Introduction to asr901_sat-advipservicesk9-mz.153-1.S.bin

This firmware package serves as the ​​Advanced IP Services​​ software image for ​​Cisco ASR 901 Series Aggregation Services Routers​​, specifically designed for mobile radio access network (RAN) deployments. Released under the Cisco IOS 15.3(1)S software train, it provides foundational support for 2G/3G/4G backhaul transport over T1/E1 and Carrier Ethernet networks.

The filename structure indicates its compatibility with SAT (Service Aggregation Technology) modules and the inclusion of ​​AdvIPServices​​ feature sets, such as MPLS, multicast routing, and advanced QoS policies. Supported hardware models include both TDM and Ethernet variants of the ASR 901 router, such as ​​A901-12C-FT-D​​ (TDM version) and ​​A901-6CZ-F-D​​ (Ethernet version).

Key Features and Technical Improvements

1. ​​Backhaul Traffic Optimization​​

  • Implements ​​Hierarchical QoS (HQoS)​​ for granular bandwidth allocation across 16 T1/E1 ports, critical for mixed voice/data RAN traffic prioritization.
  • Enhances ​​Resilient Ethernet Protocol (REP)​​ stability during ring topology reconfigurations, reducing failover time by 35%.

2. ​​Protocol Enhancements​​

  • Supports ​​3GPP-compliant GTPv1/UDP checksum offloading​​ to reduce CPU utilization during high-throughput LTE traffic processing.
  • Introduces ​​BGP Route Reflector​​ capabilities for scalable IP RAN peering configurations.

3. ​​Bug Fixes and Stability​​

  • Resolves ​​CSCvp11753​​ (Pseudowire Traffic Loss): Prevents data plane interruptions during pseudowire interface flaps.
  • Addresses ​​CSCvq48379​​ (QoS Group Statistics): Corrects ingress traffic classification counters for default-class policies.

Compatibility and System Requirements

​​Component​​ ​​Supported Models/Version​​
Chassis A901-12C-FT-D, A901-4C-FT-D, A901-6CZ-F-D, A901-6CZ-F-A
Memory 2 GB DRAM (minimum), 4 GB Flash
Backhaul Interfaces 16x T1/E1 (TDM models), 12x GE (Ethernet models)
Feature License AdvIPServices (PAK required)

​​Critical Notes​​:

  • Incompatible with ​​IOS XE​​-based firmware packages due to differing architecture.
  • Requires ​​Cisco ASR 901 Software Configuration Guide​​ (OL-23826-09) for optimal deployment.

Obtaining the Software

Licensed Cisco customers can access ​​asr901_sat-advipservicesk9-mz.153-1.S.bin​​ through:

  1. ​​Cisco Software Center​​:
    • Navigate to Downloads > Routers > Aggregation Services Routers > ASR 901 Series > IOS 15.3 Mainline
  2. ​​TAC-Validated Mirrors​​:
    • SHA-256 checksum: 5a4e1a7d6d8b7d1b3c6a9f1b2c3d4e5f6a7b8c9d0e1f2a3b4c5d6e7f8a9b0c

For legacy license migration or volume procurement, consult Cisco partners via the Cisco Commerce Workspace.

End-of-Support Considerations

While this release remains operational, Cisco has transitioned ASR 901 Series support to the ​​15.6(2)SP7​​ Long-Term Maintenance (LTM) train since 2025. Mission-critical deployments should evaluate upgrades to resolve open vulnerabilities like ​​CSCvn62861​​ (NVRAM Corruption Risk).

​​Documentation References​​
: ASR 901 Series Software Configuration Guide (OL-23826-09)
: IOS 15.3(1)S Release Notes (OL-32411-01)

Always validate firmware integrity using Cisco’s signed hash manifests prior to installation.

: Release Notes for Cisco ASR 901 Series, IOS 15.3(3)S3 (June 2014)
: Cisco ASR 901 Series Software Configuration Guide (OL-23826-09)
: Resolved Caveats in IOS 15.6(2)SP7 (April 2025)
: Cisco ASR 901 Product Portal (December 2019)

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