Cisco ASR 1002 vs ASR1002-X
The original ASR 1002 is end-of-life with a fixed 5 Gbps ESP and 4 SPA bays; the ASR1002-X keeps the 1RU chassis but consolidates to a fixed forwarding engine that licenses up to 36 Gbps with six built-in GE. For a same-family refresh, move to the ASR1002-X.
Cisco ASR 1002
End-of-life 2RU-class aggregation router using removable ESP and four SPA bays for flexibility.
- Fixed 5 Gbps ESP (ESP5/ESP10 class), not software-upgradable
- Modular design with multiple SPA bays for interface mix
- Dual power supplies; QuantumFlow forwarding
- Past end-of-sale and end-of-support; last order date 2016
Cisco ASR1002-X
1RU aggregation router with six built-in GE and a license-upgradable forwarding engine to 36 Gbps.
- 5 Gbps default forwarding, software-upgradable to 10, 20 or 36 Gbps
- 6x built-in 1GE plus SPA bay for expansion
- 4GB DRAM default; dual power supplies in 1RU
- Runs current IOS XE with crypto, MPLS, and SD-WAN feature options
Cisco ASR 1002 vs Cisco ASR1002-X: spec comparison
| Spec | Cisco ASR 1002 | Cisco ASR1002-X |
|---|---|---|
| Form factor | 2RU-class | 1RU |
| Forwarding throughput | 5 Gbps (fixed ESP) | 5 Gbps default, upgradable to 36 Gbps |
| Built-in 1GE ports | None (via SPAs) | 6x SFP |
| SPA bays | Multiple (modular) | 1 |
| Forwarding engine | Removable ESP module | Integrated, license-upgradable |
| Default DRAM | 4GB | 4GB (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 1002 if
Keep the original ASR 1002 only if you depend on its multiple SPA bays for a legacy interface mix and the unit is still serviceable; it has no software throughput growth path.
Choose Cisco ASR1002-X if
Choose the ASR1002-X to refresh a 1002: a denser 1RU chassis with six built-in GE and the ability to license throughput up to 36 Gbps as traffic grows.
Verdict
The original ASR 1002 is end of life with a fixed 5 Gbps ESP, so migrate to the ASR1002-X. It shrinks to 1RU, adds six built-in GE, and offers a pay-as-you-grow path to 36 Gbps in software. The X variant is the direct same-family upgrade.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the ASR1002 and ASR1002-X?
The ASR1002-X uses an integrated, license-upgradable forwarding engine (5 Gbps up to 36 Gbps) with six built-in GE in 1RU, while the original 1002 has a fixed removable ESP and relies on SPA bays for interfaces.
Is the Cisco ASR 1002 end of life?
Yes. The original ASR 1002 passed end-of-sale and end-of-support, with the last order date in 2016.
How high can the ASR1002-X throughput go?
The ASR1002-X starts at 5 Gbps and can be licensed up in software to 10, 20, or 36 Gbps without hardware changes.
Is the ASR1002-X smaller than the ASR 1002?
Yes. The ASR1002-X is a 1RU chassis with built-in GE, whereas the original ASR 1002 is a larger modular platform.
More ASR comparisons
Specs are for planning and may change; Uniqcli confirms the current Cisco bill of materials and pricing on your quote. Cisco, Catalyst, Nexus, Meraki, and Firepower are trademarks of Cisco Systems, Inc.; Uniqcli LLC is an independent authorized Cisco partner.