Cisco NCS 540 SD-AR3K-N540X16A 16x10G + 2x100G | Enterprise Router — SD-AR3K-N540X16A

Move demanding edge and aggregation workloads onto a platform designed for high-density routing and fast uplink capacity. The Cisco NCS 540 configuration in this SKU combines 16x10G, 4x1G copper, 8x25G, and 2x100G interfaces to support mixed-speed deployments where access, aggregation, and backbone handoff must coexist cleanly. This model is suited to teams standardizing on a compact router that can carry substantial traffic without forcing a larger chassis footprint. The interface mix gives architects flexibility to terminate legacy copper, high-speed access, and next-hop uplinks in one system, reducing the need for separate edge devices. Because this is an AR Level 3 no-software-support configuration, it is positioned for organizations that already have their software and operational model defined. That makes it a strong fit for procurement teams comparing hardware-only options where port density, interface speed, and platform consistency matter more than bundled licensing. For infrastructure built around predictable scaling, this SKU offers a clear path to high-capacity routing at the edge. Ideal For Edge aggregation for service-provider or large enterprise networks High-density handoff for mixed 1G, 10G, 25G, and 100G traffic Routing platform for environments with separate software licensing plans Compact backbone transition point for access and aggregation layers Why This Product 1 Higher port density than basic edge routers 2 Includes 100G uplinks for backbone handoff 3 Supports mixed copper and high-speed optical connectivity 4 Hardware-only SKU for software-controlled environments