branch offices with sub-2Gbps WAN requirements.
- Budget Constraints: Lower entry price for basic routing needs.
- Single-Site Reliability: Acceptable for locations where single power supply is sufficient.
Cisco ASR 1002
- Higher Throughput: Regional aggregation requiring 5-36 Gbps forwarding.
- Interface Flexibility: Multiple SPA slots for diverse connectivity options.
- Redundancy Requirements: Dual power supplies for mission-critical sites.
- Growth Headroom: Upgradeable ESP modules protect investment.
Secondary Market Availability
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Cisco ASR 1001: Moderate availability as many remain in production service. Most used units come from technology refreshes.
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Cisco ASR 1002: High availability due to widespread enterprise deployment. Both base and -X variants available.
Sourcing Challenges:
- SPA Compatibility: Verify SPA modules are compatible with specific ASR 1000 series.
- Software Licensing: Some advanced features require licenses that may not transfer.
- Firmware Versions: Ensure IOS-XE version supports required features.
- SmartNet Transfers: Verify Cisco support contract transferability for critical deployments.
Verdict
The Cisco ASR 1002 offers superior flexibility, redundancy, and growth headroom for enterprise aggregation and headquarters deployments. Its modular design and dual power supplies justify the premium for mission-critical applications.
The Cisco ASR 1001 is the pragmatic choice for branch offices and space-constrained environments where 2.5-5 Gbps throughput is sufficient. Its compact design and lower cost make it ideal for distributed deployments.
Recommendation:
- ASR 1001: Deploy for branch offices, SMB environments, and space-constrained racks.
- ASR 1002: Choose for regional aggregation, headquarters, and any deployment requiring redundancy or interface flexibility.
Both platforms offer excellent value on the used market for organizations building cost-effective WAN infrastructure while maintaining Cisco's enterprise-grade feature set.