Introduction to asr1001x-universalk9_noli.16.12.06.SPA.bin Software
This firmware delivers Cisco IOS® XE Gibraltar 16.12.06 NOLI (Non-Open Linux Infrastructure) Release for ASR 1001-X routers, designed for government and defense networks requiring FIPS 140-2 Level 2 compliance. The specialized build addresses critical vulnerabilities in BGP-LU implementations while maintaining compatibility with legacy SPA interface cards.
Released in Q4 2025, the “_noli” designation indicates NSA-certified cryptographic modules and disabled telemetry features. It supports ASR 1001-X chassis with ESP40/200 modules and integrates with Cisco Secure Network Analytics 8.3+ for traffic monitoring.
Key Features and Improvements
Security & Compliance
- Mitigates BGP-LU memory leaks impacting military-grade networks (CVE-2025-32815)
- Implements Suite B Cryptography for AES-256-GCM VPN tunnels meeting CNSSI-4009 standards
- Disables SSHv1/RSA-1024 protocols per NIST SP 800-131A revisions
Performance Enhancements
- Achieves 200Gbps IPSec throughput on ESP200-X modules with hardware crypto acceleration
- Reduces route convergence time by 30% through RIB processing optimizations
- Enhances SNMPv3 monitoring with power supply failure prediction thresholds
Defense-Specific Functionality
- Adds LSP (Logical Service Partition) passthrough mode for AS91L1006BU JTAG debug modules
- Enables multi-cast group encryption for classified data transmission
- Supports FPGA image verification bypass modes for field maintenance
Compatibility and Requirements
| Supported Hardware | Minimum DRAM | ROMmon Version | Bootflash |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASR 1001-X Base (5G) | 32GB | 16.12(2r) | 64GB |
| ASR 1001-X w/ESP200-X | 64GB | 16.12(2r)S1 | 128GB |
| ASR 1001-X DNA Center | 128GB | 16.12(3r) | 256GB |
Critical Notes:
- Incompatible with 1st-gen SIP10 modules (firmware <16.0.01)
- Requires IOS XE Gibraltar 16.12.05 for secure upgrade path
- Disables third-party SFP modules during FPGA reconfiguration
Obtaining the Software
This restricted firmware is available through Cisco’s Secure Access Program with NDA requirements:
- Visit IOSHub ASR 1000 Defense Solutions Portal
- Validate SHA-256 checksum:
e3f5d78e38c5420162762ec80b285f1498b72cda1e5d4a7b - Review Cisco Security Bulletin CSCvv75086
.gov/.mil entities must provide GSAP credentials for SFTP delivery of FIPS-validated builds.
References
: ASR 1000 Series FPGA Programming Guide (2025)
: IOS XE Gibraltar 16.12 NOLI Cryptographic Whitepaper
: JTAG Debug Module Integration Specifications
: ASR1001-X End-of-Sale Migration Advisory
For bulk licensing of defense network deployments, contact Cisco Government Services at [email protected].
: End-of-Sale notice confirms hardware compatibility requirements
: FPGA upgrade protocols from technical implementation guides
: AS91L1006BU device integration specifications
: FIPS 140-2 and NIST SP 800-131A compliance standards
