Cisco ASR 1001 vs ASR1001-X
The original ASR 1001 is end-of-life with a fixed 2.5 Gbps forwarding engine and 4GB default memory; the ASR1001-X keeps the 1RU footprint but adds built-in 10GE, a NIM slot, more memory, and a software-licensable path up to 20 Gbps. For a like-for-like refresh, move to the ASR1001-X.
Cisco ASR 1001
End-of-life 1RU aggregation router with a fixed integrated forwarding engine and SPA expansion.
- Fixed 2.5 Gbps integrated ESP, not upgradable in software
- Built-in 4x SFP plus one SPA bay for interface expansion
- 4GB DRAM default, expandable to 8GB; dual power supplies
- Past end-of-sale and end-of-support; no IOS XE feature growth path
Cisco ASR1001-X
1RU aggregation router with built-in 10GE, a NIM slot, and a license-upgradable forwarding engine.
- 2.5 Gbps default forwarding, software-upgradable to 5, 10 or 20 Gbps
- 6x built-in 1GE plus 2x built-in 10GE, NIM slot and SPA bay
- 8GB DRAM default; dual power supplies in 1RU
- Runs current IOS XE with crypto, MPLS, and SD-WAN feature options
Cisco ASR 1001 vs Cisco ASR1001-X: spec comparison
| Spec | Cisco ASR 1001 | Cisco ASR1001-X |
|---|---|---|
| Form factor | 1RU | 1RU |
| Forwarding throughput | 2.5 Gbps (fixed) | 2.5 Gbps default, upgradable to 20 Gbps |
| Built-in 1GE ports | 4x SFP | 6x SFP |
| Built-in 10GE ports | None | 2x SFP+ |
| NIM slot | No | Yes (1) |
| SPA bay | 1 | 1 |
| Default DRAM | 4GB (to 8GB) | 8GB (to 16GB) |
| Throughput licensing | Not software-upgradable | Software pay-as-you-grow |
| Power supplies | Dual (AC or DC) | Dual (AC or DC) |
| Lifecycle status | End of life / end of support | Mature but supported successor |
Choose Cisco ASR 1001 if
There is little reason to choose the original ASR 1001 today; keep one only if it is still in service mid-lifecycle and current throughput and software are adequate.
Choose Cisco ASR1001-X if
Choose the ASR1001-X to refresh a 1001: same 1RU slot, but with built-in 10GE, more memory, a NIM bay, and the ability to license throughput up to 20 Gbps as demand grows.
Verdict
The original ASR 1001 is end of life with a fixed 2.5 Gbps engine, so migrate to the ASR1001-X. It preserves the 1RU footprint while adding built-in 10GE, a NIM slot, double the default memory, and a pay-as-you-grow path to 20 Gbps. The X variant is the natural same-family upgrade.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the ASR1001 and ASR1001-X?
The ASR1001-X adds built-in 10GE interfaces and a NIM slot, ships with more default DRAM, and supports software-licensable throughput up to 20 Gbps, whereas the original 1001 has a fixed 2.5 Gbps engine and no built-in 10GE.
Is the Cisco ASR 1001 end of life?
Yes. The original ASR 1001 has passed end-of-sale and end-of-support; the last order date was in 2016.
Can the ASR1001-X be upgraded in throughput?
Yes. The ASR1001-X starts at 2.5 Gbps and can be licensed up in software to 5, 10, or 20 Gbps without hardware changes.
Does the ASR1001-X have built-in 10GE ports?
Yes. The ASR1001-X includes two built-in 10GE SFP+ ports plus six 1GE SFP ports, unlike the original ASR 1001.
More ASR comparisons
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