
( Brand: Cisco ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: ASR-9010-SYS ), ( Part Type: Storage )
The **Cisco ASR 9010-SYS with IBM SAN768C-6 Storage Networking 18-Slot Chassis** represents a cutting-edge, high-performance solution designed for next-generation data center and service provider environments requiring unparalleled scalability, reliability, and low-latency connectivity. This robust platform combines Cisco s industry-leading routing and switching expertise with IBM s advanced storage networking capabilities, creating a seamless, high-density infrastructure optimized for modern workloads such as cloud computing, enterprise data centers, and large-scale service provider deployments. The **18-slot chassis** architecture provides exceptional flexibility, accommodating a diverse range of line cards, route processors, and power supplies to tailor the system to specific performance, bandwidth, and redundancy requirements. At its core, the **ASR 9010-SYS** leverages Cisco s advanced **Quantum Flow Processor (QFP)** technology, delivering non-blocking, wire-speed performance across 100G, 40G, and 10G interfaces while supporting advanced traffic management features like **Quality of Service (QoS), Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS), and Virtual Extensible LAN (VXLAN)** for seamless virtualization and network segmentation. When integrated with the **IBM SAN768C-6**, a high-performance Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE) and Fibre Channel (FC) storage networking module, this chassis becomes a powerful hub for consolidating storage traffic, reducing cabling complexity, and enhancing data center efficiency. The **SAN768C-6** module supports up to **768 ports** of Fibre Channel connectivity, enabling high-speed, low-latency storage access critical for enterprise storage area networks (SANs) and hybrid cloud environments. Together, these components form a resilient, high-throughput infrastructure capable of handling the most demanding storage and networking workloads while ensuring minimal downtime and maximum uptime through redundant power supplies, cooling systems, and modular design. Ideal for organizations transitioning to all-flash storage, converged infrastructure, or large-scale virtualized environments, this chassis delivers a future-proof foundation that scales effortlessly with evolving business needs. Whether deployed in a core data center, a service provider network, or a high-performance computing cluster, the **Cisco ASR 9010-SYS with IBM SAN768C-6** ensures optimal performance, scalability, and integration with existing and emerging storage and networking technologies.
### **Pros and Cons of Purchasing a Cisco ASR 9010-SYS with IBM SAN768C-6 Storage Networking (18-Slot Chassis)**
#### **Pros**
1. **High Performance and Scalability**
The Cisco ASR 9010 is a high-end service router designed for large-scale enterprise and service provider networks. It supports advanced routing protocols, high-speed interfaces (10G, 40G, 100G), and distributed forwarding for low-latency performance. The 18-slot chassis allows for extensive expansion, accommodating a wide range of line cards and services modules to meet growing traffic demands.
2. **Enterprise-Grade Reliability and Redundancy**
The ASR 9010 features redundant power supplies, fans, and control plane components, ensuring high availability in mission-critical environments. The modular design allows for hot-swappable components, minimizing downtime during maintenance.
3. **Advanced Traffic Management and Security**
The router supports deep packet inspection (DPI), firewall services, intrusion prevention (IPS), and advanced QoS policies. This makes it suitable for networks requiring strict security and traffic prioritization, such as financial institutions, telecom providers, or large-scale data centers.
4. **Integration with IBM Storage Networking (SAN768C-6)**
The IBM SAN768C-6 is a high-performance Fibre Channel switch designed for enterprise storage area networks (SANs). When paired with the ASR 9010, it enables seamless connectivity between storage systems and servers, improving data access speeds and reliability. The combination supports high-bandwidth Fibre Channel (FC) traffic, which is critical for storage-intensive workloads.
5. **Future-Proofing and Flexibility**
Both the ASR 9010 and SAN768C-6 are built on scalable architectures, allowing for upgrades to newer line cards, interfaces, and software features as technology evolves. This flexibility ensures that the investment remains relevant for years to come.
6. **Support for Hybrid and Cloud-Native Workloads**
The ASR 9010 can act as a gateway between on-premises networks and cloud environments, supporting VPNs, MPLS, and SD-WAN capabilities. This makes it ideal for organizations transitioning to hybrid or multi-cloud architectures.
7. **Vendor Support and Ecosystem**
Cisco and IBM are well-established vendors with extensive support networks, documentation, and third-party integrations. This reduces the risk of compatibility issues and provides access to professional services for deployment and troubleshooting.
---
#### **Cons**
1. **High Upfront Cost**
The ASR 9010 and SAN768C-6 are premium, enterprise-grade solutions with significant capital expenditure requirements. Organizations with limited budgets may find the cost prohibitive, especially when considering additional line cards, licenses, and maintenance contracts.
2. **Complexity in Deployment and Management**
The advanced features of the ASR 9010, such as distributed forwarding, advanced security, and multi-service capabilities, require skilled network engineers for proper configuration and management. Misconfigurations can lead to performance bottlenecks or security vulnerabilities.
3. **Power and Space Requirements**
The 18-slot chassis is physically large and requires substantial rack space, cooling, and power infrastructure. Data centers with limited real estate or power capacity may struggle to accommodate this equipment without additional investments in infrastructure upgrades.
4. **Licensing Costs**
Cisco s ASR 9010 often requires additional software licenses for advanced features like firewall services, IPS, or advanced QoS. These licenses can add to the total cost of ownership (TCO) and may need to be renewed periodically.
5. **Depreciation and Obsolescence Risk**
While the ASR 9010 and SAN768C-6 are built for longevity, networking hardware can become outdated as new standards (e.g., 400G, 800G interfaces, AI-driven networking) emerge. Organizations must plan for eventual upgrades, which can be costly.
6. **Vendor Lock-In**
Relying heavily on Cisco and IBM ecosystems may limit flexibility if the organization later decides to adopt multi-vendor solutions or open-source alternatives. Migration to other vendors can be complex and disruptive.
7. **Maintenance and Support Overhead**
Enterprise-grade equipment requires dedicated support contracts, which can be expensive. Downtime for maintenance or hardware failures may also impact operations, particularly in critical environments.
---
### **Conclusion**
The Cisco ASR 9010-SYS paired with the IBM SAN768C-6 is a powerful, scalable, and reliable solution for large-scale enterprise networks, storage-intensive environments, and service providers. Its advanced features, redundancy, and integration capabilities make it ideal for organizations with high-performance demands, strict security requirements, and long-term growth plans.
However, the high cost, complexity, and maintenance overhead may not be justified for smaller businesses, startups, or organizations with simpler networking needs. If budget constraints or operational complexity are concerns, alternatives such as mid-range routers (e.g., Cisco ISR 4000 series), open-source storage solutions, or cloud-based networking services might be more appropriate.
### **Recommendation**
**Purchase this solution if:**- You operate a large enterprise, service provider, or data center with high-bandwidth, low-latency requirements.
- Your network demands advanced security, traffic management, and storage connectivity.
- You have the budget and expertise to deploy, manage, and maintain enterprise-grade hardware.
- Long-term scalability and redundancy are critical to your operations.
**Avoid this solution if:**- Your network requirements are modest, and a lower-cost, simpler router or switch would suffice.
- You lack the in-house expertise to configure and troubleshoot advanced networking features.
- Your data center has limited space, power, or cooling capacity.
- You prefer a multi-vendor or open-source approach to avoid vendor lock-in.
For most mid-sized enterprises or organizations with evolving needs, a phased approach starting with a smaller chassis and upgrading as demand grows may be a more cost-effective strategy. Always conduct a thorough cost-benefit analysis and consider alternative solutions before making a final decision.
Box Missing: Documents, Mounting Hardware, Blanks, and some packaging. We buy Juniper, Cisco, Extreme, Foundry, Brocade, Dell, 3Com and more. If we haven't, please let us know. Test notes available upon request.
Includes: 1x SAN768C-6, Cables, Power Supplies, Fans, Blanks. Dins Easy 90 Day Warranty: Every sale includes Satisfaction Guarantee. For sale is a New IBM SAN768C-6 storage Networking 18 Slot Chassis: Cisco. Condition: These items are in New condition.
We buy networking equipment.