Running unsupported hardware isn't a hypothetical risk. No more bug fixes. No more security patches. No RMA support once the last date of support passes. This article breaks down the ASR1002-HX EOL timeline, the risks of waiting too long, and your realistic replacement options.
Terabit Systems works with organizations navigating exactly this kind of transition, sourcing refurbished replacements and buying back decommissioned gear so the switch doesn't drain your budget.
Key Takeaways
- ASR1002-HX End-of-Sale passed March 31, 2025; final software maintenance ends March 31, 2026
- Security patch support ends September 30, 2028; full support ends March 31, 2030
- Cisco's named successor is the Catalyst C8500-12X4QC
- Refurbished ASR1002-HX units remain a viable option for non-critical roles
- Decommissioned units can be sold back for capital recovery, not scrapped
What Is the Cisco ASR1002-HX?
The ASR1002-HX is part of Cisco's ASR 1000 Series, a line of Aggregation Services Routers built for WAN edge and service-provider aggregation. Cisco positions the entire family as an SD-WAN platform that aggregates connections and network services such as encryption and traffic management, then forwards traffic at line speeds from 2.5 to 200 Gbps.
The ASR1002-HX specifically is a 2RU router with:
- Up to 100 Gbps throughput
- 8 built-in 10-Gigabit Ethernet ports
- 8 built-in 1-Gigabit Ethernet ports
- An Ethernet Port Adapter slot for expansion
It's typically deployed at the edge of enterprise data centers, large offices connecting to the WAN, and service-provider points of presence.
What Is a Cisco ASR 1002?
The ASR 1002 is an entry point into the ASR 1000 family : an aggregation router built for WAN edge and service-provider roles, running Cisco IOS XE. It shares the family's core purpose but with lower baseline throughput than the HX variant.
ASR1002-X vs. ASR1002-HX Throughput
The ASR1002-X ships with 5 Gbps default throughput, upgradable via software license to 10, 20, or 36 Gbps. The ASR1002-HX supports up to 100 Gbps out of the box, well above the X model's 36 Gbps ceiling. Don't confuse the two models when planning a migration; they are not interchangeable on capacity.
Is the ASR a Router or a Switch?
It's a router. Cisco's documentation and product taxonomy classify the entire ASR 1000 line as Aggregation Services Routers, running Cisco IOS XE. It handles WAN aggregation and edge routing, not Layer 2 switching functions.
Cisco ASR1002-HX End-of-Life Timeline & Milestones
Cisco ASR1002-HX End-of-Life Timeline & Milestones
Key EOL Dates to Know
Cisco's official End-of-Sale and End-of-Life bulletin lays out the milestones:
| Milestone | Date | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| End-of-Life Announcement | September 30, 2024 | Formal EOL process begins |
| End-of-Sale | March 31, 2025 | No longer orderable through Cisco |
| End of Software Maintenance | March 31, 2026 | No new bug fixes or IOS-XE releases |
| End of Vulnerability/Security Support | September 30, 2028 | No new security patches |
| Last Date of Support | March 31, 2030 | No RMA, no TAC support: full obsolescence |
End-of-Sale and End of Software Maintenance have both already passed. That means any ASR1002-HX still in production is running on frozen code, with the security-patch clock ticking toward 2028.
Why Cisco Retires Hardware Platforms
Cisco's End-of-Life policy ties platform retirement to a few recurring drivers:
- Shifts in market demand
- Ongoing technology innovation
- Replacement by newer platforms with more features
Cisco commits to roughly five years of hardware TAC support from the End-of-Sale date. That is the standard support window for this class of hardware.
Risks of Running ASR1002-HX Past EOL
Continuing to run this hardware past EOL creates compounding problems:
- Security exposure: After vulnerability support ends, no new IOS-XE security patches ship. CISA warns that unpatched edge devices, including routers, are prime entry points for threat actors.
- Compliance risk: Regulated industries relying on vendor-supported infrastructure may struggle to demonstrate compliance once official support lapses.
- Sourcing risk: Spare parts and replacement units get scarcer and pricier as OEM stock dries up.
- Support delays: Fewer support options mean longer outages when something breaks.
- Audit and insurance friction: Unsupported gear can complicate cyber-insurance renewals or IT audits, even where it doesn't automatically disqualify coverage.
NIST SP 800-53 control SA-22 calls for replacing components when vendor support ends—missing critical patches gives adversaries an opening. Limited exceptions exist for isolated or critical systems, but that is a narrow carve-out, not a long-term strategy.
Migration & Replacement Options
Cisco's Recommended Upgrade Path
Cisco's Catalyst 8500 FAQ names the C8500-12X4QC as the direct successor to the ASR1002-HX. It's a compact 1RU platform with 12x 1/10GE, 3x 40GE, and 2x 40/100GE ports.
A few things to check before you commit:
- Feature parity — Cisco says broadband feature parity arrived with IOS XE 17.9.3; confirm your specific feature set is covered
- Licensing model — The C8500 line runs on Cisco DNA subscription licensing (Advantage, Tier 3, up to 20G aggregate throughput), a shift from older PAK-based licensing
- Physical footprint — 1RU vs. the ASR1002-HX's 2RU changes rack planning
Don't assume throughput numbers translate directly. The HX's 100 Gbps figure and the C8500's IPsec/forwarding benchmarks are measured differently — validate against your actual packet mix and encryption load before signing off.
Budget-Friendly Alternatives With Refurbished Hardware
Not every deployment needs an immediate rip-and-replace. Many teams keep ASR1002-HX units in service for backup roles, labs, or non-critical WAN links where full Cisco support is not required.
Terabit Systems stocks Cisco ASR 1000 Series hardware, including the ASR1002-HX and related models, from the secondary market. Every unit goes through a five-step quality assurance process:
- Physical inspection for connector and chassis damage
- Functional testing with live traffic across all ports
- Factory reset and firmware verification
- Cosmetic refurbishment
- Final QC and kitting before shipment
Refurbished units typically cost far less than OEM new pricing, and Terabit backs tested equipment with warranty coverage for production and spare use.
What to Do With Decommissioned ASR1002-HX Hardware
If your team is migrating to a Catalyst 8500 or another platform, don't scrap the old ASR1002-HX units. Functional decommissioned routers still have resale value.
Terabit Systems runs an asset recovery and buy-back program for exactly this scenario:
- Free audit of surplus gear to assess condition and value
- Choice between fair-market-value cash payment or trade-in credit toward replacement equipment
- Coverage for Cisco, Juniper, Arista, and other major networking brands
This can offset the cost of a network refresh instead of letting old hardware sit in a closet or go to a recycler for pennies. If you're planning a migration wave, get the audit started early — it's easier to fold buy-back proceeds into a purchasing decision when you know the number upfront.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cisco IOS EOL?
Not in the same sense as hardware. IOS software maintenance releases and security support windows are tied to specific platform EOL schedules, like the ASR1002-HX's March 2026 and September 2028 milestones.
What is a Cisco ASR 1002?
It's an aggregation router in the ASR 1000 family, built for WAN edge and service-provider deployments. It runs Cisco IOS XE and shares core architecture with other ASR 1000 models.
What is the maximum throughput of an ASR 1002-X router?
The ASR1002-X ships with 5 Gbps default throughput, upgradable via software license to 10, 20, or 36 Gbps. That's well below the ASR1002-HX's 100 Gbps ceiling.
Is the Cisco ASR a router or a switch?
It's a router line. The ASR 1000 series handles WAN aggregation and edge routing functions, not switching.
How long does Cisco typically support hardware after End-of-Sale?
Cisco's standard policy provides roughly five years of TAC hardware support from the End-of-Sale date. Software maintenance and security-patch windows often end earlier within that period.
Can I still buy a Cisco ASR1002-HX after its official EOL?
Yes, refurbished units remain available through specialized resellers like Terabit Systems, which tests each unit and backs it with a warranty before resale. This gives you a bridge option while planning a full platform migration.
