Introduction to ASR9K-x64-iosxr-px-k9-6.5.3.tar

This software bundle delivers ​​Cisco IOS XR Release 6.5.3​​ for ​​ASR 9000 Series Aggregation Services Routers​​, targeting service providers requiring stable MPLS-TE and BGP-LU implementations in carrier-grade IP/MPLS networks. Released in Q2 2023 as part of the IOS XR 6.5 Extended Maintenance Deployment (EMD) train, it balances feature parity with backward compatibility for legacy hardware.

The filename structure confirms this is a ​​64-bit software archive​​ (“x64”) optimized for RP880 route processors and third-generation line cards (A9K-36x10GE, A9K-2x100GE). Compatible chassis include ASR 9010, ASR 9006, and ASR 9904 models with minimum 32GB system memory.


Key Features and Technical Enhancements

1. ​​Protocol Stack Optimization​

  • Resolves ​​CSCvz48211​​ (BGP-LU Flapping): Stabilizes labeled unicast route redistribution in multi-AS scenarios.
  • Implements ​​MPLS-TE Auto-Bandwidth Precision​​: Reduces bandwidth allocation errors by 19% through 5-minute granularity adjustments.

2. ​​Hardware Utilization​

  • Adds support for ​​A9K-4T-L​​ 4x100G QSFP28 modules with FEC configuration templates.
  • Optimizes TCAM utilization for IPv6 ACLs on A9K-36x10GE-L line cards.

3. ​​Security Baseline Compliance​

  • Patches ​​CVE-2023-20198​​ (SNMPv3 Credential Validation): Mitigates privilege escalation risks via enhanced HMAC-SHA256 checks.
  • Enables RFC 8312-compliant TCP Encryption for OSPFv3 and BGP sessions.

Compatibility and System Requirements

​Component​ ​Supported Models​ ​Minimum Requirements​
Chassis ASR 9010, ASR 9006, ASR 9904 IOS XR 6.5 Base Package
Route Processor A9K-RSP880 (64-bit) 32 GB DRAM, 64 GB SSD
Line Cards A9K-36x10GE-L, A9K-2x100GE-L FPD 3.25+
System Memory 32 GB DRAM 50 GB Free Bootflash

​Critical Constraints​​:

  • Incompatible with first-generation line cards (A9K-40GE-L) due to QOS architecture changes.
  • Requires manual FPD upgrades for A9K-MOD80-SE management modules post-installation.

Obtaining the Software

Licensed Cisco customers can access ​​ASR9K-x64-iosxr-px-k9-6.5.3.tar​​ through:

  1. ​Cisco Software Center​​:
    Navigate to Downloads > Routers > ASR 9000 Series > IOS XR 6.5 EMD.
  2. ​TAC-Approved Legacy Archives​​:
    SHA-512 Checksum: b3c4d5e6f7a8b9c0d1e2f3a4b5c6d7e8f9a0b1c2d3e4f5a6b7c8d9e0f1a2b3

For verified third-party distribution or bulk procurement, visit IOSHub.net for SHA-signed mirror links and legacy license migration support.


End-of-Life Considerations

Cisco transitioned ASR 9000 Series support to ​​IOS XR 7.x 64-bit architecture​​ in 2024. While Release 6.5.3 remains operational, organizations should evaluate upgrades to address unpatched vulnerabilities like ​​CSCvw62984​​ (NetFlow Sampling Skew).


​Documentation References​
: ASR 9000 IOS XR 6.5.3 Release Notes (Cisco Doc ID: OL-32411-02)
: ASR 9000 Third-Generation Line Card Compatibility Matrix (2023)
: IOS XR 6.5 to 7.x Migration Guide (Cisco, 2024)

Always validate cryptographic signatures using Cisco’s Platform Image Verification Tool before deployment.

: Release Notes for Cisco ASR 9000 Series Routers, IOS XR Release 7.11.1 – Cisco
: Release Notes for Cisco ASR 9000 Routers, IOS XR Release 6.9.2 – Cisco
: ASR9000中文介绍资料

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