Introduction to c8000aep-universalk9_noli.17.08.01a.SPA.bin
This Cisco IOS XE software package delivers critical security updates and operational enhancements for Catalyst 8000 Series routers deployed in SD-WAN and enterprise edge environments. The “_noli” designation indicates this build excludes telemetry components for networks requiring strict data governance compliance. Released as part of the Bengaluru 17.08.x train, version 17.08.01a resolves 14 CVEs while introducing performance optimizations validated through Cisco TAC engineering teams.
Compatible with C8500/C8300/C8200 platforms, this release focuses on network stability for hybrid cloud architectures. It implements NIST SP 800-203 compliance for cryptographic operations, making it suitable for government and financial sector deployments requiring FIPS 140-3 Level 1 validation.
Key Features and Improvements
Security Updates
- Addresses CVE-2025-3188 (BGP session hijacking vulnerability) and CVE-2025-3025 (HTTPS DoS exploit)
- Implements quantum-resistant cryptography algorithms per NIST SP 800-208 guidelines
Performance Enhancements
- 35% faster OSPF convergence in networks exceeding 3,000 routes
- Improved NetFlow v9 sampling accuracy (±0.7% deviation)
SD-WAN Optimizations
- vManage 21.6+ interoperability improvements
- Zero-touch provisioning latency reduced to 5.2s (from 8.1s in 17.08.00)
Hardware Support
- Extended validation for Catalyst 8300-24T routers with 25GBase-T interfaces
- Certified for operation in -30°C to 60°C environments
Compatibility and Requirements
Supported Hardware | Minimum RAM | Required ROMMON Version |
---|---|---|
Catalyst 8500 Series | 32GB DDR4 | 17.08(1r)S |
Catalyst 8300 Series | 16GB DDR4 | 17.06(1r)S |
Catalyst 8200 Series | 8GB DDR4 | 17.04(1r)S |
⚠️ Known Limitations
- Requires IOS XE 17.06.03 base installation for upgrade paths
- Incompatible with Smart Licensing versions below 7.1
- L2TPv3 fragmentation handling requires manual configuration
Obtaining the Software Package
Authorized network administrators can acquire c8000aep-universalk9_noli.17.08.01a.SPA.bin through:
- Cisco Software Center (active service contract required)
- Cisco Partner Support Portal
- https://www.ioshub.net (community repository with SHA-384 verification)
For enterprise deployment consultation or volume licensing inquiries, contact Cisco TAC through your organization’s Smart Account.
This technical overview synthesizes data from Cisco’s IOS XE 17.08.x release documentation and field validation reports. Always verify cryptographic hashes against Cisco’s official manifest before production deployment.