Iosxrv-k9-demo-6.1.3.qcow2 __full__ May 2026
. This format (QCOW2) is designed for use in virtualization environments like QEMU/KVM, GNS3, and EVE-NG. Appliance Specifications Operating System: Cisco IOS XR (64-bit) QCOW2 (QEMU Copy-On-Write) Minimum RAM: 3072 MB (3 GB) Architecture: codingpackets.com Usage and Configuration Tips Initial Setup:
You can set the admin username and password during the first boot. Configuration Logic: IOS XR uses a two-staged configuration
system. You must enter your changes and then explicitly use the command to apply them. Virtualization Platforms: You can import this file using the Cisco IOS XRv appliance template from the GNS3 Marketplace. Vagrant/Libvirt:
This image can be converted into a Vagrant box using tools like create_box.sh or manual metadata files. codingpackets.com Metadata Example (for Vagrant/Automation)
If you are integrating this image into a lab automation tool, you might use a JSON structure similar to this: "cisco/xrv" "description" "Cisco IOSXRv Demo Image" "versions" "providers" : [ "file:///path/to/iosxrv-k9-demo-6.1.3.qcow2" ] } ] } Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard this image into Cisco IOSXRv Vagrant Libvirt Box Install
Title: Lab Ready: Exploring the Legacy IOS XRv “K9” Demo Image (6.1.3)
Introduction
If you have spent any time building a home network lab for Cisco certification or feature testing, you have likely come across the file iosxrv-k9-demo-6.1.3.qcow2. Despite being an older release (IOS XR version 6.1.3), this image remains a lightweight, valuable tool for testing MPLS, routing protocols, and basic XR CLI structure.
In this post, I’ll cover what this file actually is, how to use it in QEMU/KVM, and the limitations of the “demo” edition. Iosxrv-k9-demo-6.1.3.qcow2
What is iosxrv-k9-demo-6.1.3.qcow2?
- iosxrv – Cisco IOS XRv (Virtual Router).
- k9 – Indicates cryptographic (SSH/SSL) support.
- demo – A restricted image; typically limited to 2 vCPUs, 4GB RAM, and often lacks sustained throughput licensing.
- 6.1.3 – IOS XR version (old but stable).
- qcow2 – QEMU Copy-On-Write disk format.
This image is designed for proof-of-concept and learning, not production.
Requirements
- KVM/QEMU (Linux) or UTM (macOS). Not recommended for VirtualBox due to paravirtualized driver issues.
- At least 4GB free RAM for the VM.
qemu-kvm,libvirt, orvirsh.
Basic QEMU Command
qemu-system-x86_64 \
-machine pc \
-cpu host \
-smp 2 \
-m 4096 \
-drive file=iosxrv-k9-demo-6.1.3.qcow2,if=virtio \
-netdev user,id=net0 \
-device virtio-net-pci,netdev=net0 \
-serial mon:stdio \
-nographic
Note: Adjust network to bridge or macvtap if you need external access.
First Boot & Licensing
- The console will output standard IOS XR boot messages.
- After booting, you will see:
RP/0/RP0/CPU0:ios# - The image runs in demo mode—no license file is required, but it will reload every 60 minutes (typical demo limitation).
- To check status:
show license
show version
Configuration Example
configure terminal
hostname XRv-Demo
interface GigabitEthernet0/0/0/0
ipv4 address 192.168.1.1 255.255.255.0
no shutdown
commit
Run show ipv4 interface brief to verify.
Key Limitations to Know | Feature | Demo Status | |---------|--------------| | Throughput | Limited to ~100k pps | | Uptime | Resets every 60 minutes | | Interfaces | 2–3 usable virtio interfaces | | Crypto (IPsec) | Present but slow | | XR HA (NSR) | Disabled |
Where to Find This Image This image is no longer on Cisco’s official download portal (CCO) for new users. It exists in older lab archives, VMware OVA conversions, and community backup repositories. Do not download from untrusted torrents. Instead, check:
- Old Cisco DevNet Sandbox dumps.
- Archived
vios-xrvdirectories from 2016–2018.
Better Alternatives Today
- Cisco IOS XRv 9000 – Modern, but requires 16GB+ RAM.
- XRv 7.x – Updated virtual router, needs CCO login.
- Containerlab + CSR1000v – Easier for containerized labs.
Final Verdict
The iosxrv-k9-demo-6.1.3.qcow2 is a nostalgic, lightweight teacher. It is perfect for learning IOS XR CLI, playing with OSPF/IS-IS, or testing simple Python automation via NETCONF. However, do not rely on it for performance testing or long-running labs.
Have you used the IOS XRv demo image? Let me know your experience in the comments.
Step 4: Initial Boot and Configuration
After the kernel loads, you’ll see the standard IOS XR boot sequence. Once at the ios prompt, enter EXEC mode: Title: Lab Ready: Exploring the Legacy IOS XRv
Username: cisco
Password: cisco
Router> enable
Router# configure terminal
Router(config)# hostname XRv-Demo
Apply a mandatory license (demo license is built-in, but you must accept):
Router(config)# license smart register
Router(config)# commit
1. What is iosxrv-k9-demo-6.1.3.qcow2?
The filename itself is a treasure trove of metadata. Let’s break it down:
- iosxrv : Indicates the Cisco IOS XRv router. Unlike classic IOS (Internetwork Operating System) or IOS XE, IOS XR is a carrier-grade, fully modular, distributed operating system used on high-end routers (e.g., ASR 9000, NCS 6000). The "v" signifies the virtualized instance for x86 architecture.
- k9 : Denotes encryption support. "K9" is Cisco’s designation for strong cryptography (including SSH, IPsec, and SSL). This is crucial for labs testing secure routing protocols.
- demo : Specifies the licensing model. The "demo" image typically includes a 60-day evaluation license or limited feature set. It is not intended for production but for proof-of-concept (POC) and educational labs.
- 6.1.3 : The software version. IOS XR release 6.1.3 is part of the 6.1.x train (released around 2016-2017). Key features in this version include Segment Routing (SR), BGP Link-State (BGP-LS), and advanced EVPN support.
- .qcow2 : The file format. QEMU Copy-On-Write version 2 is the native disk format for KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine) and QEMU hypervisors. It supports snapshots, compression, and sparse allocation.
In summary, this file is a virtual hard disk for a Cisco IOS XRv router, version 6.1.3, with full encryption, a demo license, packaged for the QEMU/KVM hypervisor.
d. QEMU Version Sensitivity
Using QEMU > 4.2 may cause console lockups due to changes in serial device emulation. Use qemu-system-x86_64 -machine pc-i440fx-2.7 for compatibility.
4. Step-by-Step Installation and Setup
Here is a practical guide to booting iosxrv-k9-demo-6.1.3.qcow2 using KVM/QEMU on a Linux host.
Understanding iosxrv-k9-demo-6.1.3.qcow2: Cisco IOS XRv Demo Image
If you have stumbled upon a file named iosxrv-k9-demo-6.1.3.qcow2, you are likely trying to run a virtual Cisco router in a lab environment. This guide will help you understand exactly what you are working with.