Asr1000-rommon.173-1r.spa.pkg May 2026
The file asr1000-rommon.173-1r.spa.pkg is a ROMmon (ROM Monitor) upgrade package specifically for Cisco ASR 1000 Series Aggregation Services Routers. To "make a proper piece" out of it (i.e., perform a successful upgrade), follow these structured steps: 1. Preparation & Verification
Check Compatibility: Verify your hardware (RP, ESP, SIP, or MIP) requires this specific version. Use show rom-monitor slot to check your current version.
Transfer the File: Copy the package to your router's bootflash: or harddisk: using TFTP, FTP, or SCP.
Example: copy tftp: bootflash:asr1000-rommon.173-1r.SPA.pkg. 2. The Upgrade Command
Apply the upgrade to all components or a specific slot. It is generally recommended to upgrade all components collectively. Execute the upgrade:
upgrade rom-monitor filename bootflash:asr1000-rommon.173-1r.SPA.pkg all Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard
Note: If using a specific slot instead of all, replace the keyword with your slot number. 3. Finalizing the Upgrade
The upgrade is not permanent until the hardware is reloaded.
Reload the Router: Enter the reload command after the upgrade message confirms completion.
Verify Success: After the reboot, use show platform or show rom-monitor slot to confirm the version now reads 17.3(1r). ⚠️ Critical Troubleshooting
MD5 Mismatch: Some ASR 1000 RP2 boards (VID >= V07) may report an MD5 signature mismatch during the burn process. If you encounter this, consult the Cisco Bug Search Tool for CSCvz87460.
Stuck in ROMMON: If the router fails to boot post-upgrade, ensure your configuration register is set to 0x2102 (standard) rather than 0x2100 or 0x0.
Are you upgrading this as part of a larger IOS-XE software migration, or just a standalone firmware patch?
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
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
Understanding the Cisco ASR 1000 ROMMON Upgrade: asr1000-rommon.173-1r.spa.pkg asr1000-rommon.173-1r.spa.pkg
The asr1000-rommon.173-1r.spa.pkg is a specialized firmware package used to update the ROM Monitor (ROMMON) on Cisco ASR 1000 Series Aggregation Services Routers. As a critical low-level bootstrap, ROMMON is responsible for initializing the router's hardware and loading the Cisco IOS XE software.
Upgrading to version 17.3(1r) is often a prerequisite for moving to modern Cisco IOS XE releases, such as the 17.x train, to ensure hardware compatibility and stability. Key Purpose and Compatibility
The primary function of this package is to update the boot code on various hardware components within the ASR 1000 chassis, including: Route Processors (RP): Such as the RP2 and RP3.
Embedded Services Processors (ESP): The central data plane engine.
SIP and MIP Interface Processors: Handling connectivity for Shared Port Adapters.
Note on Irreversibility: On specific platforms like the ASR 1001-X, 1001-HX, 1002-HX, and ASR 1000-RP3, once you upgrade to ROMMON 17.3(1r), you cannot revert to a version earlier than 17.3(1r). Why Upgrade to ROMMON 17.3(1r)?
IOS XE 17.x Readiness: Newer versions of IOS XE often require a minimum ROMMON version to boot correctly.
Security and Bug Fixes: This release addresses specific caveats and improves the hardware abstraction layer.
Hardware Support: It provides support for newer hardware revisions (VIDs) that may fail to boot on older ROMMON versions. Installation Guide
To install the asr1000-rommon.173-1r.spa.pkg, follow these standard steps used by Cisco network engineers: ASR 1006 upgrade rommon and fpd - Cisco Community
File size is 0x02728430 Located asr1000-rommon.173-1r.SPA.pkg Image size 41059376 inode num 11, bks cnt 10025 blk size 8*512 ##### Cisco Community
The file asr1000-rommon.173-1r.spa.pkg is a critical system bootstrap (ROMMON) firmware package used to upgrade the bootloader on Cisco ASR 1000 Series Routers. Upgrading ROMMON is typically required before migrating your router to modern Cisco IOS XE 17.x software releases. 📋 Key Details at a Glance File Name: asr1000-rommon.173-1r.spa.pkg
Target Platforms: ASR 1001-X, ASR 1001-HX, ASR 1002-X, ASR 1002-HX, and ASR 1000-RP3
Primary Use: Upgrading the ROM monitor firmware to support newer IOS XE versions (like 17.3.x through 17.x).
⚠️ Critical Constraint: Once upgraded to version 17.3(1r) on supported platforms, you cannot revert or downgrade to a ROMMON version earlier than 17.3(1r). ⚙️ How to Upgrade ROMMON
Upgrading the ROM monitor on an ASR 1000 is straightforward but requires a reload to apply. Follow these steps carefully to ensure a smooth transition. Step 1: Copy the File
Move the ROMMON package file from your TFTP/SCP server directly to the router's bootflash:
Router# copy tftp: bootflash: Address or name of remote host []? 192.168.1.5 Source filename []? asr1000-rommon.173-1r.spa.pkg Destination filename [asr1000-rommon.173-1r.spa.pkg]? Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard Step 2: Run the Upgrade Command
Run the system upgrade command pointing to the newly added file on your storage:
Router# upgrade rom-monitor filename bootflash:asr1000-rommon.173-1r.spa.pkg all Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard The file asr1000-rommon
The all keyword at the end ensures that both Route Processors (RP) and standby modules are upgraded on modular chassis. Step 3: Reload the Device
ROMMON upgrades do not take effect until a hard reboot is performed. Schedule a maintenance window and reload the router: Router# reload Proceed with reload? [confirm] Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard Step 4: Verify the Upgrade
After the router successfully reboots, verify that the active ROMMON version is indeed running 17.3(1r): Router# show platform Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard
(Alternatively, you can also use show rom-monitor slot R0 to see specific software levels). ⚡ Best Practices & Warnings
🔌 Do Not Interrupt Power: Never remove hardware, turn off power, or disrupt the router during the ROMMON write process, as it can corrupt the bootloader.
📦 Upgrade Pathing: If you are jumping from very old releases (like IOS XE 3.x), double-check the Cisco ASR 1000 ROMMON Upgrade Guide to see if you need an intermediate IOS XE or ROMMON leap first to avoid signature check failures.
🐛 Bug Awareness: Be aware that certain older module line cards (like MIP100) or specific RP2 hardware versions might have edge-case caveats documented in Cisco's bug tracker when deploying this specific build.
If you would like to proceed with your maintenance, let me know: specific router model are you running? (e.g., ASR 1001-X Go to product viewer dialog for this item. Go to product viewer dialog for this item. What is your current IOS XE and ROMMON version? What target IOS XE version are you planning to move to?
I can provide the precise, validated upgrade path for your exact setup.
The text you've provided appears to be a filename:
asr1000-rommon.173-1r.spa.pkg
This filename seems to be associated with a software package for Cisco's ASR (Aggregation Services Router) 1000 series, specifically for the ROMMON (ROM Monitor) software.
Here's a breakdown:
asr1000: Refers to the ASR 1000 series of routers.rommon: Indicates that this package is related to ROMMON, a bootstrap program that runs when the router is powered on or restarted..173-1r: Suggests the version or release number of the ROMMON software..spa: Could imply a specific type of package or distribution format, possibly indicating it is for a particular hardware platform or distribution method..pkg: Stands for package, indicating it's a software package file.
So, if you're looking to describe or "make text" about this filename, you could say:
"The filename asr1000-rommon.173-1r.spa.pkg refers to a specific software package for updating or installing ROMMON version 173-1r on a Cisco ASR 1000 series router."
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.
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. asr1000 : Refers to the ASR 1000 series of routers
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
asr1000-rommon.173-1r.spa.pkg ROM Monitor (ROMmon) firmware upgrade specifically designed for the Cisco ASR 1000 Series Aggregation Services Routers. Technical Summary
This package updates the low-level boot firmware that initializes hardware components (RPs, ESPs, MIPs, and SIPs) before the IOS XE operating system loads.
17.3(1r) is an older release, typically required as a baseline for running newer versions of Cisco IOS XE (such as the 17.x series). Hardware Compatibility:
It is widely used across the ASR 1000 family, including the ASR 1001-X, ASR 1002-X, and various Route Processors like the RP1 and RP2. Critical "Real-World" Considerations
While this version is a necessary stepping stone for modern software, user experiences and technical logs highlight several important "gotchas": Known Upgrade Bug (CSCwa12192):
Upgrading to 17.3(1r) may cause some modules to enter a "disabled" state after the process. The RP2 Verification Error:
A specific bug (CSCvz87460) affects ASR 1002 routers with RP2 processors (specifically those with a Version Identifier of V07 or higher). Users often see a "FAILURE: MD5 signature does not match!"
error during the burning process, even if the file itself is not corrupted. Stability Mixed Reviews: Some users in the Cisco Community
report the upgrade getting "stuck" or failing on older RP1 modules, suggesting that unless your target IOS XE version strictly requires it, sticking with a stable older version like 16.3(2r) might be safer for older hardware. Boot Order Requirement: It is universally recommended by experts to upgrade the ROMmon first
and verify it with a reload before proceeding to the IOS XE software upgrade to prevent boot-looping. How to Use It
To evaluate or install this package, you typically use the following command structure: CSCwa12192 - ASR1k 17.3(1r) ROMMON ... - Cisco Bug
Cisco Bug: CSCwa12192 - ASR1k 17.3(1r) ROMMON upgrade may cause module to go to "disabled" state. Cisco Bug: CSCwa12192. ASR1k 17. ASR1002-X Upgrade version path - Cisco Community
This is a detailed technical piece on the file asr1000-rommon.173-1r.spa.pkg , aimed at network engineers and Cisco ASR 1000 series administrators.
Mitigation strategies:
- Never upgrade from a USB or network file – copy to bootflash first.
- Do not interrupt the process (may take 2-5 minutes).
- Have an XMODEM recovery plan: Even with corrupted ROMMON, the ASR1000’s bootROM can sometimes load a minimal image over console (very slow, but possible).
Step 6: Verify
After boot, re-run:
show platform rommon
Expected output:
ROMMON version: System Bootstrap, Version 17.3(1r), RELEASE SOFTWARE
10. Relationship to IOS-XE Versions
Here is a compatibility table for common IOS-XE releases:
| IOS-XE Release | Minimum Required ROMMON on RP2 | |----------------|--------------------------------| | 16.3.x | 152-1r | | 16.6.x | 152-3r | | 16.9.x | 163-1r | | 17.3.x | 173-1r | | 17.6.x | 173-2r (recommended) | | 17.9.x | 174-1r |
Thus, if you are upgrading from IOS-XE 16.6 to 17.3, you must stage the ROMMON upgrade to 173-1r before loading the new IOS-XE image.
Q2: Does upgrading ROMMON affect my config or IOS XE version?
A: No. ROMMON is independent. Your startup-config and IOS XE image remain untouched.
Q1: Can I downgrade ROMMON from 173-1r to an older version?
A: Yes, but not recommended. If you must, use the same install add procedure with the older .pkg. Some older ROMMONs disable newer hardware features.