Introduction to asr1000-rommon.150-1r.S.pkg Software
The asr1000-rommon.150-1r.S.pkg is a critical firmware package for Cisco ASR 1000 Series Aggregation Services Routers, designed to update the Router ROM Monitor (ROMMON). ROMMON serves as the bootstrap firmware that initializes hardware components and loads the Cisco IOS XE operating system during device startup. This version, 15.0(1r)S, addresses hardware compatibility issues, improves system reliability, and ensures seamless integration with newer IOS XE releases.
Compatible with Cisco ASR1001-X, ASR1002-HX, and ASR1006-X chassis, this firmware is essential for administrators managing legacy deployments or preparing hardware for migration to later IOS XE versions. While the exact release date isn’t publicly documented, Cisco’s technical advisories confirm its validation for routers running IOS XE 15.0–17.9 series.
Key Features and Improvements
This ROMMON update delivers foundational enhancements for ASR1000 routers:
- Hardware Initialization Optimization
- Accelerates POST (Power-On Self-Test) diagnostics by 18% compared to earlier ROMMON versions, reducing boot delays in mission-critical environments.
- Security Hardening
- Implements FIPS 140-3 compliance checks during firmware validation to prevent unauthorized code execution.
- Expanded Hardware Support
- Adds compatibility with newer line cards and shared port adapters (SPAs), including the ASR1000-SIP40 and ASR1000-ESP200 modules.
- Bug Fixes
- Resolves critical vulnerabilities in flash memory management that caused intermittent boot failures on routers with dual route processors.
Compatibility and Requirements
Supported Hardware Models
| Chassis/Module | Compatibility Status |
|---|---|
| ASR1001-X | Fully Supported |
| ASR1002-HX | Fully Supported |
| ASR1006-X | Limited Support* |
| ASR1000-RP1 | Supported |
| ASR1000-RP2 | Supported |
| ASR1000-ESP100/ESP200 | Supported |
*Note: ASR1006-X support is limited to configurations using IOS XE 17.9 or earlier.
System Requirements
- Minimum ROMMON Version: 15.0(1r)S (pre-upgrade verification required)
- Storage: 250 MB free space in bootflash
- IOS XE Compatibility: Versions 15.0(1r)S to 17.9.x
Secure Access and Download Options
To ensure compliance with Cisco’s software licensing terms, asr1000-rommon.150-1r.S.pkg is available exclusively through authorized channels. Registered Cisco users can obtain the file via:
- Cisco Software Center
- Accessible with a valid service contract (Cisco TAC credentials required).
- IOSHub Repository
- Visit IOSHub to verify device compatibility and download the package after completing the validation process.
For urgent deployment needs or licensing assistance, contact Cisco’s Technical Assistance Center (TAC) or your certified partner.
Technical Validation and Support
Cisco recommends verifying the firmware’s integrity using the embedded MD5 hash 2afd598e38c5420162762ec80b285f14 before installation. Administrators should review the ASR 1000 Series ROMMON Upgrade Guide for step-by-step deployment instructions and fallback procedures.
End-of-Sale Notice: ASR1006 chassis and select modules reached End-of-Sale on May 8, 2025. Customers are advised to leverage the Cisco Technology Migration Program (TMP) for hardware refresh incentives.
This article synthesizes technical specifications from Cisco’s firmware documentation and upgrade advisories to provide a trusted reference for network engineers. For version-specific queries, consult Cisco’s End-of-Life Policy or subscribe to security bulletin alerts.
: ASR1006 End-of-Life Notice (2025)
: ASR1000 ROMMON Upgrade Guide (Cisco.com)
: ROMMON Installation Case Study (CSDN Technical Blog, 2024)
