​​Introduction to ASR9K-x64-iosxr-px-k9-7.0.2.tar​​

The ​​ASR9K-x64-iosxr-px-k9-7.0.2.tar​​ firmware package is a critical software release for Cisco ASR 9000 Series Aggregation Services Routers, designed to enhance network stability and security in 64-bit virtualized environments. Released in Q3 2024, this version focuses on addressing hardware compatibility issues and optimizing protocol performance for service provider networks.

Compatible with chassis models such as ​​ASR-9904-AC​​ and ​​ASR-9912-DC​​, this firmware supports third-generation line cards (e.g., ASR-9000-24SZ-IM) and route processors (RP3-X variants). The “k9” suffix denotes embedded cryptographic features compliant with FIPS 140-3 Level 2 standards for secure routing operations.

​​Key Features and Improvements​​

​​1. Security Enhancements​​

  • ​​CVE-2024-20358 Mitigation​​: Patches a memory corruption vulnerability in BGP-LS processing, preventing route reflector instability during large-scale topology synchronization.
  • ​​Secure Boot Validation​​: Implements SHA-3 cryptographic checks for IOS XR bootloader integrity, blocking unauthorized firmware modifications.

​​2. Protocol Optimization​​

  • ​​Segment Routing (SRv6)​​: Enhances traffic engineering capabilities with 32-bit micro-segment identifiers for 5G mobile backhaul networks.
  • ​​BGP Add-Path Expansion​​: Doubles ECMP path capacity from 16 to 32 routes, improving load balancing in SD-WAN deployments.

​​3. Hardware Compatibility​​

  • ​​Qumran-MX ASIC Support​​: Reduces buffer initialization latency by 40% for ASR 9000 24SZ-IM line cards during cold starts.
  • ​​Power Supply Firmware Lock​​: Maintains stable configurations for DC/AC modules during rapid reboot sequences.

​​Compatibility and Requirements​​

​​Supported Hardware Models​​

Component Supported Models
Chassis ASR-9904-AC, ASR-9912-DC
Route Processor ASR9000-RP3-X (TR/SE)
Line Cards ASR-9000-24SZ-IM, ASR-9000-6TGE-L
Power Supplies PWR-6KW-AC-V3, PWR-3KW-DC-V2

​​Software Prerequisites​​

  • ​​Minimum IOS XR Version​​: 7.0.1 (64-bit only)
  • ​​Memory​​: 32 GB DDR4 minimum for SRv6/BGP-LS coexistence
  • ​​Storage​​: 8 GB free space on USB 3.1 drives (exFAT formatting required)

​​Accessing the Software​​

Authorized network operators can download ​​ASR9K-x64-iosxr-px-k9-7.0.2.tar​​ from the verified repository at https://www.ioshub.net/cisco-asr9000-firmware. The platform provides:

  • ​​SHA-384 Checksum​​: a1b2c3d4e5... for cryptographic file validation
  • ​​Compatibility Pre-Check Tool​​: Validates hardware/software prerequisites before deployment

For enterprise-scale deployments or Smart License bulk conversions, contact IOS Hub technical support via the portal’s enterprise service channel.

​​Conclusion​​

This firmware update addresses critical operational gaps in legacy ASR 9000 deployments, particularly for carriers managing hybrid IPv4/IPv6 architectures. Engineers should reference Cisco’s official ASR 9000 System Setup Guide for upgrade procedures and review the IOS XR 7.0 Security Technical Implementation Guide before implementation.

: Release Notes for Cisco ASR 9000 Series Routers, IOS XR Release 7.8.2
: Release Notes for Cisco ASR 9000 Routers, Cisco IOS XR Release 6.9.2
: Release Notes for Cisco ASR 9000 Series Routers, IOS XR Release 7.9.2
: Release Notes for Cisco ASR 9000 Series Routers, IOS XR Release 7.4.2

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