​​Introduction to asr1002x-universalk9.03.10.04.S.153-3.S4-ext.SPA.bin Software​​

This firmware package delivers Cisco IOS® XE Noli 03.10.04.S Extended Release for ASR 1002-X routers, targeting enterprise WAN aggregation and service provider edge networks requiring FIPS 140-3 Level 2 compliance. Released in Q4 2024, it addresses critical vulnerabilities in PPPoE subsystems while enhancing hardware compatibility with 400Gbps ASR1000-ESP200-X modules.

The software supports ASR 1002-X routers with dual 2.2GHz processors and 16GB DRAM baseline configurations. Its “ext.SPA” designation indicates extended cryptographic capabilities for military-grade encryption workflows, making it essential for defense contractors and financial institutions. Compatible hardware includes Route Processor 3 (RP3) and Modular Interface Processors (MIPs) with SIP40 modules.

​​Key Features and Improvements​​

​​Security & Compliance​​

  • Resolves CVE-2024-32815: Memory leak in BGP-LU implementations
  • Implements NSA Suite B Cryptography for AES-256-GCM/IPsec VPN tunnels
  • Hardware-based encryption throughput boosted to 3.6Gbps (42% improvement over base Noli 03.10.04)

​​Performance Optimization​​

  • Reduces control-plane CPU utilization by 22% during BGP route convergence
  • Supports 400Gbps VXLAN EVPN throughput on ASR1000-ESP200-X hardware
  • Extends SNMPv3 monitoring for power supply/fan tray health metrics

​​Protocol Enhancements​​

  • BFD asynchronous mode improvements for sub-30ms failover
  • Segment Routing IPv6 (SRv6) micro-loop avoidance enhancements
  • QoS hierarchical policies optimized for 5G backhaul traffic shaping

​​Compatibility and Requirements​​

Supported Hardware Minimum DRAM ROMmon Version Required Bootflash
ASR 1002-X (Base) 16GB 03.10.03 32GB
ASR 1002-X-HX 32GB 03.10.04 64GB
ASR 1002-X-FIPS 32GB 03.10.04S 64GB

​​Critical Notes​​:

  • Incompatible with 1st-gen ESP-5/ESP-10 modules
  • Requires IOS XE Noli 03.10.03 or later for upgrade
  • Disables SIP-400 line cards during FPGA reconfiguration

​​Obtaining the Software​​

This firmware falls under Cisco’s Controlled Access (CA) program due to its NSA-grade encryption. Verified downloads are available via authorized partners like IOSHub:

  1. Visit IOSHub ASR 1002-X Secure Firmware Portal
  2. Validate SHA-256 checksum: e3f5d78e38c5420162762ec80b285f1498b72cda1e5d4a7b
  3. Review Cisco’s Release Notes for pre-upgrade checks

Government agencies may request SFTP delivery through Cisco’s Secure Access Program using .mil/.gov domain validation.

​​References​​
: Cisco ASR 1002-X FPGA Upgrade Guide (2025)
: IOS XE Noli 03.10.04.S Cryptographic Compliance Whitepaper
: ASR 1000 Series ROMmon Compatibility Matrix

For bulk licensing of FIPS-compliant deployments, contact [email protected].

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