Cisco CRS-8-RP
Cisco CRS-1 8-Slot Line-Card Chassis Route Processor
Product Highlights
Carrier-class networks demand route processors that deliver uncompromising reliability and control-plane intelligence. The Cisco CRS-8-RP is the dedicated route processor for the Cisco CRS-1 8-Slot Line-Card Chassis, providing centralized route computation, forwarding-table distribution, and system management for one of the industry's most scalable carrier routing platforms.
As the system controller, the CRS-8-RP performs route processing and distributes forwarding tables to the Modular Services Cards (MSCs), while providing a control path to each line card and handling system-monitoring functions including alarm management and fan control. The module includes onboard hard disks for system and error logging, ensuring operational visibility in mission-critical environments.
Designed for 1:1 redundancy, two CRS-8-RP modules can be installed in the chassis — one active and one standby — so that the standby RP seamlessly assumes control if the active unit fails. The hot-swappable form factor allows field replacement without disrupting traffic. Running Cisco IOS XR Software, the CRS-8-RP supports a fully modular, memory-protected operating system architecture built for always-on operation across service provider core and peering networks.
Note: This product has reached End-of-Sale status. It remains an excellent option when sourced as a pre-owned spare for existing CRS-1 deployments.
Features & Benefits
Carrier-Class Route Processing
The CRS-8-RP serves as the system controller for the Cisco CRS-1 8-Slot chassis, performing route computation and distributing forwarding tables to all MSCs. With support for up to 4 GB of route memory, it handles the large BGP tables and complex IGP topologies typical of service provider core networks.
1:1 Redundancy & High Availability
Two RP cards can be installed in the chassis for active/standby redundancy. If the active RP fails, the standby unit takes over automatically, ensuring continuous system operation. Combined with Nonstop Forwarding (NSF) and graceful restart for protocols like IS-IS, OSPF, BGP, LDP, and RSVP, the CRS-8-RP helps maintain carrier-grade uptime.
Hot-Swappable Form Factor
The CRS-8-RP supports online insertion and removal (OIR), allowing network operators to replace or upgrade the route processor without powering down the chassis. This minimizes planned maintenance windows and reduces operational risk in production environments.
Flexible Management Interfaces
The front panel provides a 10/100/1000Base-T Ethernet port, a dedicated RJ-45 console port, an RJ-45 auxiliary port, and two SFP (mini-GBIC) expansion slots. Management protocols include CLI, Syslog, SNMP v1/v2c/v3, and the Cisco Craft Works Interface (CWI), giving operators multiple options for in-band and out-of-band system access.
Cisco IOS XR Software
The CRS-8-RP runs Cisco IOS XR, a fully modular, microkernel-based operating system with memory protection and process restart capabilities. IOS XR is purpose-built for always-on carrier routing, supporting IPv4/IPv6, MPLS, multicast, and a comprehensive suite of Layer 3 routing protocols.
Deployment Scenarios
Service Provider Core / Peering Router
The CRS-8-RP powers the control plane of CRS-1 8-slot chassis deployments at the core of service provider networks. It handles full Internet BGP tables and complex IGP topologies while delivering the redundancy and uptime guarantees that carrier environments require.
Spare / Replacement for Existing CRS-1 Deployments
For operators maintaining existing Cisco CRS-1 8-slot installations, a pre-owned CRS-8-RP provides a cost-effective spare to ensure rapid recovery from hardware failures. Keeping a standby RP on the shelf reduces mean time to repair and protects against extended outages.
Lab and Testing Environments
Network engineers and training organizations can use the CRS-8-RP in lab environments to replicate production CRS-1 topologies for IOS XR certification study, protocol testing, or migration planning before deploying changes to live carrier networks.
General
Interfaces & Ports
Memory & Storage
Management
Software
Physical
Compatibility
Lifecycle
Compatibility Notes
Chassis Compatibility:
- Cisco CRS-1 8-Slot Line-Card Chassis (CRS-8/S, CRS-8-LCC)
Software Compatibility:
- Cisco IOS XR Software Release 3.4 or higher
Component Compatibility:
- Compatible with all Cisco CRS-1 physical layer interface modules (PLIMs) and Modular Services Cards (MSCs)
Redundancy:
- For 1:1 RP redundancy, order a second unit (CRS-8-RP/R designated as redundant)
End-of-Sale Notice:
- End-of-Sale date: January 30, 2013. Cisco recommends migration to the CRS 4/8-Slot Performance Route Processor (CRS-8-PRP) for new deployments.
Downloads & Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
| Part Number | Product | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|
| CRS-8-PRP-6G | CRS 8-Slot Performance Route Processor (6 GB) | Next-gen Intel-based PRP with 6 GB DDR3 memory and SSD storage — Cisco's recommended replacement for the CRS-8-RP |
| CRS-8-PRP-12G | CRS 8-Slot Performance Route Processor (12 GB) | Higher-memory PRP variant with 12 GB DDR3 for larger routing tables and more demanding control-plane workloads |
| CRS-DRP | CRS Distributed Route Processor | Optional add-on RP that offloads processor-intensive routing tasks (e.g., BGP, IS-IS) from the primary RP to improve system performance |
| CRS-16-RP | CRS-1 16-Slot Line-Card Chassis Route Processor | Route processor designed for the larger CRS-1 16-slot chassis — not interchangeable with the 8-slot chassis |
