The "demo" version of IOS XRv is a free-to-download (with a Cisco account) virtual machine image designed for testing and learning. While it includes the core features of the IOS XR operating system, it has certain throughput limitations—typically capped at 2 Mbps—making it ideal for routing protocol labs but not for production traffic. Key Technical Specifications (QEMU Copy-On-Write) Default RAM: 4096 MB (Can run on 3072 MB in some environments) 1 vCPU (minimum) Interfaces: Supports GigabitEthernet management and data ports Deployment Scenarios 1. Integration with GNS3 To use this image in , you can use the IOS XRv appliance template. Open GNS3 and go to File > Import appliance Select the cisco-iosxrv.gns3a When prompted for the missing image, select iosxrv-k9-demo-6.1.3.qcow2 Ensure your QEMU binary is set to for optimal performance. 2. Using with Vagrant and Libvirt If you prefer a DevOps-style workflow, you can convert the image into a Vagrant box using the vagrant-libvirt Create a directory for your box: mkdir -p ~/vagrant/boxes/cisco/iosxrv Use a conversion script like create_box.sh to package the image. Add the box to your local environment: vagrant box add cisco/iosxrv ./iosxrv.box Why Version 6.1.3?
Why would someone still look for this specific file today?
If you are using or EVE-NG , ensure you have allocated at least 3GB3 cap G cap B Iosxrv-k9-demo-6.1.3.qcow2
Demo topology inference: R1.demo.local -- R2.demo.local (10.1.1.0/30) R1.demo.local -- R3.demo.local (2001:db8:1::/64)
Cisco IOS XR is the operating system designed for service provider networks, offering modularity, high availability, and massive scalability. The (Virtual Router) version allows this software to run as a Virtual Machine (VM). The "demo" designation indicates it is a trial or lab-use image, which typically includes a throughput cap (often 2 Mbps) but remains fully functional for protocol testing. Key Technical Specifications Version: 6.1.3 Format: .qcow2 (QEMU Copy-On-Write) The "demo" version of IOS XRv is a
Obtain the .gns3a file for Cisco IOS-XRv from the GNS3 Marketplace.
This is a specific file name for a , version 6.1.3 , in qcow2 format (used with KVM/QEMU). Integration with GNS3 To use this image in
The file is more than just a disk image—it is a gateway for thousands of network engineers to explore the power of Cisco IOS XR without the barrier of expensive hardware. Its balance of features (MPLS, BGP, Netconf/YANG) and modest system requirements make it a permanent fixture in many virtual labs, even as newer versions emerge.
Whether you found this file in an older lab repository or are trying to understand the evolution of Cisco virtualization, this post covers everything you need to know about this specific image, its architecture, and how it fits into modern network simulation.
Once the virtual machine is powered on, the first boot process will require you to complete the initial configuration setup.