Introduction to PP-ADV-ASR1K-179.1-46-63.0.0.PACK
This specialized software package delivers critical enhancements for Cisco ASR 1000 Series routers, specifically designed for deployments requiring advanced protocol support and security hardening. The “PP-ADV” prefix indicates this package contains premium features beyond standard firmware updates, targeting enterprise WAN edge and service provider network configurations.
Compatible with ASR1001-X, ASR1002-X, and ASR1004-X hardware platforms running Cisco IOS XE Software Release 17.9.1a or later, this update package addresses both operational stability and emerging security requirements. The version identifier (179.1-46-63.0.0) follows Cisco’s standardized format where “179.1” denotes the base IOS XE version, “46” represents the feature pack iteration, and “63.0.0” indicates security patch level.
Key Features and Improvements
1. Enhanced Protocol Taxonomy Support
- Updated NBAR4 protocol recognition database with 28 new application signatures
- Extended VXLAN EVPN route redistribution logic for multi-tenant architectures
2. Security Validation Framework
- Integrated X.509 certificate verification through cisco_x509_verify_release.py script
- Automated signature validation for all package components via .signature files
3. Hardware Optimization
- Improved FPGA utilization reporting via enhanced show commands
- Memory leak fixes for long-running BGP sessions (>90 days uptime)
4. Diagnostic Enhancements
- Extended SNMP MIB support for real-time monitoring of package components
- Detailed error logging for failed signature verification attempts
Compatibility and Requirements
| Category | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Supported Hardware | ASR1001-X, ASR1002-X, ASR1004-X |
| Minimum Memory | 8 GB DRAM |
| Flash Storage | 32 GB (dedicated partition recommended) |
| IOS XE Version | 17.9.1a or newer |
| Incompatible Models | ASR1000-6TGE, ASR1000-FPGA-OLD (pre-2018 revisions) |
This package requires concurrent installation of Cisco Trust Anchor module updates for full security validation functionality. Incompatible with legacy VPN acceleration modules using deprecated encryption standards.
Obtaining the Software
Authorized Cisco partners and service contract holders can access this package through:
- Cisco Software Center (requires valid service contract)
- TAC Security Bulletin Portal for urgent vulnerability patches
For organizations requiring temporary access, IOSHub provides verified downloads at https://www.ioshub.net/asr1000-adv-downloads. Always validate package integrity using the provided SHA-256 checksum (a3f8d1b2e9…) before deployment.
Deployment Considerations
- Schedule maintenance windows for FPGA synchronization operations
- Preserve existing configuration backups using IOS XE archive features
- Verify successful installation with command:
Router#show software package active | include PP-ADV
This advanced package strengthens ASR 1000 Series routers’ position in software-defined WAN architectures while addressing critical security vulnerabilities identified in recent advisories. Always cross-reference Cisco’s official release notes with your specific network configuration before deployment.
