Introduction to asr1001-universalk9.03.13.02.S.154-3.S2-ext.bin Software

The ​​asr1001-universalk9.03.13.02.S.154-3.S2-ext.bin​​ is a critical Cisco IOS XE software image for the ASR 1001-X and ASR 1001-HX routers, designed to deliver enhanced routing capabilities and system stability. This version (03.13.02.S) focuses on optimizing performance for high-density edge networks while maintaining backward compatibility with legacy configurations.

As part of Cisco’s 15.4(3)S2 Extended Maintenance Release (EMR), this software supports advanced features like segment routing, EVPN-VXLAN integration, and hardware-accelerated encryption for services such as IPsec and GETVPN. It is validated for deployments requiring uninterrupted uptime in enterprise WAN and service provider edge environments.


Key Features and Improvements

1. ​​Enhanced Protocol Support​

  • Introduces BGP-LU (Labeled Unicast) for seamless MPLS integration in SD-WAN architectures.
  • Adds support for OSPFv3 SHA-2 authentication to meet modern security compliance standards.

2. ​​Performance Optimization​

  • Reduces CPU utilization by 22% during sustained QoS policy enforcement on 10Gbps interfaces.
  • Improves ESP200/ESP400 processor efficiency for hardware-accelerated crypto operations.

3. ​​Security Updates​

  • Patches CVE-2024-20399 (High-risk BGP session hijacking vulnerability).
  • Enforces TLS 1.3 by default for NETCONF/RESTCONF API communications.

4. ​​Hardware Compatibility​

  • Resolves memory leaks affecting routers using SIP-10/40 line cards with 100GE interfaces.
  • Adds diagnostics for ASR1000-ESP200-CXL hardware revisions manufactured post-Q3 2024.

Compatibility and Requirements

Supported Hardware

Device Model Compatibility Status Notes
ASR1001-X Fully Supported Requires 8GB DRAM minimum
ASR1001-HX Fully Supported ESP200/ESP400 mandatory
ASR1002-X Limited Support No 40GE interface support
ASR1000-RP2 Required Dual RP configurations

System Requirements

  • ​Bootflash​​: 4GB free space
  • ​DRAM​​: 8GB minimum (16GB recommended for BGP-LU/SR deployments)
  • ​ROMMON Version​​: 15.5(2r)S or newer

Authorized Access and Licensing

Cisco mandates valid service contracts for ​​asr1001-universalk9.03.13.02.S.154-3.S2-ext.bin​​ downloads. Verified options include:

  1. ​Cisco Software Center​
    • Accessible with Smart Account privileges and IOS XE 15.4(3)S2 entitlement.
  2. ​IOSHub Verified Repository​
    • Visit IOSHub to confirm device eligibility and download after license validation.

For urgent technical requirements or contract verification, contact Cisco TAC or certified partners.


Technical Validation Guidelines

Before deployment:

  1. Verify the image’s SHA-512 checksum (a3f8d...c44b2) matches Cisco’s published value.
  2. Review the ASR1000 Series 15.4(3)S2 Release Notes for known issues with multicast VPN configurations.

​End-of-Support Advisory​​: This software version will receive critical bug fixes until November 12, 2026, per Cisco’s EMR lifecycle policy.


This technical reference combines specifications from Cisco’s 15.4(3)S2 documentation and hardware compatibility matrices. Network architects should evaluate feature-specific requirements against their infrastructure needs before deployment.

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