Based on the specific filename you provided, this guide focuses on setting up and using Cisco IOS XRv 6.1.3 (specifically the 64-bit K9 demo version) in a virtualized environment.
The filename iosxrv-k9-demo indicates this is the 64-bit version of the virtual router, which is architecturally different from the older 32-bit versions (common in GNS3 "VM" images). It requires a UEFI boot loader and has higher RAM requirements. iosxrvk9demo613qcow2 exclusive
Here is your useful guide.
# Host side – ensure only one qemu process for this image
ps aux | grep iosxrvk9demo | wc -l # should be 1
1. Overview
- Image Type: IOS XRv 64-bit (x86_64).
- Format: QEMU Copy On Write (qcow2).
- Purpose: Lab testing, configuration practice, and feature verification for IOS XR.
- Licensing: "Demo" implies it is unlicensed or operates with restricted throughput/features (typically capped at 10Mbps bandwidth in older demos, though 6.x versions often allow full features with a speed cap).
Valid exclusive-use scenarios:
| Scenario | Reason |
|----------|--------|
| Virl / CML 2.0+ | Node-locked licensing – only one XRv9k per sandbox |
| Single-router control-plane testing | BGP scale, ISIS convergence (no data plane) |
| Low-RAM hypervisor (16GB total) | XRv9k needs 8–12GB just to boot |
| kvm separation requirement | Some ASR9k linecard VMs conflict with XRv9k memory maps | Based on the specific filename you provided, this
1. Deconstructing the String
2. When to Use This Exclusively
“Exclusive” typically means either:
- One instance per host (licensing or resource constraints), or
- Dedicated lab environment (no other VM types mixed due to kernel/driver quirks)