The Cisco ASR1000-RP3 Route Processor is a high-performance control-plane module designed to enhance scalability, resiliency, and security across Cisco ASR 1000 Series Aggregation Services Routers. Built for large-scale enterprise and service-provider environments, the RP3 delivers significantly improved processing power, memory, and cryptographic performance to support modern WAN, VPN, and SD-WAN deployments.
Powered by a quad-core Intel x86 processor running at 2.2 GHz, the ASR1000-RP3 provides fast route convergence, accelerated system boot times, and superior control-plane responsiveness. With 16 GB of DRAM and 64 GB of onboard flash storage, the module supports large routing tables, advanced services, extensive logging, and packet capture, making it ideal for complex, high-traffic networks.
The ASR1000-RP3 significantly improves IPsec VPN scalability, supporting thousands of concurrent tunnels with enhanced crypto throughput. Advanced high-availability features such as dual-RP redundancy and stateful switchover (SSO) ensure minimal downtime and continuous service during maintenance or failover events.
Running Cisco IOS XE Software, the route processor supports a comprehensive set of routing and service features, including BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, IS-IS, MPLS, and Cisco SD-WAN integration. It is fully automation-ready, with support for NETCONF/YANG, REST APIs, and popular orchestration tools such as Ansible, Puppet, and Chef, enabling streamlined provisioning and lifecycle management.
Compatible with multiple Cisco ASR 1000 Series chassis and ESP forwarding modules, the Cisco ASR1000-RP3 is a critical component for organizations seeking secure, scalable, and highly available WAN edge and aggregation routing.
Product Specifications – Cisco ASR 1000 Series Route Processor 3 (ASR1000-RP3)
CLICK HERE FOR DATA SHEET
| Category |
Specification Details |
| Product Name |
Cisco ASR1000-RP3 |
| Model Number |
ASR1000-RP3 |
| Product Type |
Route Processor (Control Plane Module) |
| Product Series |
Cisco ASR 1000 Series |
| Primary Function |
Control Plane Processing, System Management, and Service Orchestration |
| Intended Deployment |
Enterprise Edge, Service Provider Edge, SD-WAN, Secure WAN Aggregation |
| Processor Type |
Quad-Core Intel x86 |
| Processor Speed |
2.2 GHz |
| Control Plane Capacity |
High-Scale Routing and Service Processing |
| Crypto Performance |
Enhanced IPsec and Encryption Throughput |
| IPsec VPN Scalability |
Supports Thousands of Concurrent IPsec Tunnels |
| Routing Convergence |
Fast Route Convergence and Improved System Responsiveness |
| System Memory (DRAM) |
16 GB (Default, Upgradeable) |
| Flash Storage |
64 GB (Default) |
| Storage Usage |
IOS XE Images, Logging, Packet Capture |
| High Availability |
Dual RP Redundancy Supported |
| Stateful Switchover (SSO) |
Supported |
| Failover Behavior |
Minimal Downtime with Stateful Synchronization |
| Clocking & Timing |
Integrated Clocking for System Synchronization |
| Module Slot Type |
Dedicated RP Slot in ASR 1000 Chassis |
| Forwarding Interfaces |
None (Control Plane Only) |
| Forwarding Integration |
Works with ESP Forwarding Modules |
| Supported Forwarding Modules |
ESP100, ESP200, ESP100X |
| Operating System |
Cisco IOS XE |
| Routing Protocols Supported |
OSPF, BGP, EIGRP, IS-IS |
| MPLS Support |
MPLS, MPLS VPN |
| SD-WAN Support |
Cisco SD-WAN Compatible |
| Security Features |
IPsec, MACsec, Secure Boot, Image Signing |
| Network Segmentation |
Cisco TrustSec |
| Management Protocols |
SNMP, NETCONF/YANG |
| Automation & APIs |
REST APIs |
| Automation Tools |
Ansible, Puppet, Chef |
| Centralized Management |
Cisco DNA Center, SD-WAN Controllers |
| Compatible Chassis |
Cisco ASR 1002-X, 1004, 1006, 1009, 1013 |
| Hot-Swappable |
Yes |
| Field Replaceable Unit (FRU) |
Yes |
| Typical Power Consumption |
~200 W (Configuration Dependent) |
| Operating Temperature |
0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F) |
| Reliability Features |
Redundant RPs, Secure Boot, Hardware Resiliency |
| Use Case – Enterprise |
Secure WAN Edge, Large-Scale Routing |
| Use Case – Service Provider |
IP/MPLS Edge, High-Scale VPN Services |
| Use Case – SD-WAN |
Control Plane for SD-WAN and Encrypted Traffic |
| Package Contents |
Route Processor Module Only |
FAQs for ASR1000-RP3:
What is the main function of the ASR1000-RP3?
It serves as the central route processor for control-plane tasks in ASR 1000 routers, managing routing protocols, crypto, and management services.
Is it compatible with all ASR 1000 models?
It is compatible with most mid- to high-end ASR 1000 chassis such as ASR1004, ASR1006, ASR1009, and ASR1013, but not with ASR1001 or 1002 non-modular variants.
Does it support redundancy?
Yes, you can install two RP3 modules for redundancy and high availability with SSO support.
Can it handle SD-WAN functions?
Yes, it supports Cisco SD-WAN edge routing and integration with vManage and Cisco DNA Center.
Does it require a specific software version?
It runs Cisco IOS XE and requires compatible firmware that supports RP3 hardware. Always verify the supported releases for your network.
