In today’s hybrid-cloud era, enterprises require edge devices that blend high throughput, rich features, and simplified management. The Huawei AR6140 Routers—part of the Huawei NetEngine Routers family—are engineered as Integrated Routers to tackle these demands.
The AR6140 series unifies routing, switching, security, VPN, and even voice capabilities in a compact 1U chassis. In this article, we focus on the flagship AR6140-9G-2AC model, exploring its architecture, performance, deployment use cases, management best practices, and how it stacks up against competitors—all while naturally weaving in keywords like Enterprise-Grade Router and Wired Routers.
Product Overview
The Huawei NetEngine AR6140-9G-2AC delivers up to 6 Gbps of WAN throughput for services, backed by a non-blocking switching fabric and multi-core CPU. Its modular design provides:
- Fixed Interfaces: 5×GE RJ45 + 4×GE SFP
- Expansion: 4 SIC slots (for additional GE, SFP, or specialized modules)
- Management: USB 3.0 console, web GUI, CLI, SNMP
By integrating SD-WAN, MPLS, VPN, firewall, and QoS in one box, the AR6140-9G-2AC exemplifies the Wired Routers class’s shift toward true service convergence.
Hardware Architecture & Performance
At the core of the AR6140-9G-2AC sits the SRU-400H service router unit, engineered to sustain multi-gigabit forwarding:
- Throughput: 6 Gbps (services enabled)
- Switching Capacity: 160 Gbps non-blocking backplane
- Slots: 4×SIC (2 Gbps each), zero WSIC/XSIC by default (expandable)
- Memory: 2 GB DRAM, 1 GB Flash
- Power: Single AC 100–240 V input, max 32 W consumption
- Dimensions: 44.5×442×420 mm; weight ~5.05 kg
This combination of high throughput and modular slot architecture lets network teams scale port density or add specialized modules—voice DSP, LTE, extra SFP+—as requirements evolve.
Specifications at a Glance
Category | Specification |
Model | AR6140-9G-2AC |
Fixed Interfaces | 5×GE RJ45; 4×GE SFP |
SIC Slots | 4 |
WSIC/XSIC Slots | 0 (up to 2 WSIC, 1 XSIC optional) |
WAN Throughput | Up to 6 Gbps (services enabled) |
Switching Capacity | 160 Gbps |
Memory/Flash | 2 GB DRAM; 1 GB Flash |
Power Consumption | ≤ 32 W |
Management | CLI, Web GUI, SNMP, USB 3.0 |
Form Factor | 1U rack-mountable |
Operating Temp. | 0 °C–45 °C; 5%–95% RH non-condensing |
Software Features & Security
Built on Huawei’s Versatile Routing Platform (VRP), the AR6140-9G-2AC boasts a carrier-grade feature set:
- Routing: IPv4/IPv6, BGP4+, OSPF, IS-IS, static, policy-based
- VPN & Security: IPSec, SSL VPN, GRE, firewall, ACLs, DoS protection, DHCP snooping
- SD-WAN: Application-aware path selection, FPI acceleration, zero-touch deployment
- MPLS: L3VPN, LDP, FRR
- QoS: Hierarchical QoS with CAR, shaping, policing, SP/WRR, PQ
- Voice: DSP modules for SIP, VoIP gateways
- Management: RESTCONF/NetConf, SNMPv3, eSight/iMaster NCE integration
Deployment Scenarios & Use Cases
- Branch Office GatewayDual-homed Internet links with active/standby VRRP Hardware-accelerated IPSec to secure 50–200 users Zero-Touch Provisioning (USB or DHCP Option 66/67) for fast roll-out
- Dual-homed Internet links with active/standby VRRP
- Hardware-accelerated IPSec to secure 50–200 users
- Zero-Touch Provisioning (USB or DHCP Option 66/67) for fast roll-out
- Campus Edge AggregationAggregate PoE switches and Wi-Fi APs via high-density SIC modules Leverage MPLS L3VPN for secure inter-building links
- Aggregate PoE switches and Wi-Fi APs via high-density SIC modules
- Leverage MPLS L3VPN for secure inter-building links
- SD-WAN HubCentralized path selection for SaaS and cloud apps Dynamic traffic steering over hybrid MPLS/internet links
- Centralized path selection for SaaS and cloud apps
- Dynamic traffic steering over hybrid MPLS/internet links
- Compact Data Center EdgeFirewall/VPN termination with 6 Gbps throughput Converged data, security, and voice services in a 1U chassis
- Firewall/VPN termination with 6 Gbps throughput
- Converged data, security, and voice services in a 1U chassis
AR6140-9G-2AC vs. Cisco ISR4451-X vs. Juniper SRX345
Feature | Huawei AR6140-9G-2AC | Cisco ISR4451-X/K9 | Juniper SRX345 |
Throughput | 6 Gbps (services enabled) | 1–2 Gbps aggregate | 5 Gbps firewall, 800 Mbps VPN |
Ports | 5×GE RJ45, 4×GE SFP | 4×1 GbE RJ45, 4×1 GbE SFP | 8×1 GbE RJ45, 8×1 GbE SFP |
Modularity | 4×SIC slots | 2×SM-X + 3×NIM + 1×ISC | 4×MPIM slots |
Security & VPN | IPSec, SSL VPN, GRE | IPSec, SSL VPN | IPSec (800 Mbps), NGFW |
Integrated Services | Routing, switching, SD-WAN, voice | Routing, firewall, UC, SMP | Security, routing, switching |
Form Factor | 1U rack | 2U rack | 1U rack |
Management & Operations Best Practices
Unified Monitoring & Orchestration
- Huawei iMaster NCE & eSight: Centralized templates for routing, VPN, QoS, and security policies. Real-time dashboards and alert correlation streamline O&M.
- RESTful & Telemetry: Use RESTCONF/NetConf or SNMPv3 for polling; streaming telemetry feeds into analytics platforms for proactive capacity planning.
Zero-Touch Provisioning (ZTP)
- USB Auto-Config: Copy startup.cfg to a FAT32 USB stick, insert in device, reboot—config auto-applies.
- DHCP Options: DHCP Option 66/67 directs new units to a TFTP/HTTP bootstrap server.
CLI Configuration Snippets
Task | CLI Snippet |
Interface Setup | system-view interface GigabitEthernet0/0/0 ip address 192.168.1.1 255.255.255.0 quit |
OSPF Area | system-view ospf 1 area 0.0.0.0 network 192.168.1.0 0.0.0.255 quit |
IPSec VPN | system-view ike proposal ike1 encryption-algorithm aes-cbc-256 quit ipsec proposal ipsec1 transform esp-aes-256 esp-sha256 quit |
QoS Policy | system-view traffic behavior class1 cir 2000000 cbs 8000 quit interface GigabitEthernet0/0/0 traffic-policy class1 inbound |
SNMPv3 Setup | system-view snmp-agent sys-info version v3 snmp-agent group g1 privacy 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 maximum throughput does the AR6140-9G-2AC achieve?
Up to 6 Gbps of services-enabled forwarding. -
Can I add 10 GbE interfaces?
Yes—install XSIC/EXSIC modules in available slots. -
How is SD-WAN configured?
Via VRP’s built-in SD-WAN app and iMaster NCE templates for path policies. -
Does it support voice integration?
Yes—the modular chassis accepts DSP cards for SIP/PBX gateways. -
How do I upgrade firmware?
Use iMaster/eSight for centralized orchestration or CLI’s upgrade command over USB/TFTP. -
Is high-availability supported?
VRRP, ISSU, and hot-swappable power modules deliver “five-9s” uptime.
Conclusion
The Huawei AR6140-9G-2AC redefines what an Enterprise-Grade Router can be—blending multi-gigabit forwarding, modular expansions, integrated security, and converged services in a sleek 1U form factor. Whether deployed as a branch gateway, campus edge, or SD-WAN hub, it delivers future-proof performance and flexibility.
Ready to elevate your network?
Download the AR6140-9G-2AC datasheet or contact Network-Switch.com today for a customized proposal.
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