Even with the right image, things go wrong. Here are the fixes for the most frequent issues.
Pitfall 1: System gets stuck at Loading kernel modules...
Pitfall 2: Interfaces are always down/up (no carrier) even when connected.
Pitfall 3: Losing configuration after reboot.
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.
[Client PC] --- [PE1 - XRv 6.1.3] --- [P1 - XRv 6.1.3] --- [PE2 - XRv 6.1.3] --- [Client PC2]
| | |
[ASBR1] ------------ [ASBR2] (E-BGP over IPv4)
You can easily spin this up in EVE-NG. Configure ISIS Level-2 only on core links, enable MPLS globally, and establish LDP or SR.
The iosxrv-k9-demo-6.1.3.qcow2 file is more than just a disk image—it is a gateway for thousands of network engineers to explore the power of Cisco IOS XR without the barrier of expensive hardware. Its balance of features (MPLS, BGP, Netconf/YANG) and modest system requirements make it a permanent fixture in many virtual labs, even as newer versions emerge.
By understanding how to deploy, configure, and troubleshoot this image, you gain foundational skills that translate directly to carrier-grade networking. Whether you’re automating with Ansible, studying for a certification, or emulating a service provider’s backbone, this humble qcow2 file remains an indispensable tool in the modern network engineer’s toolkit.
Further Resources:
Need help booting this image? Join the #iosxr channel on the Network to Code Slack or the r/ccie subreddit.
The iosxrv-k9-demo-6.1.3.qcow2 file is a virtual disk image used to run Cisco’s IOS XRv, a virtualized version of the carrier-grade IOS XR software. This specific version is a staple for network engineers and students who need to simulate high-end routing environments without purchasing expensive physical hardware like the ASR 9000 series.
Here is a comprehensive guide to understanding, deploying, and using this specific image in your lab. What is IOS XRv? Iosxrv-k9-demo-6.1.3.qcow2
Cisco IOS XR is the operating system designed for service provider networks, offering modularity, high availability, and massive scalability. The XRv (Virtual Router) version allows this software to run as a Virtual Machine (VM). The "demo" designation indicates it is a trial or lab-use image, which typically includes a throughput cap (often 2 Mbps) but remains fully functional for protocol testing. Key Technical Specifications Version: 6.1.3 Format: .qcow2 (QEMU Copy-On-Write)
Security: k9 (indicates the inclusion of strong payload encryption/cryptographic features) Resource Requirements: RAM: 3 GB to 4 GB (Recommended) CPU: 1-2 vCPUs Disk Space: ~1 GB How to Deploy the .qcow2 Image
The .qcow2 format is natively supported by QEMU/KVM, making it the preferred choice for popular network simulation platforms. 1. GNS3 Deployment
To use this in GNS3, you should use the IOS XRv appliance template: Open GNS3 and go to File > Import appliance. Select the cisco-iosxrv.gns3a file.
When prompted for the missing file, select your iosxrv-k9-demo-6.1.3.qcow2. GNS3 will upload the image to your GNS3 VM. 2. EVE-NG Deployment For EVE-NG, the naming convention is strict: SSH into your EVE-NG server. Create a directory: /opt/unetlab/addons/qemu/xrvr-6.1.3/. Upload the file and rename it to virtioa.qcow2.
Fix permissions using the command: /opt/unetlab/wrappers/unl_wrapper -a fixpermissions. 3. Standard QEMU/KVM If running directly via CLI:
qemu-system-x86_64 -m 3072 -hda iosxrv-k9-demo-6.1.3.qcow2 -serial telnet:127.0.0.1:5000,server,nowait Use code with caution. Why Use Version 6.1.3?
While newer versions like 7.x exist, version 6.1.3 is often preferred for several reasons:
Stability: It is a mature release within the 6.x train, known for stable BGP, OSPF, and MPLS implementations.
Resource Efficiency: Newer "XRv 9000" images require 16GB+ of RAM. The classic XRv (6.1.3) runs smoothly on 3GB, allowing you to run 10+ routers on a standard laptop.
Feature Set: It supports advanced features like Segment Routing (SR), EVPN, and Netconf/YANG, which are essential for modern CCNP/CCIE Service Provider studies. Initial Configuration Tips Even with the right image, things go wrong
When you first boot the image, you will likely reach a prompt asking for a username and password. On demo images, you often need to create one: Wait for the "SYSTEM CONFIGURATION COMPLETED" message. Press Enter to get the setup prompt.
If it asks for a root username, create one (e.g., admin) and set a password.
To enter configuration mode, type configure (shortcut conf t). Remember, IOS XR requires a commit command to apply changes. Common Use Cases
CCIE Service Provider Labbing: Mastering the hierarchical CLI and "commit/confirm" workflow.
Automation Testing: Using Python or Ansible to interact with the XML agent or SSH.
Protocol Verification: Testing complex BGP attributes or MPLS L3VPNs in a multi-node topology.
Note: Always ensure you have the proper licensing from Cisco to use their software images. The demo images are intended for evaluation and non-production laboratory environments.
The digital shadows of the lab grew long as typed the final command. For weeks, he had been chasing a phantom—a routing loop in a virtual environment that defied every logic gate he knew. His screen flickered, casting a cool blue glow over his desk, where a single file sat centered in his workspace: iosxrv-k9-demo-6.1.3.qcow2.
To most, it was just a virtual disk image, a piece of software used to simulate a Cisco IOS XRv router. To Elias, it was a gateway.
He initiated the boot sequence. In the terminal, lines of white text began to scroll—a digital heartbeat.System Bootstrap, Version 6.1.3Copyright (c) 1994-2017 by cisco Systems, Inc.
The demo image was limited, a "demo" meant to vanish after a certain period of use, but Elias had tuned his GNS3 environment to push the software to its absolute limits. He wasn't just building a network; he was building a legacy. He imagined this virtual router as the spine of a global city, managing millions of data packets that carried the dreams and secrets of a billion people. "Commit," he whispered, hitting the Enter key. Pitfall 2: Interfaces are always down/up (no carrier)
In the world of IOS XR, nothing is real until you commit the configuration. The terminal paused. The fan of his workstation whirred louder, a mechanical sigh. Building configuration...[OK]
Suddenly, the virtual topology on his second monitor turned green. The phantom loop was gone. The packets flowed with perfect, rhythmic precision. Elias leaned back, watching the traffic counters climb. In that tiny .qcow2 file, he had found order in the chaos. It was only a demo, a temporary simulation, but for tonight, the network was alive, and it was perfect. Quick Facts about IOS XRv 6.1.3
File Format: .qcow2 (QEMU Copy-On-Write), standard for virtualized environments like GNS3 or EVE-NG.
Resource Needs: Typically requires around 3GB of RAM and an e1000 adapter type to run smoothly.
Key Feature: Uses a two-stage configuration process; changes must be explicitly committed to take effect.
gns3-registry/appliances/cisco-iosxrv.gns3a at master - GitHub
Don't forget about the two-staged configuration, you have to commit your changes.", "first_port_name": "MgmtEth0/0/CPU0/0", "port_
gns3-registry/appliances/cisco-iosxrv.gns3a at master - GitHub
Don't forget about the two-staged configuration, you have to commit your changes.", "first_port_name": "MgmtEth0/0/CPU0/0", "port_
mkdir ~/iosxrv-lab
cd ~/iosxrv-lab
cp /path/to/downloaded/iosxrv-k9-demo-6.1.3.qcow2 .
A full ASR9k virtual image might require 16GB of RAM and 4 vCPUs just to boot. The demo image is optimized for:
IOS-XR is the king of the core network. If you are studying for CCIE Service Provider (v5 or v6), you must know XR. The demo image allows you to practice:
Router(config)# interface GigabitEthernet0/0/0/0
Router(config-if)# ipv4 address 192.168.122.100 255.255.255.0
Router(config-if)# no shutdown
Router(config-if)# commit
Router(config-if)# end
Now you can SSH from your host: ssh -p 12203 cisco@localhost