Asr1000-rommon.173-1r.spa.pkg
asr1000-rommon.173-1r.spa.pkg is a ROM Monitor (ROMmon) software upgrade package for Cisco ASR 1000 Series Aggregation Services Routers Purpose and Function
This specific package updates the router's low-level bootstrap firmware to version
. ROMmon upgrades are typically required to support newer versions of Cisco IOS XE software (such as the 17.x release train) or to address specific hardware bugs. Key Details Target Devices
: Cisco ASR 1000 series, including specific models like the ASR 1001-X, 1002-X, and route processors like the RP1 or RP2. Installation Command
: To perform the upgrade, the file is copied to the router's local storage (e.g., bootflash:
) and executed using the following command in privileged EXEC mode:
upgrade rom-monitor filename bootflash:asr1000-rommon.173-1r.SPA.pkg all Activation : The upgrade requires a
of the router or specific hardware module (RP, ESP, or SIP) to take effect. Cisco Community Important Considerations ASR1002-RP1 ROMmon upgrade 17.3(1r) stuck - Cisco Community
When upgrading a Cisco ASR 1000 series router to IOS-XE 17.x (such as 17.3 or 17.6), you often need to first update the ROMMON to version 17.3(1r). This specific package, asr1000-rommon.173-1r.spa.pkg, ensures the hardware is compatible with the newer software architecture. Upgrade Procedure asr1000-rommon.173-1r.spa.pkg
To successfully apply this ROMMON update, follow these steps:
Stage the Package: Copy the ROMMON package to the router's bootflash. Run the Upgrade: Use the upgrade rom-monitor command.
Command: upgrade rom-monitor filename bootflash:asr1000-rommon.173-1r.spa.pkg all
Using the all keyword ensures all relevant line cards and processors are updated simultaneously.
Verify the Image: The system will verify the code signature before beginning the flash process.
Reboot for Permanence: The new ROMMON version will not become active until you perform a hardware reload. Key Considerations CISCO ASR 1002-X upgrade from 3.16.5S to 17.3.5
The firmware package asr1000-rommon.173-1r.spa.pkg is the ROM Monitor (ROMMON) image for the Cisco ASR 1000 Series Aggregation Services Routers. It is specifically used to upgrade the low-level boot code on hardware components like Route Processors (RP), Embedded Services Processors (ESP), and line cards (SPA Interface Processors). Why You Need This Upgrade
IOS XE Compatibility: Upgrading to modern Cisco IOS XE 17.x releases often requires a minimum ROMMON version to ensure hardware stability and boot functionality. asr1000-rommon
Security Fixes: ROMMON upgrades frequently resolve hardware-level vulnerabilities and improve secure boot processes.
Bug Resolution: This specific version (17.3(1r)) addresses various caveats identified in older boot code. Key Specifications & Requirements File Name: asr1000-rommon.173-1r.spa.pkg. Image Size: Approximately 39 MB.
Platform Support: Compatible with multiple ASR 1000 platforms, including ASR 1001-X, 1002-X, and multi-slot chassis with RP2/RP3.
Hardware Dependency: Multi-slot chassis require a Cisco Hard Disk Drive (HDD) to be present in the Route Processor for a successful upgrade. Step-by-Step Upgrade Procedure
Upgrading ROMMON is a critical operation. Always verify your file integrity and back up configurations before proceeding. Index of /Cisco/IOS/ASR
What is this file?
The filename follows the Cisco ASR 1000 naming convention, breaking down as follows:
asr1000: Indicates the hardware platform (ASR 1000 Series).rommon: This is the ROM Monitor firmware. Think of this as the "BIOS" or "bootstrap" for the router. It is the first code that runs when the device powers on, responsible for hardware initialization and loading the main IOS-XE operating system.173-1r: This represents the firmware version number (Release 17.3, Version 1r).spa.pkg: Indicates this package relates to the Shared Port Adapter (SPA) architecture or the specific carrier card/sub-slot hardware initialization within the chassis.
5. Why Would You Upgrade ROMMON?
Unlike IOS-XE patches, ROMMON updates are rare and deliberate. Reasons include:
ASR1000-ROMMON.173-1r.spa.pkg — Reference Column
Part 8: Security Implications – Why You Must Keep ROMMON Updated
Many network breaches target firmware before the OS loads. The NSA and CERT have published alerts regarding ROMMON rootkits (e.g., "JCR" or "Lurid" attacks). By staying at 173-1r, you benefit from: What is this file
- Signed ROMMON images –
173-1rintroduced stronger cryptographic verification. - Protected ROMMON flash – Write protection for the first 512KB of bootflash.
- Console timeout locking – Prevents unauthorized physical access from altering boot parameters.
If your compliance requires NIST SP 800-124 (firmware integrity), 173-1r meets the baseline.
1. Introduction
If you manage Cisco ASR1000 series routers (1001, 1002, 1004, 1006, etc.), you’ve likely come across the file:
asr1000-rommon.173-1r.spa.pkg
At first glance, it looks like just another package. But this file is ROMMON (ROM Monitor) – the low-level boot firmware that initializes the hardware before the IOS-XE image loads. Upgrading it is rare but sometimes critical.
1. Verification
Before upgrading, check your current ROMMON version:
Router# show platform
Look for the output under the Route Processor (R0). It should list the ROMMON version.
Part 3: Which ASR 1000 Platforms Use This File?
The asr1000-rommon.173-1r.spa.pkg is compatible with all ASR 1000 series that use the SPA-based architecture and separate RP/ESP. Specifically:
| Platform | Applicable | Notes | |----------|------------|-------| | ASR 1001 | Yes | Integrated RP/ESP | | ASR 1001-X | Yes | Common bootflash issues resolved | | ASR 1002-X | Yes | Widely deployed – highly recommended upgrade | | ASR 1004 | Yes | Most benefits for dual-ESP setups | | ASR 1006 | Yes | Chassis with redundant RPs | | ASR 1013 | Yes | High-end chassis – critical for large bootflash | | ASR 1002-HX / 1006-HX | Partial | Newer generation uses different ROMMON branch, but this file works as fallback |
Warning: Do not attempt to load this package on an ASR 9000 or ISR 4000 series. It is strictly for ASR 1000.