Iosxrv-k9-demo-6.1.3.qcow2 Fixed -
After creating the user, log in and enter configuration mode to set up basic accessibility. Note that IOS XR utilizes a ; changes do not take effect until you explicitly commit them.
One popular method was to use the vagrant-libvirt plugin along with a conversion script to turn the qcow2 image into a reusable Vagrant box. This allowed engineers to spin up and tear down IOS XRv routers with a simple vagrant up , making lab environments completely reproducible and scriptable.
Fix permissions using the command: /opt/unetlab/wrappers/unl_wrapper -a fixpermissions . 3. Standard QEMU/KVM If running directly via CLI:
The demo image does not reliably support testing complex high-availability infrastructure upgrades or active-active route processor failovers. Iosxrv-k9-demo-6.1.3.qcow2
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.
The file is a virtual disk image that represents a milestone release of the Cisco IOS XRv platform. Tailored for network engineers, architects, and candidates studying for elite certifications like the CCIE Service Provider, this image packages Cisco’s powerful, carrier-grade IOS XR software into a lightweight virtual machine (VM).
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 After creating the user, log in and enter
k9 (Includes strong cryptographic payloads for SSH, HTTPS, and IPsec) Deployment Use Cases
BGP scaling, Route Reflectors, and communities.
This file was originally distributed by Cisco as part of the for educational purposes. It is now considered obsolete (6.1.3 is end-of-life) and is not supported by Cisco TAC. This allowed engineers to spin up and tear
: Data plane traffic is strictly throttled, typically to 2 Mbps .
: This signifies Cisco IOS XR Virtual. It is a representation of Cisco's high-end Service Provider operating system (IOS XR), adapted to run as a virtual machine on standard x86 hardware.
It is a mature release within the 6.x train, known for stable BGP, OSPF, and MPLS implementations.
Last updated: 2025 — Note that IOS XR has evolved significantly (versions 7.x+ are current). Consider seeking newer demo images if possible.