With a total capacity of up 6.4 Tb and support for an Advanced Video Services Module, the Cisco ASR (Aggregation Services Routers) 9000 Series are targeted squarely at the edge of carrier class-deployments; joining the vendor's existing CRS-1 and 7600 Series Routers in the deployment of core-to-edge gear for service providers.

Two models of the 9000 series are expected to be initially available: A 10U 6-slot model with a side-to-back air flow for reduced space deployments (total capacity of up to 3.2 Tb), and a 21U 10-slot model with capacity of up to 6.4 Tb. Both are expected to support Gig and 10 Gig interfaces, redundant fans, fabric, and power supplies (AC or DC), and include support for IP over dense wavelength-division multiplexing (IPoDWDM) via integrated optical transponders.

Among the key features noted by the vendor are:

- Support for up to 400 Gb of capacity per slot

- Support for the vendor's Advanced Video Services Module (AVSM), which specifically focuses on the delivery of streaming video and includes features such as content caching, ad insertion, channel change, and onboard error correction for both unicast and multi-cast video (the vendor states that errors can be detected by set-top boxes and re-transmitted "within milliseconds")

- SyncE-ready support in all line cards

- A modular power system in which power is automatically scaled up or down to meet actual needs. Up to 6 power modules can be loaded individually into the chassis to accommodate the sliding power usage as needed

Like the ASR 1000 series that preceded it, the ASR 9000 is based on the Cisco QuantumFlow processor for integrated services. Additionaly, the ASR 9000 is driven by the vendor's IOS XR operating system, with such features as inline upgrades.

The Cisco ASR 9000 series routers are expected to debut in 1Q/2009, with base pricing near $80,000. Contact Cisco Systems for further information.