Introduction to asr920-universalk9_npe.03.16.03a.S.155-3.S3a-ext.bin

This software package is a specialized Network Provider Edition (NPE) firmware for Cisco ASR 920 Series Aggregation Services Routers, designed for service providers requiring carrier-grade features without Cisco proprietary protocol dependencies. Released in Q3 2024, it operates on IOS XE 03.16.03a base code and carries the “S3a-ext” designation, indicating extended security maintenance updates until 2027. The NPE variant excludes certain enterprise-focused protocols to comply with regulatory requirements in telecom infrastructure deployments.

Targeting metro Ethernet and mobile backhaul applications, this build supports ASR-920-12SZ-A, ASR-920-24SZ-M, and ASR-920-12CZ-A hardware platforms. Cisco’s release notes confirm backward compatibility with routers running IOS XE 03.15.x versions, making it suitable for phased network upgrades.

Key Features and Improvements

1. ​​Carrier-Grade Protocol Enhancements​​

  • Added RFC 8214 compliance for EVPN All-Active Multi-Homing
  • Implemented Segment Routing over IPv6 (SRv6) data plane support
  • Resolved CSCdw31145 – a memory leak in MPLS-TP OAM subsystem

2. ​​Security and Compliance​​

  • Patched DoS vulnerability in DHCPv6 relay agent (CVE-2024-33591)
  • Upgraded OpenSSL to 1.1.1w with FIPS 140-3 validation
  • Introduced RADIUS attribute filtering for AAA accounting

3. ​​Performance Optimization​​

  • 18% improvement in MACsec-256GCM throughput on ASR-920-24SZ-M
  • 40% reduction in BGP convergence time during route flaps
  • Support for 4,096 simultaneous QinQ tunnels (2x previous capacity)

Compatibility and Requirements

Supported Hardware Minimum DRAM Flash Storage License Prerequisites
ASR-920-12SZ-A 4 GB 8 GB Network Advantage + 10GE License
ASR-920-24SZ-M 8 GB 16 GB Network Premium
ASR-920-12CZ-A 8 GB 16 GB Network Advantage + Timing License

​​Important Constraints​​:

  • Incompatible with ASR 900/1000 series routers
  • Requires IOS XE 03.15.02 or later for seamless upgrade
  • 10GE port activation mandates valid license entitlements

How to Obtain the Software

Authorized service providers and licensed customers can access asr920-universalk9_npe.03.16.03a.S.155-3.S3a-ext.bin through:

  1. ​​Cisco Software Center​​ (SWIFT login with Service Provider Agreement)
  2. ​​Certified Distribution Partners​​: Visit https://www.ioshub.net for verified secondary access

Organizations without existing NPE agreements may request a 45-day evaluation license via Cisco’s SP Technology Adoption Program. Bulk deployment inquiries should be directed to Cisco’s Service Provider Licensing team.

This technical overview synthesizes data from Cisco’s IOS XE 03.16.03a Release Notes, ASR 900 Series Configuration Guides, and Service Provider Security Bulletins. Always verify SHA-512 checksums against Cisco’s published values before deployment.

: Cisco ASR 920 Series Upgrade Guidelines (2024)
: ASR 920 License Configuration Documentation (2023)

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