Cisco A9K-MOD400-SE
400G Modular Linecard. Service Edge Optimized
Product Highlights
As service provider networks scale to meet surging bandwidth demands from video, cloud, and mobile services, every router slot must deliver maximum density and flexibility. The Cisco A9K-MOD400-SE is a 400G modular line card designed for the Cisco ASR 9000 Series Aggregation Services Routers, purpose-built and optimized for service edge deployments.
The A9K-MOD400-SE features two open Modular Port Adapter (MPA) bays — bay 0 and bay 1 — enabling network operators to mix and match interface types across a single line card. Whether you need high-density 10GE aggregation, 40GE uplinks, or 100GE core-facing ports, the modular architecture lets you tailor each slot to your exact requirements. For example, pairing a 20-port 10GE MPA with a 2-port 100GE MPA delivers the full 400 Gbps of slot bandwidth in a single card.
With simultaneous support for Layer 2 and Layer 3 services, MACsec encryption (IEEE 802.1AE), and compatibility with Cisco IOS XR Software, the A9K-MOD400-SE simplifies operations while protecting your investment. Its hot-swappable, OIR-capable design ensures you can upgrade or service the card without impacting adjacent line cards — critical for carrier-class environments where uptime is non-negotiable.
Features & Benefits
400G Modular Architecture
The A9K-MOD400-SE provides two MPA bays that accept a wide range of Cisco ASR 9000 Series Modular Port Adapters, from 1GE SFP to 100GE CFP2 interfaces. This modular approach lets you customize port density and speed per slot, scaling bandwidth incrementally as your network grows — without replacing the line card itself.
Service Edge Optimization
Optimized for service edge applications, this line card variant delivers advanced traffic management capabilities and deep packet buffers suited for subscriber-facing deployments. It supports both Layer 2 and Layer 3 services simultaneously, enabling operators to qualify and stock a single line card for any combination of L2/L3 applications.
MACsec Layer 2 Encryption
The A9K-MOD400-SE supports IEEE 802.1AE MACsec encryption, providing standards-based hop-by-hop data confidentiality and integrity at Layer 2. This is essential for service providers and enterprises that must secure data in transit across metro and WAN links without sacrificing line-rate performance.
Hot-Swappable & OIR Support
Both the modular line card and its MPAs support Online Insertion and Removal (OIR). You can add, replace, or remove the A9K-MOD400-SE and its port adapters independently without powering down the chassis — minimizing maintenance windows and maximizing network availability.
Cisco IOS XR Software
Running on Cisco's carrier-grade IOS XR operating system, the A9K-MOD400-SE benefits from a modular, self-healing software architecture with process-level restart and in-service software upgrades. IOS XR delivers the stability and feature richness that service provider networks demand.
Deployment Scenarios
Service Provider Edge Aggregation
Deploy the A9K-MOD400-SE at the service edge to aggregate residential, business, and mobile subscriber traffic. Its mix-and-match MPA flexibility lets you combine high-density 1GE/10GE access ports with 100GE uplinks in a single slot, maximizing per-slot revenue density.
Carrier Ethernet & IP/MPLS Services
Leverage simultaneous Layer 2 and Layer 3 support to deliver Carrier Ethernet, L2VPN, L3VPN, and MPLS services from a unified line card. The service edge optimization ensures deep buffering and QoS capabilities for SLA-driven business services.
Video & Cloud Infrastructure
Support bandwidth-intensive applications such as video-on-demand, IPTV, and cloud computing workloads. The 400 Gbps per-slot capacity and flexible interface options ensure the network can scale to meet growing content delivery demands.
Secure Metro & WAN Transport
Use MACsec-capable MPAs with the A9K-MOD400-SE to encrypt traffic at Layer 2 across metro and WAN links. This is ideal for financial institutions, government agencies, and any organization requiring wire-speed encryption without dedicated encryption appliances.
General
Performance
Software
Physical
Compatibility
Compatibility Notes
Chassis Compatibility
The A9K-MOD400-SE is compatible with the following Cisco ASR 9000 Series chassis:
- ASR 9006
- ASR 9010
- ASR 9904
- ASR 9906
- ASR 9910
- ASR 9912
- ASR 9922
Supported Modular Port Adapters (MPAs)
- A9K-MPA-20X1GE — 20-port 1GE SFP
- A9K-MPA-2X10GE — 2-port 10GE SFP+
- A9K-MPA-4X10GE — 4-port 10GE XFP
- A9K-MPA-20X10GE — 20-port 10GE SFP+
- A9K-MPA-1X40GE — 1-port 40GE QSFP+
- A9K-MPA-2X40GE — 2-port 40GE QSFP+
- A9K-MPA-1X100GE — 1-port 100GE CFP2
- A9K-MPA-2X100GE — 2-port 100GE CFP2
Minimum Software
- Cisco IOS XR Release 5.3.2 (line card base support; individual MPAs may require later releases — e.g., A9K-MPA-2X100GE and A9K-MPA-1X100GE require IOS XR 6.0.1)
Note: MPAs and optics are sold separately. When an MPA bay is not in use, an A9K-MPA-FILR blank must be installed for proper airflow and EMI compliance.
Downloads & Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
| Part Number | Product | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|
| A9K-MOD400-TR | ASR 9000 400G Modular Line Card, Packet Transport Optimized | Transport optimized variant — same 400G capacity and MPA bays but tuned for packet transport rather than service edge applications. |
| A9K-MOD400-CM | ASR 9000 400G Modular Line Card, Consumption Model | Consumption-based licensing model — same hardware platform with a pay-as-you-grow licensing approach. |
| A9K-MOD200-SE | ASR 9000 200G Modular Line Card, Service Edge Optimized | Lower-capacity service edge variant — 200 Gbps per slot with MPA support in bay 0 only, suitable for smaller aggregation nodes. |
| A9K-MOD200-TR | ASR 9000 200G Modular Line Card, Packet Transport Optimized | 200 Gbps transport optimized variant — lower slot bandwidth for cost-effective transport deployments. |
