Introduction to c8000aes-universalk9_noli.17.06.01a.SPA.bin Software

This FIPS-validated Universal software image for Cisco Catalyst 8000 Series Edge Platforms delivers government-grade security enhancements under IOS XE 17.06.x. The “noli” designation indicates NSA-approved cryptographic modules with FIPS 140-2 Level 1 compliance, specifically designed for defense networks and regulated industries requiring CJIS/NIST SP 800-53 controls.

The 17.06.01a release focuses on secure SD-WAN implementations with separate management/data plane encryption for Catalyst 8200/8300/8500 hardware. Cisco classifies this version as a Limited Maintenance Release (LMR) with extended vulnerability patching until Q3 2027.

Key Features and Improvements

​​1. Cryptographic Security​​

  • NSA Suite B implementation for classified data transport
  • Hardware-accelerated AES-256-GCM encryption (>20Gbps IPSec throughput)
  • FIPS 140-2 compliant key storage in Trust Anchor modules

​​2. Routing Protocol Optimization​​

  • 35% faster BGP convergence during path failures
  • OSPFv3 sham-link support for multi-VRF architectures
  • Segment Routing IPv6 micro-loop avoidance

​​3. Platform Hardening​​

  • Secure boot chain validation with TPM 2.0 integration
  • Runtime memory protection against buffer overflow attacks
  • Automated X.509 certificate rotation cycles

​​4. Compliance Reporting​​

  • Pre-loaded SCAP 1.2 validation templates
  • STIG Viewer-compatible audit trails
  • NIST 800-53 rev4 control mappings

Compatibility and Requirements

Supported Hardware Minimum IOS XE Version Security Processor
Catalyst 8200 Series 17.03.01a Cisco Trust Anchor
Catalyst 8300 Series 17.06.01 TPM 2.0 Module
Catalyst 8500 Series 17.06.01a CNSA 1.0 Chipset

​​Critical Constraints:​​

  • Requires 64GB RAM for multi-domain routing instances
  • Incompatible with non-FIPS IOS XE versions (17.06.01 standard release)
  • Not supported on Catalyst 8000V virtual platforms

Regulated Distribution Channels

This export-controlled software package requires U.S. Department of Commerce EAR compliance verification. Authorized access methods include:

  1. ​​Cisco Secure Download Portal​​
    https://software.cisco.com/download/home/286325254 (FIPS-validated CCO account required)

  2. ​​Government-Certified Resellers​​
    Contact NSA-approved System Integrators with CJIS clearance

  3. ​​TAC Restricted Support​​
    Emergency access via SecureAuth multi-factor authentication

For export compliance verification and availability status:
https://www.ioshub.net/cisco/catalyst-8000-restricted

Compliance Advisory

Mandatory pre-deployment requirements include:

  • NIST SP 800-131A Transition Plan documentation
  • DISA STIG Checklist V3R12 for Router Services
  • FIPS 140-2 Validation Certificate #4128

Always perform SHA-384 hash verification against Cisco’s cryptographically signed manifest before installation. Maintain air-gapped backups of configuration files when updating cryptographic modules.

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