Iosxrv-k9-demo-6.1.3.qcow2 (2025)

This image can be converted into a Vagrant box using tools like create_box.sh or manual metadata files. codingpackets.com Metadata Example (for Vagrant/Automation)

This file is a disk image (hard drive) for a virtual router, not an ISO installer.

to spin up quick, single-node virtual instances for development. Key Specifications : 6.1.3 (Demo version).

The console will ask you to set an admin password upon initial setup. Limitations to Consider

: The specific software release version. Version 6.1.3 is highly popular in lab environments because it balances modern service provider features with low RAM overhead. Iosxrv-k9-demo-6.1.3.qcow2

Allows for "two-stage" configuration (configure then commit ) and configuration rollbacks. Resource Requirements

This guide explores what this specific image is, why version 6.1.3 remains popular, and how to integrate it into your lab environments like GNS3 and EVE-NG. What is iosxrv-k9-demo-6.1.3.qcow2?

Cisco's IOS XR is a powerhouse operating system designed for service provider and large enterprise networks. For engineers, architects, and students looking to master this technology without expensive physical hardware, Cisco offers the virtualized version: IOS XRv.

: QEMU Copy On Write version 2. This is the standard virtual disk format used by the QEMU/KVM hypervisor, which underlies most modern network emulation software. Minimum System Resource Requirements This image can be converted into a Vagrant

To run this image smoothly, your virtualization platform must meet certain specifications:

# Check the image's integrity qemu-img check 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.

After the kernel loads, you’ll see the standard IOS XR boot sequence. Once at the ios prompt, enter EXEC mode: Key Specifications : 6

: 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.

Click on the filename, select , and browse your local computer to select Iosxrv-k9-demo-6.1.3.qcow2 .

For a student or a lab builder, 6.1.3 hit a "sweet spot." It was modern enough to support YANG models and automation tools like NETCONF, yet it was lightweight enough to run on modest hardware without melting your CPU. It became the standard image for GNS3 and EVE-NG topologies for years.