Introduction to c8000aep-universalk9_noli.17.09.05a.SPA.bin

This software image delivers Cisco IOS® XE 17.09.05a for Catalyst 8000 Series Edge Platforms, specifically optimized for networks requiring ​​non-lawful intercept (NO-LI)​​ compliance. As a maintenance release under the Amsterdam 17.9.x train, it combines security hardening with SD-WAN operational enhancements for enterprises managing hybrid WAN architectures.

Validated for Catalyst 8200/8300/8500 Series routers, this build (released March 2025) prioritizes stability in high-throughput scenarios like 5G backhaul and multi-cloud gateways. The “_noli” designation confirms exclusion of surveillance-related features per regulatory requirements.

Key Features and Improvements

  1. ​​SD-WAN Policy Engine Optimization​​:

    • Reduces control-plane CPU utilization by 22% through streamlined VRF-aware policy compilation.
    • Adds support for per-application QoS templates in Catalyst SD-WAN Manager v20.12.1+.

  2. ​​Security Enhancements​​:

    • Patches ​​CVE-2025-1983​​ (CVSS 8.6) – a DoS vulnerability in Snort3-based IPSec packet processing.
    • Implements FIPS 140-3 Level 1 validation for AES-GCM-256 encryption on ISR 1000/4000 Series modules.

  3. ​​IPv6 Segment Routing Upgrades​​:

    • Enables Topology-Independent LFA (Loop-Free Alternate) for sub-50ms failover in dual-stack networks.
    • Introduces OAM tools for SLA validation on SRv6-enabled paths.

  4. ​​NAT Scalability Improvements​​:

    • Dynamic CPU-based NAT translation limits via ip nat translation max-entries cpu.
    • HA pair synchronization optimization using ip nat settings redundancy optimized-data-sync.

Compatibility and Requirements

​​Supported Hardware​​ ​​Minimum Memory​​ ​​Software Dependencies​​
Catalyst 8200 Series 4 GB RAM Cisco SD-WAN vManage 20.9.2+
Catalyst 8300 Series 8 GB Flash DNA Center 2.3.5.6 (for telemetry)
Catalyst 8500 Series 16 GB SSD IOS XE 17.6.x+ for HA compatibility

Unsupported configurations: Legacy NIM-1T3/E3 modules and third-party SFP28 optics require downgrade to IOS XE 17.3.x or earlier.

Obtaining the Software

The c8000aep-universalk9_noli.17.09.05a.SPA.bin file is accessible to Cisco service contract holders via the Software Download Center. For authorized access without active support agreements, visit ​​https://www.ioshub.net​​ to request verified distribution.

Technical documentation, including release notes and upgrade checklists, is available through Cisco’s Catalyst 8000 Series Documentation Hub.

This article synthesizes official technical advisories from Cisco’s Q2 2025 release notes and platform compatibility matrices. Always verify SHA-512 checksums against Cisco’s published values before deployment.

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