If you are setting up a specific protocol lab, let me know you plan to configure, or which virtualization software you use, so I can provide the exact configuration templates or performance tuning steps. Share public link
The iosxrvk9demo613qcow2 is a (QEMU Copy On Write) virtual machine image representing a 64-bit Cisco IOS XR version 6.1.3 router. Platform: IOS XRv (Virtual) Version: 6.1.3 (a mature, stable release) Format: QCOW2 (Native to QEMU/KVM-based emulators)
The Cisco IOS XRv 9000 is the virtualized counterpart of Cisco’s flagship service provider operating system, IOS XR. Unlike the older, more lightweight IOS XRv, the is based on the same 64-bit IOS XR software found on high-end hardware like the ASR 9000 and NCS series. iosxrvk9demo613qcow2
: While CML usually comes with its own images, you can manually import QCOW2 files to test specific versions. Resource Requirements
For official guides and latest updates, you can refer to the Cisco IOS XRv documentation configuration steps for a specific platform like EVE-NG or GNS3? Cisco IOS XRv - GNS3 5 Apr 2026 — If you are setting up a specific protocol
| Filename | Platform | Version | Format | Notes | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | iosxrv-k9-demo-6.0.0.ova | IOS XRv | 6.0.0 | OVA | Virtual Appliance for VMware, includes OVF descriptor | | iosxrv-k9-demo-6.1.3.qcow2 | IOS XRv | 6.1.3 | QCOW2 | Direct KVM image, similar to this file but for standard XRv | | xrv9k-fullk9-x-7.4.2.qcow2 | IOS XRv 9000 | 7.4.2 | QCOW2 | Full production image (no demo limitations) | | iosxrvk9demo613qcow2 | IOS XRv 9000 | 6.1.3 | QCOW2 | Demo version of XRv 9000, the focus of this article |
You should change these credentials immediately after first boot. The existence of hard-coded users means anyone with access to the demo image’s documentation could potentially access your lab router if you expose management interfaces to untrusted networks. Unlike the older, more lightweight IOS XRv, the
| Component | Meaning | |-----------|---------| | | Cisco IOS XR operating system | | v | Virtual (the virtual edition of IOS XR) | | k9 | Encryption capable (includes 3DES, AES, SSH, etc.) | | demo | Demonstration/evaluation license (e.g., 60‑day time limit or feature restrictions) | | 613 | Build number or version identifier (e.g., 6.1.3 or a patch level) | | qcow2 | QEMU copy‑on‑write disk format version 2 |
While highly valuable for study and proof-of-concept testing, the iosxrv-k9-demo-6.1.3.qcow2 image is deliberately constrained:
Despite newer versions existing, the 6.1.3 image remains a staple in labs for several reasons:
, which allows for better performance and separation of control and admin planes. Common Use Cases Network Prototyping