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Cisco ASR
Cisco ASR
from Wikipedia

The Cisco Aggregation Services Router (ASR) series of routers are modular routers produced by Cisco Systems. The highest end of the lineup, the ASR 9000 series, is intended for service provider (SP) core networks.

History

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Networking equipment was traditionally categorized by functionality as being either a switch or a router. Switches bridged (transmitted) L2/Ethernet traffic, and a router forwarded (transmitted and routed) L3/IP traffic. As products became more sophisticated, the distinction between a switch and a router became blurred as high-end switches began to route traffic in addition to bridging, and likewise routers began to perform L2 switching. At the same time, the enterprise market was diverging from the service provider market. Though still maintaining the terms switch and router in their product names, Cisco divided their high-end networking products by market. However, many enterprise customers chose equipment Cisco categorized under the banner of being intended for service providers, and vice versa.

Prior to the ASR 9000 series, Cisco's high-end SP product portfolio consisted of the CRS-1, the GSR, and the 7600 (and the 6500). The ASR 9000 series devices are the successor to both the GSR and the 7600. When the CRS-1 is deployed in a large network at the core, the ASR 9000 complements it on the edge; both run IOS-XR. In 2011, Cisco announced capacity upgrades and support of network Virtualization (nV) capabilities[1] for the ASR 9000. In 2011, the ASR 9000 was awarded "Best Carrier Ethernet Aggregation Product" at the Carrier Ethernet World Congress.[2]

Models

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ASR 900 series

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The ASR 900 series is a chassis-based modular router that runs the Cisco IOS XE Linux-based operating system.[3]

ASR 920 series

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The ASR 920 series is a chassis-based modular router running Cisco IOS XE.[4]

ASR 1000 series

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The ASR 1000 series is chassis-based modular router running Cisco IOS XE.[5]

ASR 9000 series

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Cisco ASR 9000 series routers are routers designed for the service provider market. It runs the IOS XR Linux-based operating system.[6]

Its major characteristics are:

  • IOS XR uses a less verbose configuration syntax compared to Cisco IOS and Cisco IOS XE
  • Designed for Metro Ethernet networks
  • Designed for video and other high bandwidth applications
  • Supports a variety of interface types, those commonly used by Service Providers

IOS XR release support

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Date Release Details
2008 3.7.2 Initial release of ASR 9000
2009 3.7.3
2009 3.9.0
2010 3.9.1
2010 4.0.0
2011 4.0.1
2011 4.1.0
2011 4.1.1

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
The Cisco Aggregation Services Routers (ASR) are a family of high-performance, modular and fixed-configuration routers developed by Cisco Systems for edge routing and traffic aggregation in enterprise, service provider, and cloud environments. These routers combine multiple traffic links at high speeds to optimize network performance, security, and access to internal systems and external resources like the cloud, supporting applications such as mobility, video, collaboration, and SD-WAN deployments. Key benefits include enhanced user experience through consistent performance across sites, faster WAN provisioning, scalable growth up to 400 Gbps connections, and energy-efficient operations for sustainable networking. The ASR 1000 Series serves as a versatile Software Defined WAN () platform, aggregating diverse WAN connections and services at line rates from 2.5 Gbps to 200 Gbps while delivering 99.999% uptime via hardware redundancy (e.g., dual power supplies and route processors) and software features like In-Service Software Upgrades (ISSU). Models range from compact 1RU units like the ASR 1001-HX (up to 60 Gbps throughput with 4x 10 GE and 8x 1 GE ports) to larger 2RU such as the ASR 1002-HX (up to 100 Gbps with 8x 10 GE and 8x 1 GE ports), all powered by software for advanced capabilities including , (DPI), and integration with for visibility. This series is ideal for enterprises seeking flexible, pay-as-you-grow licensing and investment protection through reusable modules like Shared Port Adapters (SPAs). In contrast, the ASR 9000 Series targets mass-scale core and edge deployments, offering distributed forwarding architecture with capacities scaling to 160 Tbps across chassis from the compact 2RU ASR 9001 to the high-end 44RU ASR 9922. It supports high-density interfaces including 1GE, 10GE, 25GE, 40GE, 100GE, and 400GE ports, along with carrier-class features like Nonstop Routing (NSR), Hierarchical (H-QoS), and (PTP) for synchronization. Running on the modular XR operating system, the series emphasizes low (TCO) through efficient power consumption (e.g., N+1 redundant supplies at 3–6 kW AC), optimized cooling, and simplified management via Cisco Crosswork Network Automation, making it suitable for service providers delivering advanced Ethernet services and network convergence. Additional variants, such as the ASR 900 Series and 920 Series, provide cost-effective options for smaller-scale aggregation and access scenarios, with features like multi-rate 10GE/1GE ports and support for wireline/wireless services, further extending the portfolio's applicability across diverse network topologies. Overall, the ASR family integrates seamlessly with Cisco's ecosystem, including and security solutions, to address evolving demands for reliable, scalable connectivity in modern infrastructures.

Overview

Purpose and Architecture

The Cisco Aggregation Services Routers (ASR) series comprises high-performance edge routers engineered to aggregate traffic from diverse sources, facilitating seamless connectivity between internal networks and external environments such as the or services. These routers are optimized for service providers and enterprises handling substantial data volumes, incorporating built-in capabilities for (QoS) to prioritize traffic, security protocols to protect against threats, and (MPLS) for efficient label-based forwarding. By consolidating multiple connections into high-speed aggregates, ASR platforms enhance network efficiency and support bandwidth-intensive applications like video streaming and remote access. Architecturally, the ASR series features a modular chassis-based that distinctly separates the for routing decisions and the data plane for , with value-added services integrated through , enabling resilient and scalable operations across varying deployment scales. In the ASR 1000 series, the custom QuantumFlow Processor ASIC provides for integrated services, processing features like and at line rates without compromising forwarding performance. The ASR 9000 series extends this with a fully distributed using switch fabrics to interconnect line cards, leveraging specialized network processors for high-density operations and non-blocking . This separation ensures fault isolation and allows upgrades in specific planes without disrupting overall network functionality. Central to the design goals of the ASR series is , spanning compact fixed-form-factor units to expansive modular capable of terabit-level throughput, with interface support from 1 up to 400 Gigabit Ethernet to future-proof networks. Energy-efficient forwarding is prioritized through optimized and airflow designs that achieve low power-per-gigabit ratios, reducing operational costs and environmental impact. ASR routers represent a shift to service-integrated systems that natively support for dynamic WAN optimization and cloud-edge interconnectivity for hybrid environments.

Target Applications

Cisco ASR routers are primarily deployed at the service provider edge to enable services, where they aggregate and route high volumes of subscriber traffic while supporting advanced features like IP/MPLS for efficient bandwidth utilization. In enterprise environments, they serve as WAN aggregation platforms, consolidating connections from branch offices to central data centers and optimizing traffic for applications such as video distribution and collaboration tools. networks leverage ASR routers for scalable, high-bandwidth connectivity, facilitating the delivery of Ethernet-based services across urban areas with low latency. In the , ASR routers target core and edge routing roles, handling massive-scale operations including mobile backhaul for / networks and peering points for inter-provider traffic exchange. Large enterprises utilize them for deployments, enabling secure branch connectivity and multicloud integration, while data centers employ ASR for and peering to support high-throughput internal and external communications. Key deployment roles include subscriber traffic aggregation in broadband networks, where ASR routers manage thousands of sessions; mobile backhaul to transport voice and data from cell sites; and edge computing support for 5G, providing low-latency routing at the network periphery. These roles benefit from the routers' architectural modularity, which allows high-end models like the ASR 9000 series to address demanding scenarios such as video distribution over IP/MPLS. The ASR 1000 series, for example, delivers with up to 99.999% uptime through redundant hardware and software mechanisms, ensuring minimal disruptions in mission-critical applications. They offer service flexibility via integrated VPN support for secure tunneling, zone-based firewalling for threat mitigation, and scalability to meet growing demands, supporting system throughputs from gigabits to terabits and interfaces up to 400 Gbps.

History

Origins and Announcement

The Cisco Aggregation Services Router (ASR) series originated from Cisco's need to evolve its routing portfolio in response to the convergence of switching and routing functionalities within service provider networks, particularly as traditional boundaries blurred amid rising demands for integrated services. Developed as successors to the Cisco 12000 GSR series for core-edge , the 7600 series for edge aggregation, and the 6500 series for high-density Ethernet switching, the ASR platforms were engineered to provide modular, scalable solutions capable of handling the explosive growth in IP traffic driven by the proliferation of video services, access, and mobile data usage. This development drew on over two decades of 's router expertise, involving more than 100 engineers and resulting in over 42 patents, to address the limitations of legacy systems in supporting advanced features like and high-speed interfaces up to 10G and 40G Ethernet. The series' initial announcements marked a strategic push toward carrier-grade for the emerging "any play" services encompassing voice, video, data, and mobility. The ASR 1000 series, targeted at mid-range edge deployments, was unveiled on March 4, 2008, at in , , introducing a new router category optimized for aggregating diverse services such as security, broadband aggregation, and while simplifying network operations and reducing power consumption compared to multi-box deployments. This launch was motivated by projections of significant bandwidth increases, with 43% of service providers anticipating over 20% annual growth, fueled by applications, IP video conferencing, and TelePresence technologies. Following eight months later, the high-end ASR 9000 series was announced on November 11, 2008, positioning it as a foundational platform for the "zettabyte era" in service provider edge networks, with an emphasis on delivering massive scale for video-rich media and collaborative applications. Key drivers included Cisco's Visual Networking Index forecast of 46% compound annual IP traffic growth from 2007 to 2012, reaching 522 exabytes annually, predominantly from video content and the rise of broadband and mobile backhaul. The platform's design focused on carrier-grade stability through the IOS XR operating system, enabling features like session border control and VPLS for next-generation IP networks. Pre-launch development of the ASR series incorporated lessons from the Cisco CRS-1 Carrier Routing System, launched in 2004 as a terabit-scale core router, to create a cohesive core-to-edge that complemented rather than replaced existing deployments. By adapting the CRS-1's proven IOS XR for edge applications, aimed to enhance scalability and reliability for service providers transitioning to IP next-generation networks (NGN), supporting up to six times the capacity of competitors' edge platforms at the time while prioritizing energy efficiency and service convergence. This approach ensured the ASR series could efficiently manage the anticipated surge in high-definition video streaming and mobile data without overhauling legacy infrastructures.

Evolution and Milestones

The Cisco ASR series began initial shipments in , marking the transition from announcement to widespread deployment in and enterprise networks. The ASR 9000 series achieved first customer shipments in March , with the 6-slot and 10-slot chassis configurations delivering up to 6.4 Tbps of system capacity to support high-density aggregation for and IP/MPLS services. Concurrently, the ASR 1000 series, launched in 2008, saw initial deployments targeting enterprise edge with embedded services for and WAN aggregation, enabling scalable performance up to 100 Gbps per chassis in early models. These initial deployments facilitated early adoption by major s, addressing the growing demands for video delivery and in the post-2008 network expansion era. Key milestones in the early highlighted the series' rapid maturation. In 2010, the introduction of the compact ASR 900 series provided a modular, cost-effective option for access aggregation in space-constrained environments, supporting up to 200 Gbps in a 3RU form factor for deployments. By , capacity upgrades and the introduction of (nV) technology enhanced the ASR 9000's scalability, allowing seamless scaling across distributed for carrier-grade reliability and readiness, with support for 100 Gbps ports added in 2012. That same year, the ASR 9000 earned the "Best Aggregation Product" award from the Carrier Ethernet World Congress, recognizing its innovation in service delivery and performance. The ASR 920 series followed in 2013, extending the lineup with a fixed-configuration router optimized for mobile backhaul and access, offering up to 120 Gbps in a 2RU to meet emerging LTE requirements. Recent developments through have emphasized compactness, higher densities, and integration with modern network paradigms. The ASR 9903, launched in late 2020, introduced a 3RU fixed-port with 3.6 Tbps capacity, enabling high-scale deployments in data centers and edge locations without modular complexity. Enhancements in 2024 focused on backhaul optimization, with ASR models like the 920 and 9000 series incorporating Class B timing support per ITU G.8273.2 for precise synchronization in fronthaul and midhaul scenarios. By , AI-driven networking features, such as AI-Driven (ADT) in XR, were integrated to enable and automated fault detection across ASR platforms, improving operational efficiency in dynamic environments. Ongoing XR updates, including release 25.3.1 in September , scaled GRE tunnels and cross-connects to 64,000, supporting advanced VPN and transport services for and cloud interconnects. Over its evolution, the ASR series has trended toward fixed-configuration designs for greater port density and simplified , as seen in models like the 9903, while deepening integration with for hybrid WAN orchestration. Power efficiency has advanced significantly, with innovations reducing consumption by up to 96% per Gbps compared to initial platforms, driven by custom and variable-speed cooling in newer . These shifts have positioned the ASR lineup to handle zettabyte-era traffic while minimizing environmental impact and operational costs.

Models

ASR 900 Series

The Cisco ASR 900 Series consists of modular, entry-level aggregation services routers designed for small-scale network aggregation in enterprise and environments. Introduced in 2011, these routers run software and provide a cost-effective platform for delivering converged services such as voice, video, , and mobility in access and aggregation layers. They emphasize scalability, redundancy, and low power usage, making them suitable for deployments requiring high service scale in compact form factors. Note that as of 2025, many accessories and specific modules for the series are end-of-sale and end-of-life. Key models in the series include the ASR 903 and ASR 907. The ASR 903 is a 3-rack-unit (3RU) supporting up to 400 Gbps of aggregate throughput with RSP3C modules and accommodating up to six interface modules, enabling configurations with as many as 48 ports alongside 10 uplinks. The ASR 907 offers a more compact 1-rack-unit (1RU) design with up to 400 Gbps throughput with RSP3C modules and support for multiple interface modules, such as eight-port SFP plus one-port 10 SFP+ configurations. Both models support 1G and 10G interfaces, facilitating flexible connectivity for low-density networks. These routers feature modular interface modules that enhance deployment flexibility by allowing customization of port types and densities without requiring full chassis replacement. Integrated services include access control lists (ACLs) for packet filtering and , as well as (QoS) mechanisms for traffic prioritization, bandwidth management, and congestion control. Power consumption is optimized for efficiency, typically under 300W in operational configurations, supporting extended temperature ranges suitable for challenging environments. Overall, the series is engineered for low-density scenarios, prioritizing ease of installation and operational simplicity. Primary use cases for the ASR 900 Series include connectivity, backhaul for mobile networks, and small aggregation, where cost-effectiveness and rapid deployment are critical. These routers enable service providers and enterprises to scale services efficiently in remote or space-constrained locations, such as central offices or edge sites, while maintaining reliability through hardware redundancy options like dual route switch processors.

ASR 920 Series

The Cisco ASR 920 Series Aggregation Services Routers represent an evolved line of compact routers, introduced in 2014 as a successor to the ASR 900 Series with improved port density and performance for aggregation tasks in space-constrained deployments. These routers feature fixed and semi-modular configurations in 1-2 (RU) form factors and operate on software, enabling Layer 2 and Layer 3 VPN services, MPLS, and functionalities in a cost-effective package. Designed primarily for service providers and enterprises, the series supports converged wireline and wireless access, emphasizing low power consumption and scalability for broadband, mobile, and business services. Key models in the series include the standard ASR 920 variants, such as the ASR-920-24SZ-M, which deliver up to 64 Gbps of system throughput with configurations supporting 48 x 1 ports and 4 x 10 ports. Variants encompass both Aggregation Services Router and Ethernet Services Router options, tailored for metro access and IP edge roles, with representative port mixes including copper and fiber interfaces for flexible connectivity. These models maintain compatibility with common architectural elements from the ASR 900 Series while introducing greater port variety and efficiency. The series specifications highlight enhanced rates reaching up to 95 Mpps, alongside support for , 10G, and 40G Ethernet interfaces to handle diverse traffic loads. Built-in timing features, including Synchronous Ethernet (SyncE), IEEE 1588 (PTP), and optional GNSS receivers, facilitate precise synchronization for mobile backhaul applications. Redundancy is achieved through dual hot-swappable AC or DC power supplies and software-based mechanisms, ensuring in demanding environments. In practical deployments, the ASR 920 Series excels at enterprise WAN edge routing, mobile fronthaul for and C-RAN architectures, and video surveillance networks, where its optimization for low cost per port and zero-touch provisioning accelerates service rollout. These routers enable efficient scaling for thousands of subscribers with features like hierarchical QoS and advanced , making them ideal for and remote access scenarios. The ASR 920 Series supports policy-based routing (PBR) through the "ip policy route-map" command in Cisco IOS XE. However, this is a platform-specific limitation: the command is supported on subinterfaces but not on physical interfaces. Attempts to apply the command directly on a physical interface (e.g., GigabitEthernet0/0/0) are rejected. To use PBR, configure it on a subinterface (e.g., GigabitEthernet0/0/0.100), even for untagged traffic by using "encapsulation default" or similar under the subinterface configuration.

ASR 1000 Series

The Cisco ASR 1000 Series Aggregation Services Routers are mid-range modular platforms introduced in 2008, offering chassis options from 1 to 13 rack units (RU) and running software. These routers are engineered for edge aggregation in enterprise and environments, embedding services such as and quality of service (QoS) to optimize WAN performance without external appliances. Key models in the series include the fixed-configuration ASR 1001-X, which delivers up to 20 Gbps throughput in a compact 1RU with six (GE) and two (10GE) ports; the ASR 1002-HX, providing 100 Gbps in a 2RU form factor with eight 10GE and eight GE ports plus one Ethernet Port Adapter (EPA) slot; and the ASR 1006, a 6RU scalable to 200 Gbps using up to two Embedded Services Processor (ESP) modules and 12 Shared Port Adapter (SPA) slots. The lineup encompasses eight models overall, with varying I/O module capacities to support modular scalability for growing network demands. At the core of the series is the QuantumFlow Processor within the ESPs, enabling wire-speed delivery of advanced services like encryption across throughput ranges of 2.5 to 200 Gbps. Interface support includes 1G/10G/40G/100G Ethernet via (SFP), SFP+, and Quad SFP (QSFP) transceivers, with expansion through SPAs and EPAs. features, such as dual route processors and power supplies, ensure , particularly in larger chassis like the ASR 1006. These routers excel in use cases like enterprise gateways for secure branch connectivity, peering for traffic aggregation, and VPN termination for scalable remote access, striking an optimal balance between performance and deployment costs in medium-scale networks.

ASR 9000 Series

The Cisco ASR 9000 Series represents the flagship modular router platform within the ASR family, initially released in November 2008 to address the needs of s requiring massive scalability at the network core and edge. These routers feature multi-slot ranging from 2 to 44 rack units (RU), enabling configurations from compact fixed-port systems to expansive setups with up to 20 line cards, and operate on the IOS XR operating system for carrier-grade reliability and non-stop forwarding. Designed for high-density environments, the series supports segment routing, EVPN, and advanced timing protocols to handle terabit-scale traffic volumes efficiently. Key models in the ASR 9000 Series include the ASR 9901, a 2 RU compact router offering up to 912 Gbps of nonblocking throughput with integrated route switch processors and support for 1/10/ ports; the ASR 9904, a 6 RU system with 2 slots and up to 16 Tbps capacity; and the ASR 9922, a 44 RU scaling to 160 Tbps with 20 and 7 fabric cards, introduced in 2011 with enhancements continuing into 2021. Across these models, interface support spans 1G to 400G Ethernet, including QSFP28 and SFP28 transceivers for flexible configurations. The series employs a distributed leveraging network processing units (NPUs) on s to achieve line-rate forwarding across all ports, ensuring wire-speed performance without bottlenecks. is enhanced through clustering technologies like nV, which links multiple into a single logical system for redundancy and seamless . Power efficiency stands out with a targeting as low as 0.5 W/Gbps, facilitated by on-demand power scaling and efficient , while allows for over 100 variants to customize for specific densities. In deployment, the ASR 9000 Series excels in carrier Ethernet transport for aggregating broadband services, 5G mobile backhaul to support fronthaul and core connectivity, data center interconnects via high-speed optics, and large-scale MPLS networks for VPN and traffic engineering, routinely managing petabyte-scale daily traffic in service provider infrastructures. Evolution includes compact models introduced around 2020, such as the ASR 9903, which extend these capabilities to space-constrained edge sites while maintaining IOS XR for operational consistency.

Software Support

IOS XE for Compact and Mid-Range Models

is a modular operating system derived from , built upon a to provide enhanced modularity, feature velocity, and resiliency for compact and mid-range aggregation services routers. Introduced with the Cisco ASR 1000 series in 2009, it supports the ASR 900, 920, and 1000 series by enabling one-box convergence of , switching, and advanced services such as voice, video, and in and enterprise edge environments. This architecture separates the from the data plane, allowing independent restarts and upgrades of services without impacting traffic forwarding, a key difference from traditional that improves reliability for mission-critical deployments. Key features of IOS XE for these ASR models include programmatic interfaces via and data models for model-driven programmability and automation, enabling integration with orchestration tools and workflows. The Embedded Event Manager (EEM) provides scripting capabilities for event-driven automation, such as policy enforcement and fault recovery. Additionally, it supports line-rate service integration, including encryption and (NAT), delivering up to 200 Gbps throughput on ASR 1000 platforms without performance degradation. The release history of IOS XE for compact and mid-range ASR models began with version 3.x in 2009, aligning with the initial ASR 1000 deployments. Major milestones include 16.12 in 2019, which introduced enhancements for integration and improved WAN optimization; and 17.13 in 2024, which introduced features such as Application Performance Monitor for real-time end-to-end performance and Cisco SD-Routing Cloud OnRamp for Multicloud integration. As of November 2025, the latest release is 17.15.x from August 2025, introducing license management support for SD-Routing devices. Cisco maintains an extended support lifecycle for IOS XE releases on these models, typically providing 5 years of standard support followed by 3-5 years of extended maintenance, including security updates and bug fixes for older versions like 16.x and 17.x trains. This ensures long-term stability for deployed ASR 900, 920, and 1000 series routers in production networks.

IOS XR for High-End Models

IOS XR is a carrier-grade, modular operating system designed for high-end routers, including the ASR 9000 series, and was launched alongside the ASR 9000 in 2008. It provides robust process isolation to ensure system stability and fault containment, with 32-bit versions built on the real-time and 64-bit versions (used in modern high-end deployments) based on a , making it suitable for environments requiring . A core emphasis of IOS XR is non-stop forwarding (NSF), which maintains during failures, and support for hitless upgrades, allowing software updates without disrupting traffic. This architecture integrates seamlessly with the distributed design of ASR 9000 routers to enable scalable, resilient network operations. Key features of IOS XR include its distributed processing model, which separates control, data, and management planes across multiple route processors and line cards for enhanced scale and redundancy. It supports model-driven programmability through protocols like gRPC and NETCONF, enabling automation and integration with modern orchestration tools, alongside advanced BGP EVPN for overlay services. Additionally, IOS XR incorporates segment routing (SR) for simplified traffic engineering and SRv6 for IPv6-based network programming, allowing efficient path computation and service chaining in large-scale deployments. The release history of IOS XR for the ASR 9000 series began with version 3.7.2 in 2008, introducing foundational support for the platform's initial hardware. Subsequent evolution addressed growing network demands, with version 7.11.2 in 2024 providing extended maintenance and security enhancements through software maintenance updates (SMUs). In 2025, release 24.4.2 focused on maintenance improvements for stability. Moving into 2025, version 25.2.2 offered extended maintenance for ongoing deployments, while 25.3.1 introduced new features such as enhanced GRE and support tailored for backhaul applications. IOS XR employs modular packaging via RPM-based delivery, allowing independent feature updates to accelerate development and deployment without full system rebuilds. This packaging ensures compatibility with hardware evolutions in the ASR 9000 series, including 400G modular line cards that support high-density interfaces for terabit-scale routing. Early versions like 4.1.1 have reached end-of-life, with support discontinued to prioritize newer releases focused on security and performance.

References

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