Cisco A900-IMA8Z
ASR 900 8 port 10GE SFP+ Interface Module
Product Highlights
As service providers and enterprises scale their aggregation networks, the demand for high-density 10 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity at the access and pre-aggregation layers continues to grow. The Cisco A900-IMA8Z is an 8-port 10GE SFP+ interface module purpose-built for the Cisco ASR 900 Series Aggregation Services Routers, delivering dense, high-bandwidth Ethernet connectivity in a compact, hot-swappable form factor.
This interface module provides eight 10 Gigabit Ethernet ports using pluggable SFP+ optics, supporting both LAN and WAN physical layer (PHY) modes for versatile deployment across metro Ethernet, mobile backhaul, and business services environments. The A900-IMA8Z is also hardware-ready to support 1 Gigabit Ethernet mode per group of four interfaces (available from Cisco IOS XE Everest 16.5.1), enabling a cost-effective migration path from 1G to 10G without replacing hardware.
Built-in support for IEEE 1588-2008 precision time protocol, Synchronous Ethernet (SyncE), and Y.1731 OAM delay measurement ensures carrier-class timing and service assurance. Online insertion and removal (OIR) capability allows network operators to add or replace modules without disrupting live traffic, maximizing network uptime. Whether you are expanding a mobile backhaul network, deploying Carrier Ethernet services, or building a converged aggregation platform, the Cisco A900-IMA8Z delivers the port density, flexibility, and reliability your network demands.
Features & Benefits
High-Density 10 Gigabit Ethernet
The A900-IMA8Z delivers eight 10GE SFP+ ports in a single interface module slot, maximizing port density on your ASR 900 Series chassis. This high-density design reduces the number of chassis and slots required, lowering both capital expenditure and operational complexity in aggregation and pre-aggregation deployments.
Flexible LAN & WAN PHY
Supporting both LAN and WAN physical layer modes, this module adapts to diverse network topologies and service requirements. Whether you're delivering metro Ethernet services or extending WAN connectivity, the dual-PHY capability eliminates the need for separate modules and simplifies inventory management.
Carrier-Class Timing & Synchronization
On-module time stamping for IEEE 1588-2008 ensures precise frequency and phase synchronization critical for mobile backhaul and LTE/5G deployments. Synchronous Ethernet (SyncE) support provides an additional synchronization mechanism, giving operators flexibility in how they distribute timing across the network.
Service Assurance with Y.1731 OAM
Hardware-based time stamping for Y.1731 OAM enables accurate one-way and two-way delay measurement directly on the module. This precision is essential for meeting stringent SLA commitments on Carrier Ethernet and business-critical services.
Non-Disruptive Operations (OIR)
Online insertion and removal (OIR) support allows the A900-IMA8Z to be installed or replaced while the router is operational, minimizing maintenance windows and maximizing network availability. This is a critical capability for always-on service provider and enterprise environments.
1GE Migration Path
The module is hardware-ready to operate in 1 Gigabit Ethernet mode per group of four interfaces, a capability enabled from Cisco IOS XE Everest 16.5.1. This allows operators to deploy the module today at 1G speeds and seamlessly upgrade to 10G as bandwidth demands grow — protecting your investment.
Deployment Scenarios
Mobile Backhaul Aggregation
Deploy the A900-IMA8Z in ASR 903 or ASR 907 routers at cell-site aggregation points to consolidate multiple 10GE uplinks from base stations. IEEE 1588 and SyncE support ensure the precise timing required for LTE and 5G mobile networks.
Carrier Ethernet & Business Services
Use the 8-port 10GE density to deliver high-bandwidth E-Line, E-LAN, and E-Tree services to enterprise customers. Y.1731 OAM provides the delay and performance measurement needed to guarantee and report on SLAs.
Metro Ethernet Access & Pre-Aggregation
Position the A900-IMA8Z at the metro access or pre-aggregation layer to aggregate traffic from downstream switches and routers. The dual LAN/WAN PHY support and 1GE migration capability make it ideal for networks transitioning from legacy speeds to 10G.
Enterprise WAN Edge Aggregation
In large enterprise environments, the A900-IMA8Z provides high-density 10GE connectivity for aggregating WAN links from branch offices or data center interconnects, delivering the bandwidth and reliability needed for business-critical applications.
General
Interfaces
Features
Compatibility
Regulatory
Compatibility Notes
Platform Compatibility
The A900-IMA8Z is compatible with the following Cisco ASR 900 Series chassis:
- Cisco ASR 903 (with RSP2A, RSP3, or RSP3C)
- Cisco ASR 907 (with RSP3 or RSP3C)
- Cisco ASR 914 (with RSP3C)
Important Slot Restrictions
Interface module slot compatibility depends on the RSP type, chassis model, and other installed modules. Consult the Cisco ASR 900 Series Interface Modules Data Sheet for the full compatibility matrix.
Software Requirements
- 1GE mode support: Requires Cisco IOS XE Everest 16.5.1 or later (with certain restrictions).
- The module runs on Cisco IOS XE Software across all supported platforms.
Optics
SFP+ transceivers are sold separately. Refer to the Cisco ASR 900 Series Interface Modules Data Sheet for the full list of supported 10GE SFP+ optics and minimum IOS XE release requirements.
Downloads & Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
| Part Number | Product | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|
| A900-IMA8Z-L | ASR 900 8-Port 10GE SFP+ Module, Lite | Lite version of the A900-IMA8Z with reduced feature set or licensing; lower cost option for less demanding deployments. |
| A900-IMA8S1Z | ASR 900 8-Port 1GE SFP + 1-Port 10GE SFP+ Module | Provides 8 x 1GE SFP ports plus 1 x 10GE SFP+ uplink — ideal when you need mixed 1G/10G density rather than all 10GE. |
| A900-IMA8T1Z | ASR 900 8-Port 1GE RJ45 + 1-Port 10GE SFP+ Module | Offers 8 x 1GE copper RJ45 ports plus 1 x 10GE SFP+ — suited for access-layer deployments requiring copper connectivity. |
| A900-IMA2F | ASR 900 2-Port 40GE QSFP Module | Delivers 2 x 40GE QSFP ports for higher-bandwidth aggregation needs; choose this when 10GE density is less important than per-port throughput. |