Cisco ASR1002-X vs Catalyst 8500-12X
The ASR1002-X tops out around 36 Gbps; the Catalyst 8500-12X is its high-performance successor with a third-generation QFP delivering up to 120 Gbps and twelve 1/10GE ports, purpose-built for IOS XE SD-WAN. For high-throughput edge refreshes, choose the C8500-12X.
Cisco ASR1002-X
Mature 1RU aggregation router with six built-in GE and license-upgradable throughput to 36 Gbps.
- 5 Gbps default forwarding, license-upgradable to 36 Gbps
- 6x built-in 1GE plus a SPA bay
- QuantumFlow Processor forwarding engine
- Past end-of-sale; supports SD-WAN but is prior-generation hardware
Cisco Catalyst 8500-12X
Current high-performance 1RU edge platform with third-gen QFP and twelve 1/10GE ports for SD-WAN.
- Up to 120 Gbps Cisco Express Forwarding aggregate throughput
- 12x 1/10GE SFP+ built-in interfaces
- Third-generation Cisco QuantumFlow Processor ASIC
- IOS XE SD-WAN with Catalyst 8000 subscription licensing; current lifecycle
Cisco ASR1002-X vs Cisco Catalyst 8500-12X: spec comparison
| Spec | Cisco ASR1002-X | Cisco Catalyst 8500-12X |
|---|---|---|
| Form factor | 1RU | 1RU |
| Aggregate throughput | 5 Gbps default, to 36 Gbps | Up to 120 Gbps CEF |
| Forwarding ASIC | QFP (QuantumFlow) | Third-generation QFP |
| Built-in 1/10GE ports | 6x 1GE SFP | 12x 1/10GE SFP+ |
| Module expansion | 1 SPA bay | Fixed interfaces |
| Software | IOS XE / IOS XE SD-WAN | IOS XE SD-WAN (Catalyst 8000) |
| Licensing | Throughput + DNA add-ons | Cisco Networking subscription tiers |
| Target role | Branch/regional aggregation | High-throughput edge / SD-WAN headend |
| Lifecycle status | End of sale (prior generation) | Current generation |
Choose Cisco ASR1002-X if
Choose the ASR1002-X only if 36 Gbps is sufficient, you need its SPA bay, and you are staying on an existing IOS XE design rather than refreshing to the Catalyst 8000 family.
Choose Cisco Catalyst 8500-12X if
Choose the Catalyst 8500-12X when you need far more headroom: up to 120 Gbps, twelve 1/10GE ports, and a third-gen QFP built for IOS XE SD-WAN at the edge or as an SD-WAN headend.
Verdict
The Catalyst 8500-12X is the high-performance successor to the ASR1002-X, jumping from roughly 36 Gbps to up to 120 Gbps on a current third-gen QFP with twelve 1/10GE ports. With the ASR1002-X past end of sale, refresh to the C8500-12X for any throughput-driven edge or SD-WAN deployment.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Catalyst 8500-12X the replacement for the ASR1002-X?
Yes, in the high-throughput tier. The Catalyst 8500 Series is the evolution of the ASR 1000, and the C8500-12X covers the performance-edge role the ASR1002-X served, with much higher capacity.
How much faster is the C8500-12X than the ASR1002-X?
The C8500-12X delivers up to 120 Gbps aggregate throughput versus a maximum of about 36 Gbps on the ASR1002-X, roughly a 3x increase.
Does the Catalyst 8500-12X run SD-WAN?
Yes. The C8500-12X runs Cisco IOS XE SD-WAN as part of the Catalyst 8000 family, making it suitable as an SD-WAN edge or headend platform.
How many 10GE ports does the C8500-12X have?
The C8500-12X provides twelve 1/10GE SFP+ ports, compared with six 1GE ports built into the ASR1002-X.
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.