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Cisco IOS XR7

Cisco IOS XR7

Overview

What is Cisco IOS XR7?

Cisco IOS XR7 is a network operating system which the vendor states delivers greater modularity, a simplified networking stack, and cloud-enhanced automation for improved network programmability.

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Learn from top reviewers

Cisco IOS XR7 - All in one package

Rating: 9 out of 10
November 22, 2023
IncentivizedVetted ReviewVerified User
We use Cisco IOS XR7 in Datacenters in our organization. It has helped us in connecting users and servers with various networks by switching, routing packets. It was replaced ...
Continue reading
Verified user
Engineer
Cisco IOS XR712 years of experience

Next gen cloud-enhanced network operating system

Rating: 8 out of 10
July 31, 2021
IncentivizedVetted ReviewVerified User
In very simple terms, we use the network operating system, Cisco IOS XR7, at the organization level to simplify our network. With its modular, flexible design it uses less mem...
Continue reading
Verified user
Consultant
Cisco IOS XR75 years of experience
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Awards

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Product Details

What is Cisco IOS XR7?

Cisco IOS XR7 is a network operating system designed to reduce operational complexity, which aims to deliver greater modularity, a simplified networking stack, and cloud-enhanced automation for improved network programmability.

IOS XR Network OS supported platforms
NCS 540 & 560 Series Routers
NCS 5500 & 5700 Series Routers
Cisco 8000 Series Routers
ASR 9000 Series Routers

Target Deployments:
Carrier-grade cloud, edge and routing platforms

Cisco IOS XR7 Features

  • Supported: Provision, automate, and integrate with a wide variety of workflows.
  • Supported: Model-driven APIs at every layer of the stack. Support for transport technologies.
  • Supported: Workflows with Secure boot, Runtime Integrity Measurements, signed RPMs, and trust visualisation and reporting
  • Supported: Support for Linux workflows
  • Supported: Zero-Touch Provisioning (ZTP)

Cisco IOS XR7 Video

Cisco IOS XR7 Competitors

Cisco IOS XR7 Technical Details

Deployment TypesOn-premise
Operating SystemsLinux
Mobile ApplicationNo

Cisco IOS XR7 Downloadables

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Comparisons

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Reviews From Top Reviewers

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(1-2 of 2)

Cisco IOS XR7 - All in one package

Rating: 9 out of 10
Incentivized
November 22, 2023
Verified User
Engineer in Information Technology
Telecommunications Company, 10,001+ employees
Vetted Review
Verified User
Cisco IOS XR7
12 years of experience
Use Cases and Deployment Scope
We use Cisco IOS XR7 in Datacenters in our organization. It has helped us in connecting users and servers with various networks by switching, routing packets. It was replaced by legacy IOS 6500 switches. Currently, my team has liked its user interface compared to older CLI methods which proves ease of use for beginners.
Pros
  • Switching and Routing
  • High capacity load
  • Automation and scripting
Cons
  • Graphic User Interface could be improved
  • Network Orchestration
  • Zero touch config could have more features
Likelihood to Recommend
Before we moved to Cisco IOS XR7, we did not have the opportunity to automate the network configuration. Recently with new rollouts we have used the network orchestration modules within the new IOS to enhance zero-touch config, even though there can be additional features. We have saved a lot of repetitive work with this product.
Return on Investment
  • Saves man hours with Network Orchestration
  • Scalable and cloud managed
  • Supports many platforms
Network Operations
Compared to other vendors, Cisco IOS XR7 supports many platforms and has a quicker turnaround to spin up new instances on the cloud. Telemetry collector is excellent using gNMI and has provided visibility to every event for operations to quickly react to any events. The CPU has never exceeded 50% with leave use and hence has proven efficiency.
Risk Mitigation
The config management of IOS XR 7 has been very handy when there are incidents. It has allowed to roll back changes in network that have caused critical outages. This has helped with MTTR to be low and higher availability. It is secure and authenticates keys during boot time and supports TACACS for further user authentication.
Alternatives Considered
  • Junos Network Operating System (Junos OS)
Currently, we only use Cisco IOS XR7 in our network even though we have tried other similar OS from other vendors during POC in lab tests. The Junos SW is similar, but it lacks compatibility with different platforms in our network which did not allow us to implement it in our environment.
Other Software Used
NETSCOUT ISNG Platform, Cisco 3504 WLAN Controller, Nokia 7750 Service Router (SR)

Next gen cloud-enhanced network operating system

Rating: 8 out of 10
Incentivized
July 31, 2021
Verified User
Consultant in Research & Development
Information Technology & Services Company, 5001-10,000 employees
Vetted Review
Verified User
Cisco IOS XR7
5 years of experience
Use Cases and Deployment Scope
In very simple terms, we use the network operating system, Cisco IOS XR7, at the organization level to simplify our network. With its modular, flexible design it uses less memory. We also like the fact that it boots up faster than its predecessor network operating system. Cisco IOS XR7 also reduces operation work across employees of the organization as it will be the single network operating system to be used.
Pros
  • Flixible.
  • Faster times to boot.
  • Utilizes less memory.
Cons
  • Web interface can certainly be improved.
  • It is stuck with a command-line interface. I understand that old users were CLI addicts but a whole new world emerged and it's not fair to force them to learn CLI.
  • Pricing-wise it is always too high. Can look into reducing that exorbitant pricing for routers.
Likelihood to Recommend
Network operating system Cisco IOS XR7 is well suited for high-volume networks. It works well for those who are yester-generation and are stuck with the CLI command interface. Cisco IOS XR7 is definitely not suited for small businesses due to its high pricing. Additionally, purchasing security on top of this is a complete no-no for small to medium businesses.
Return on Investment
  • Made operational simple for already Linux-style working workforce in the organization hence reducing operational costs.
  • Picking and choosing only those software packages needed for us certainly brought down our purchasing costs.
  • On the negative side, the initial cost of purchase is very high. Small to medium companies will surely think many times.
Network Operations
Cisco IOS XR7's cloud-enhanced automation has certainly improved network programmability for us. It also fast tracks the qualification of new OS releases. Cisco IOS XR7 also has capabilities for cloud-delivered analytics which certainly enhances overall operation efficiency. It also provides encrypted system integrity information to track the network hardware and software components of the router's internal hardware. With its support of real-time telemetry of the installation process, it helps us in quickly understanding the current situation.
Risk Mitigation
With its real-time telemetry recording of all software and hardware changes while in the installation process, Cisco IOS XR7 helps to clearly keep track of real-time situations. With Cisco IOS XR7 trust posture of the network hardware and software, components are made more secure using its signed and encrypted system integrity information to track its internal hardware and software components.
Alternatives Considered
Cisco's routers running Cisco IOS XR7 are rock solid, have years of proven performance, and the maintainers base for its CLI-based interface for set up and maintenance. Even though it is pretty high on initial purchase costs, this year of rock-solid performance is what a few of our customers very much needed and this is the very reason a few of our customers, and we did suggest Cisco IOS XR7 running routers for them.
Other Software Used
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