Introduction
With XR 4.2.0 the ASR9000 is releasing a new line of hardware models. This amongst others is the RSP440, the next generation RSP with faster switch fabric along with Typhoon based Linecards, the next generation network processor.
Explanation
In the TAR file from CCO there are files like asr9k-mini-p.pie or asr9k-mini-px.pie. The reason why there are 2 sets of files is because there are 2 hardware versions of the RSP.
The RSP2, the "old" RSP is based on a dual core PPC. The new RSP440 has an 4 core Intel processor.
Because PPC and INTEL handle endians differently, there are compiler differences to generate sw for the different PPC and the INTEL.
Features and functionality are the same between RSP2 and RSP3. Scale might be different.
The trident based linecards (2T20G, 40GE, 4T, 8T, 8T/4) as well as the new typhoon linecards (24x10GE, MOD80, MOD160, 100G) are all
PPC based.
What that means is that Only when you have an RSP3 in your system, you need to load the PX images.
When you have an RSP2 based system you need to load the P images.
The precense of a Trident or Typhoon linecard doesn't matter. So an RSP2 with a typhoon LC, still runs the -p images.
When you are upgrading from RSP to RSP440, this can't be done "hot". RSP2 and RSP440 can't coexist in the same system.
This simple table helps in the selection process, note that this applies for XR 4.2.0 and later.
| RSP |
RP CPU type |
Linecard |
| |
|
Trident Based (PPC)
|
Typhoon Based (PPC)
|
Tomahawk Based (x86) |
| ASR9001 |
PPC |
N/A |
P |
N/A |
| RSP2 |
PPC |
P |
P |
N/A |
| RSP440 |
x86 |
PX |
PX |
PX |
| RSP880 |
x86 |
N/A |
PX |
PX |
Related Information
If you are considering downgrading RSP2 or ASR9001 from 513 to 43 or earlier, take note of the following stipulation:
https://supportforums.cisco.com/blog/12710781/asr9001rsp2-downgrading-513-434-or-earlier-might-give-smu-installation-issues
Xander Thuijs, CCIE #6775
Principal Engineer XR/ASR9000
