Cisco A900-IMA1X
ASR 900 1 port 10GE XFP Interface Module
Product Highlights
Service providers and enterprises managing aggregation and transport networks need interface modules that deliver reliable 10 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity without compromising on timing precision or deployment flexibility. The Cisco A900-IMA1X is a 1-port 10GE XFP interface module designed for the Cisco ASR 900 Series Aggregation Services Routers.
This plug-in expansion module provides physical connectivity using a single pluggable 10 Gigabit Ethernet XFP optic and supports both LAN and WAN PHY modes, enabling versatile deployment across Carrier Ethernet business services, MPLS transport, and optical network environments. The module shares the ASR 900 Ethernet interface module common core, which includes on-module time-stamping for Y.1731 OAM delay measurement, IEEE 1588-2008 protocol support for frequency and phase synchronization, and Synchronous Ethernet (SyncE) for input/output frequency synchronization.
The A900-IMA1X is compatible with the Cisco ASR 902, ASR 903, and ASR 907 router chassis. Slot availability depends on the installed Route Switch Processor — the module is supported in slots 0–3 with RSP1, slots 0–2 with RSP2A-64, and any slot with RSP2A-128 on the ASR 903. As a field-replaceable unit supporting online insertion and removal, it allows network operators to expand 10GE capacity with minimal service disruption. XFP optics are ordered separately, giving operators the freedom to select the exact reach and media type required for each deployment.
Features & Benefits
10 Gigabit Ethernet Connectivity
The A900-IMA1X delivers a single 10GE port via a pluggable XFP optic, providing high-bandwidth connectivity for uplink aggregation, inter-site transport, or backhaul applications. Supporting both LAN and WAN PHY modes, the module adapts to diverse network topologies without requiring separate hardware variants.
Carrier-Grade Timing & Synchronization
Built-in time-stamping on the module supports Y.1731 OAM for precise one-way and two-way delay measurement, critical for meeting stringent SLA commitments. IEEE 1588-2008 (PTP) support enables accurate frequency and phase synchronization, while SyncE provides an alternative synchronization path — giving operators flexibility in how they deliver timing across the network.
Modular, Field-Replaceable Design
As a hot-swappable plug-in module, the A900-IMA1X can be inserted or removed from the ASR 900 chassis without powering down the router. This reduces planned maintenance windows and allows capacity to be added incrementally as traffic demands grow.
Broad Platform Compatibility
The module is supported across the Cisco ASR 902, ASR 903, and ASR 907 chassis platforms, with slot availability determined by the installed RSP. This cross-chassis compatibility protects your investment and simplifies sparing strategies across multi-site deployments.
Deployment Scenarios
Service Provider Aggregation & Transport
Deploy the A900-IMA1X in ASR 903 or ASR 907 routers at aggregation nodes to provide 10GE uplinks for Carrier Ethernet services and MPLS transport. LAN/WAN PHY flexibility and SyncE support make it ideal for converged packet-optical networks.
Mobile Backhaul
Use the module to deliver 10GE backhaul connectivity from cell-site aggregation routers to the mobile core. IEEE 1588-2008 time-stamping ensures the precise synchronization required by LTE and 5G radio access networks.
Enterprise WAN Edge
Install the A900-IMA1X in an ASR 902 or ASR 903 at the enterprise WAN edge to provide a dedicated 10GE handoff to a service provider or data center interconnect, supporting high-throughput application traffic with carrier-grade reliability.
General
Interfaces & Performance
Connectivity
Synchronization & OAM
Compatibility
Compatibility Notes
Platform Compatibility
- Cisco ASR 903 Router:
- RSP1 (A900-RSP1-64): Supported in slots 0–3
- RSP2A-64 (A900-RSP2A-64): Supported in slots 0–2
- RSP2A-128 (A900-RSP2A-128): Supported in any slot
- RSP3C (A900-RSP3C-400-S): Refer to the Cisco ASR 900 Series Interface Modules Data Sheet for the slot compatibility matrix
- Cisco ASR 902 Router: Supported; slot restrictions vary by RSP — consult the compatibility matrix
- Cisco ASR 907 Router: Supported with RSP3C (A900-RSP3C-400-W); consult the compatibility matrix for slot restrictions
Optics
- XFP optics are ordered separately. Refer to the Cisco ASR 900 Series Interface Modules Data Sheet (Table 7) for the list of supported XFP optics and minimum IOS XE software releases.
Software
- Requires Cisco IOS XE Software. Consult the Cisco ASR 900 Series release notes for minimum supported software versions.
Downloads & Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
| Part Number | Product | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|
| A900-IMA2Z | ASR 900 2-Port 10GE XFP/SFP+ Module | Doubles 10GE port density with 2 ports and supports both XFP and SFP+ optics for greater flexibility. |
| A900-IMA8Z | ASR 900 8-Port 10GE SFP+ Module | Provides 8 x 10GE SFP+ ports for high-density deployments requiring maximum 10GE port count per slot. |
| A900-IMA2F | ASR 900 2-Port 40GE QSFP Module | Steps up to 40GE with 2 QSFP ports for higher-bandwidth aggregation and core-facing uplinks. |
| A900-IMA1C | ASR 900 1-Port 100GE CPAK Module | Delivers 100GE in a single port for the highest per-slot bandwidth on ASR 903/907 platforms. |