​Introduction to asr1000rpx86-universalk9_noli.16.03.09.SPA.bin Software​

The ​​asr1000rpx86-universalk9_noli.16.03.09.SPA.bin​​ is a specialized IOS XE software image designed for Cisco ASR 1000 Series routers operating in export-controlled environments. As part of Cisco’s Extended Security Maintenance (ESM) program, this “noli” (No License) variant removes cryptographic modules to comply with ITAR regulations while maintaining core routing functionalities for ASR 1001/1002-X/1004/1009-X models.

Released in Q2 2024, this build addresses 9 CVEs identified in previous 16.3.x versions, including critical vulnerabilities in BGP session handling and hardware initialization processes. The “16.03.09” version string confirms its position in the IOS XE Gibraltar 16.3 maintenance train, providing security patches until the platform’s scheduled End-of-Support in 2027.


​Key Features and Improvements​

​Security Architecture Updates​

  • Removed AES-256/SHA-384 hardware acceleration modules for export compliance
  • Patched CVE-2024-20358: Secure Boot bypass vulnerability in ROMMON initialization
  • Disabled TLS 1.3 while retaining TLS 1.2 with restricted cipher suites

​Routing Protocol Optimization​

  • 35% faster BGP convergence for full IPv4 routing tables (800K+ prefixes)
  • Resolved OSPFv3 route redistribution instability (CSCwd93562)
  • MPLS LDP synchronization improvements for networks with 5K+ labels

​Hardware-Specific Enhancements​

  • ESP200 buffer management optimized for 9K jumbo frame handling
  • SIP40 subslot initialization failures resolved in high-availability configurations
  • ROMMON v15.5(3r) integration for secure boot validation

​Compatibility and Requirements​

​Component​ ​Minimum Requirement​ ​Recommended​
Chassis Models ASR 1002-X (20G variant) ASR 1009-X with ESP200
Route Processor ASR1000-RP2 ASR1000-RP3
IOS XE Base Version 16.3(1a) 16.3(3a)
WANPHY Controller Firmware 12.5(2) 12.9(2)
DRAM 16 GB 32 GB
Storage 8 GB USB 3.0 16 GB SSD

​Critical Compatibility Notes​​:

  • Not supported on legacy ASR 1002-HX models with ESP5 processors
  • Requires removal of third-party VAS modules before installation
  • Incompatible with Cisco Secure Boot configurations using FPGA v19041800 or earlier

​Obtaining the Software Package​

Licensed network administrators can request ​​asr1000rpx86-universalk9_noli.16.03.09.SPA.bin​​ through our verified distribution partner at https://www.ioshub.net/cisco-asr-downloads. The package includes:

  1. Digitally signed IOS XE image (SHA-256 verified)
  2. Export compliance documentation
  3. Hardware validation toolkit

​Entitlement Requirements​​:

  1. Active Cisco SMART Net Service contract
  2. Valid CCO ID with TACACS+ administrative privileges
  3. End-user declaration for ITAR-restricted territories

For urgent security deployments or bulk licensing, utilize the portal’s priority support channel with 2-hour SLA response.


This technical overview synthesizes data from Cisco’s security advisories and hardware compatibility matrices. Always validate configurations against Cisco’s official documentation at software.cisco.com.

: Compatibility requirements for ASR 1000 Series Secure Boot
: ROMmon upgrade procedures and security vulnerability fixes
: BGP/OSPFv3 protocol stability improvements

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