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Cisco CSR 1000v on Amazon Web Services Deployment Guide
Comprehensive guide for deploying and configuring the Cisco CSR 1000v virtual router on Amazon Web Services (AWS), including AMI selection, instance launching, and security configuration.
Table of contents
Overview of Cisco CSR 1000v on AWS
The Cisco CSR 1000v is a virtual router designed for deployment on Amazon Web Services (AWS). This guide provides the necessary steps to launch and configure the router within the AWS environment. Users can choose between deploying on an Amazon EC2 instance or an Amazon VPC instance, depending on their specific network requirements.
Prerequisites for Deployment
Before initiating the deployment, ensure you have an active Amazon Web Services account. Access to the Cisco CSR 1000v console requires an SSH client, such as Putty for Windows or Terminal for Macintosh. If you intend to use the 1-Click Launch method, you must have a Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) already created. Additionally, determine the appropriate instance type for your performance needs, as this affects memory and network interface capacity.
Launching the AMI
Deployment begins in the AWS Marketplace. You must select the appropriate Cisco CSR 1000v AMI, such as the AX Package, Security Package, or the BYOL (Bring Your Own License) version. The launch process can be performed via the 1-Click Launch for VPC instances or the Manual Launch for EC2 instances. During the manual launch, you can configure instance details, network interfaces, and bootstrap properties to customize the router's initial state.
Security and Access
Security is a critical component of the deployment. The Cisco CSR 1000v requires SSH access, and the associated Security Group must allow TCP/22 traffic. When creating key pairs for authentication, ensure the private key file permissions are set to 400 on UNIX systems. For enhanced security, you can create an AMI with encrypted Elastic Block Storage (EBS) by taking a snapshot of an existing instance and copying it with encryption enabled.
Configuration and Licensing
Once the instance is running, you must associate a public IP address with the network interface to enable remote management. Initial configuration is performed via the console. For BYOL versions, the router boots with limited features; you must obtain a Product Activation Key (PAK) from the Cisco Software Licensing portal and install the license to unlock full functionality and throughput.
Manufacturer information
Cisco Systems, Inc.
Practical help
Common problems
System displays memory buffer error on lower instance sizes
This is due to the unavailability of 64k memory buffers; consider using a larger instance type.
Cannot downgrade CSR 1000v 16.9.X on c5 instance to 16.6.x
You must deploy a different instance type, such as c4.xlarge, to perform the downgrade.
Cannot access management console via SSH
Ensure the Security Group allows TCP/22 and that a public IP address is associated with the instance interface.
Before use
- Active Amazon Web Services account
- SSH client installed (e.g., Putty or Terminal)
- Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) created (for 1-Click Launch)
- Selected appropriate instance type based on memory needs
- Key pair generated for authentication
- Public IP address ready for association
Specs in practice
- resource-template
- Configures the service plane performance (default, medium, heavy).
Model compatibility
- Virtual hard drive size (8 GB) cannot be changed.
- 1-Click Launch may not be available for all release versions.
- Jumbo frames in a VPC have specific limitations.
Manual page author
David Miller
Documentation analyst
Organizes user manual content into clear summaries, with attention to model details, product context, and everyday usability.