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In an era where digital transformation drives the need for high-performance connectivity, enterprises demand edge devices that not only route traffic but also integrate SD-WAN, security, and advanced O&M features out of the box.
The Huawei AR6280 Routers, part of the Huawei NetEngine Routers family, exemplify this shift. As modular Routers designed for headquarters and large branches, the AR6280 delivers industry-leading forwarding performance, a rich service slot ecosystem, and carrier-grade reliability—all within a sleek 1U chassis.
In this article, we’ll explore how this Enterprise-Grade Router—the AR6280—stands apart in the crowded Wired Routers market, covering its hardware, software, deployment scenarios, management options, and how it compares to key competitors.
Product Overview
The Huawei NetEngine AR6280 leverages a heterogeneous CPU + NP architecture to push forwarding performance well above industry averages. It supports two service router units (SRUs) to tailor throughput to your needs:
- SRU-400H: Delivers up to 10 Gbps of combined LAN↔WAN forwarding, with 6 Gbps of IPsec VPN performance.
- SRU-600H: Boosts throughput to 12 Gbps and 7.5 Gbps of IPsec VPN performance.
By integrating routing, switching, SD-WAN, VPN, security, voice, and MPLS, the AR6280 functions as a true Integrated Router - eliminating multiple boxes and simplifying network architectures.
Hardware Architecture & Performance
At its core, the AR6280 employs a 16-core processor for control-plane tasks, paired with network-processing units (NPUs) for line-rate service delivery. Key hardware highlights:
- Fixed WAN Ports: 14×10 GE SFP+ (compatible with GE SFP) 10×GE RJ45 (configurable as LAN)
- 14×10 GE SFP+ (compatible with GE SFP)
- 10×GE RJ45 (configurable as LAN)
- Service Board Slots: 8 total
- SIC Slots: 4 (default & maximum)
- WSIC Slots: 2 default / 6 maximum
- XSIC Slots: 2 default / 4 maximum
- Memory & Flash: SRU-400H: 8 GB DRAM, 2 GB Flash SRU-600H: 16 GB DRAM, 4 GB Flash
- SRU-400H: 8 GB DRAM, 2 GB Flash
- SRU-600H: 16 GB DRAM, 4 GB Flash
- I/O: 1×USB 2.0 port, 1×RJ45 console
- Physical Dimensions: 88.1×442.0×470.0 mm; 8.85 kg
- Environmental: 0 °C–45 °C; 5%–95% RH, non-condensing
Specifications
| Category | Specification (SRU-400H / SRU-600H) |
| Forwarding Performance | 10 Gbps / 12 Gbps (IMIX) |
| IPsec VPN Throughput | 6 Gbps / 7.5 Gbps |
| Fixed WAN Ports | 14×10 GE SFP+; 10×GE RJ45 |
| SIC / WSIC / XSIC Slots | 4 / 2 (max 6) / 2 (max 4) |
| DRAM / Flash | 8 GB / 2 GB; 16 GB / 4 GB |
| Processor | 16-Core |
| Switching Architecture | Non-blocking backplane |
| Form Factor | 1U Rack Mount |
| Power Consumption | ≤ 32 W |
| Management Interfaces | CLI, Web GUI, SNMPv1/2c/3, NetConf, USB |
| Operating Conditions | 0 °C–45 °C; 5%–95% RH |
Software Features & Security
Powered by Huawei’s Versatile Routing Platform (VRP), the AR6280 is a full-service Enterprise-Grade Router:
- Routing & MPLS: BGP4+, OSPF, IS-IS, MPLS L3VPN, LDP, VPLS, EVPN
- SD-WAN: Application-aware path selection, zero-touch deployment, FPI acceleration
- Security & VPN: IPSec, SSL VPN, GRE, firewall, ACLs, DoS/DDoS protection, DHCP snooping
- QoS & Traffic Engineering: Hierarchical QoS, traffic shaping, policing, SP/WRR, PQ/CBWFQ, MPLS-TE
- Voice & Media: Voice DSP slots for SIP, VoIP gateways; fax and conferencing support
- High Availability: VRRP, BFD, ISSU, dual power supplies
- O&M: SD-WAN ready, web-based network management simplifies operations
AR6280 vs. Cisco ASR1001-X vs. Juniper MX204
| Feature | Huawei AR6280 (SRU-600H) | Cisco ASR1001-X | Juniper MX204 |
| Forwarding Throughput | 12 Gbps (IMIX) | 2.5 Gbps (default) → 20 Gbps upgrade | 400 Gbps |
| IPsec VPN Throughput | 7.5 Gbps | Up to 8 Gbps (ESP) | N/A |
| Fixed Ports | 14×10 GE SFP+, 10×GE RJ45 | 6×1 GE SFP, 2×10 GE SFP+ | 8×10 GE SFP+, 4×100 GE QSFP+ |
| Modular Slots | SIC 4, WSIC 2/6, XSIC 2/4 | 1 SPA slot, 1 NIM slot | N/A (fixed chassis) |
| Form Factor | 1U Rack | 1U Rack | 1U Rack |
Deployment Scenarios & Use Cases
- Enterprise HeadquartersTerminate 14×10 GE circuits and 10×GE LAN uplinks. Support cloud-based applications with hardware-accelerated SD-WAN.
- Terminate 14×10 GE circuits and 10×GE LAN uplinks.
- Support cloud-based applications with hardware-accelerated SD-WAN.
- Large Branch GatewaysSecure VPN aggregation with 6–7.5 Gbps IPsec performance. Leverage optional 5G backup for business continuity.
- Secure VPN aggregation with 6–7.5 Gbps IPsec performance.
- Leverage optional 5G backup for business continuity.
- Data Center EdgeMPLS L3VPN or EVPN-VXLAN termination. Combine high-density 10 GE with scalable QoS.
- MPLS L3VPN or EVPN-VXLAN termination.
- Combine high-density 10 GE with scalable QoS.
- Retail or Banking NetworksZero-touch provisioning via USB or DHCP Option 66/67. Fine-grained QoS for voice, video, and point-of-sale traffic.
- Zero-touch provisioning via USB or DHCP Option 66/67.
- Fine-grained QoS for voice, video, and point-of-sale traffic.
Management & Operations
Centralized Orchestration & Monitoring
- Huawei iMaster NCE & eSight: Intent-based templates for routing, VPN, QoS, and security reduce deployment time. Real-time dashboards and alarms speed troubleshooting.
- Open APIs & Telemetry: RESTCONF/NetConf and SNMPv3 deliver live metrics; streaming telemetry integrates with your analytics stack for proactive capacity planning.
Zero-Touch Provisioning (ZTP)
- USB Auto-ConfigPlace your CLI script (startup.cfg) on a FAT32 USB stick. Insert into the AR6280’s USB port; on boot, the device auto-applies and reboots into production.
- Place your CLI script (startup.cfg) on a FAT32 USB stick.
- Insert into the AR6280’s USB port; on boot, the device auto-applies and reboots into production.
-
DHCP Options 66/67
Automate bootstrap via TFTP/HTTP server based on MAC-address profiles.
High Availability & Resilience
- VRRP & BFD ensure sub-50 ms failover for critical links.
- ISSU (In-Service Software Upgrade) lets you patch VRP without traffic impact.
- Dual PSUs & Hot-Swappable Modules guarantee “five-9s” uptime.
CLI Configuration Examples
| Task | CLI Snippet |
| Basic Interface Setup | system-view interface GigabitEthernet0/0/0 ip address 192.168.1.1 255.255.255.0 quit |
| OSPF Area Configuration | system-view ospf 1 area 0.0.0.0 network 192.168.1.0 0.0.0.255 quit |
| IPSec VPN Proposal | system-view ike proposal ike-prop1 encryption-algorithm aes-cbc-256 quit ipsec proposal ipsec-prop1 transform esp-aes-256 esp-sha256 quit |
| Hierarchical QoS | system-view traffic behavior class1 cir 2000000 cbs 8000 quit interface GigabitEthernet0/0/0 traffic-policy class1 inbound |
| SNMPv3 Security | system-view snmp-agent sys-info version v3 snmp-agent group g1 privacy snmp-agent usm-user u1 group g1 authentication-mode sha cipher aes128 quit |
Technical Support & After-Sales Service
| Support Type | Network-Switch.com | Huawei Official | Other 3rd-Party Resellers |
| Product Warranty | 3 years | 3 years | Varies |
| Technical Support | 24/7 phone, email, chat | Business hours | Limited |
| Firmware Updates | Regular | Regular | Irregular |
| On-Site Support | Upon request | Upon request | Not available |
| Configuration Assistance | Free | Free | Not provided |
| Remote Troubleshooting | 24/7 | Business hours | Limited |
| Response Time | Instant for critical | Standard | Delayed |
FAQ
-
What is the maximum forwarding throughput on AR6280?
With SRU-600H installed, you get up to 12 Gbps of IMIX forwarding performance. -
How many 10 GE ports are available?
Fourteen SFP+ 10 GE and ten GE RJ45 ports (all WAN ports can be LAN). -
Can I add 5G backup?
Yes—install a 5G-SIC card for cellular failover and wireless WAN options. -
How is SD-WAN deployed?
Via built-in SD-WAN app and zero-touch templates in iMaster NCE. -
Does AR6280 support MPLS?
Full MPLS suite (L3VPN, LDP, TE, FRR) is supported on VRP. -
What are the high-availability options?
VRRP, BFD, ISSU, dual PSUs, and hot-swappable modules ensure “five-9s” uptime.
Conclusion
The Huawei AR6280 Routers set a new benchmark for Wired Routers in enterprise branch and headquarters environments. With up to 12 Gbps forwarding, hardware-accelerated VPN, SD-WAN, and a truly modular router design, the AR6280 delivers the performance, flexibility, and reliability modern networks demand.
Ready to transform your enterprise edge?
Download the AR6280 datasheet or contact Network-Switch.com today for a personalized solution.
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