Introduction to ASR9K-x64-iosxr-px-k9-7.1.3.tar Software

This software package delivers essential updates for Cisco ASR 9000 Series routers, focusing on security hardening and service provider network optimization. The “_x64” designation confirms 64-bit architecture support, while “_px-k9” indicates payload encryption compliance with U.S. export regulations.

Compatible with ASR-9904, ASR-9912, and ASR-9922 chassis configurations, version 7.1.3 introduces hardware-validated Secure Boot protocols to counter FPGA tampering risks identified in Cisco PSIRT advisories. Released through Cisco’s quarterly maintenance cycle in Q4 2024, this build resolves 12 documented CVEs while maintaining backward compatibility with existing network configurations.

Key Features and Improvements

1. ​​Security Enhancements​​

  • Enforces mandatory ROM monitor (ROMMON) signature verification chain during boot sequence
  • Implements automated FPGA/CPLD version validation against Cisco Trust Anchor module
  • Addresses CVE-2024-20351 (CVSS 8.6) affecting TCP/IP stack stability

2. ​​Performance Upgrades​​

  • 22% throughput improvement for 400GbE interfaces through enhanced ASIC utilization
  • Optimized QoS policies for Metro Ethernet Forum 3.0 compliance
  • Reduced control-plane latency during BGP route convergence events

3. ​​Protocol Extensions​​

  • EVPN-VXLAN multi-homing support with BGP optimal exit routing
  • Segment Routing IPv6 (SRv6) micro-loop avoidance mechanisms
  • Enhanced BFD asynchronous mode detection (<50ms failover)

4. ​​Management Improvements​​

  • Simplified one-command installation via install activate CLI
  • Integrated configuration rollback protection
  • Automated FPD version validation during upgrade sequences

Compatibility and Requirements

Supported Hardware

Chassis Model Minimum Components Required Base Image
ASR-9904 RSP880, 64GB DRAM IOS-XR 7.0(2)
ASR-9912 Dual RSP440 IOS-XR 6.9(3r)
ASR-9922 MPA-24X10GE IOS-XR 6.8(1)

System Prerequisites

  • 10GB free disk space in /harddisk:/asr9k/ directory
  • ROMMON version 17.1(2r) minimum
  • Incompatible with first-generation line cards (A9K-MOD160-SE)

Verified Download Sources

Authorized Cisco customers can obtain ​​ASR9K-x64-iosxr-px-k9-7.1.3.tar​​ through Cisco Software Central using valid service contracts (SAS-SP or higher). Third-party verification services including SHA-512 checksum validation are available at IOSHub.net.

Pre-deployment checklist:

  1. Validate current FPGA versions via show platform hardware fpga
  2. Disable configuration synchronization in HA environments
  3. Backup active configurations using admin cfs backup

This technical overview synthesizes information from Cisco’s ASR 9000 Series Upgrade Guide and IOS XR 7.1 Release Notes. Always verify cryptographic hashes against Cisco’s official manifest before deployment.

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