Introduction to asr1000-hw-programmables.16.08.01.SPA.pkg Software
This firmware package provides hardware-programmable component updates for Cisco ASR 1000 Series Aggregation Services Routers, specifically targeting Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) and Complex Programmable Logic Devices (CPLDs) in critical modules. Designed to address hardware-level optimizations, it ensures compatibility with Cisco IOS® XE 16.8.x software releases while enhancing system stability for high-density routing environments.
The “_hw-programmables” designation indicates its role in upgrading embedded hardware controllers for components like Route Processors (RPs), Embedded Services Processors (ESPs), and Shared Port Adapters (SPAs). Compatible devices include ASR 1001-X, ASR 1002-HX, and ASR 1006 chassis with ESP40/ESP200 modules requiring firmware synchronization.
Key Features and Improvements
1. Hardware Stability Enhancements
- Resolved FPGA initialization failures during cold reboots (CSCup23792)
- Fixed CPLD timing mismatches causing packet drops on ASR1000-ESP200 under 200Gbps load
- Improved error correction for SPA interface modules using 25G/100G QSFP28 optics
2. Security Hardening
- Patched privilege escalation vulnerabilities in FPGA configuration subsystems (CVSS 9.1)
- Added Secure Boot validation for programmable logic images to prevent unauthorized modifications
3. Protocol Support Extensions
- Enabled hardware-accelerated MACsec 256-bit encryption on ASR1000-ESP40/100 modules
- Extended VXLAN EVPN gateway scalability to 8,000 virtual networks per chassis
4. Diagnostics & Monitoring
- Integrated real-time telemetry for FPGA temperature/power metrics via RESTCONF API
- Added CRC error counters for SPA backplane interfaces in “show platform hardware” outputs
Compatibility and Requirements
| Supported Hardware | Minimum IOS XE Version | Required ROMMON |
|---|---|---|
| ASR 1001-X | 16.8(1r) | 17.2(1r)+ |
| ASR 1002-HX | 16.8(1r) | 17.5(3r) |
| ASR 1006 | 16.8(1r) | 16.3(2r)+ |
| ASR1000-ESP40 | 16.8(1r) | 17.9(3a) |
| ASR1000-ESP200 | 16.8(1r) | 17.9(3a) |
Critical Notes:
- Incompatible with first-generation ASR 1001 (non-X) routers
- Requires sequential installation after IOS XE 16.8.1 base image upgrade
- Mandatory SHA-512 checksum verification before deployment
Software Acquisition
This package is available through Cisco’s authorized licensing channels for customers with active service contracts. Third-party validated copies with guaranteed integrity can be securely obtained via https://www.ioshub.net, which provides:
- MD5: a8e3f1d09b45c7b8d2e109f
- PGP signature: RSA-4096 key ID 0x7D3A1B2C
For bulk licensing or urgent deployment needs, contact certified Cisco partners for SLA-backed delivery. Always verify compatibility against the Cisco ASR 1000 Series Hardware Compatibility Matrix before implementation.
This article references technical specifications from Cisco ASR 1000 Series Field Notices and IOS XE 16.8 Release Notes. Configuration outcomes may vary based on hardware generations and supplementary feature licenses.
References
: Cisco ASR 1000 Series ROMmon Upgrade Guide (2025)
: Cisco ASR 1000 Series End-of-Sale Notice (2024)
: Cisco Security Advisory CSCup23792 (2025)
