IP / Network Issue

ZTE router: TCAM exhausted (routes / ACL entries)

Q: Where can I find the ZTE official documentation?

https://support.zte.com.cn — search the product family + feature name.

By Sai Kiran Pandrala · reviewed by Sai Kiran Pandrala, Editor Last verified: 2026-05-30

⚡ At a glance

Vendor	ZTE
Operating system	ZXR10 / ZXROS
Category	IP / Network Issue
Skill level	Intermediate to advanced
DIY-able?	Yes with CLI access; some scenarios need ZTE Customer Support + RMA.

What this guide covers

Fix TCAM exhausted (routes / ACL entries) on a ZTE router.

Step-by-step

Check current TCAM usage.
If routes exceed the limit, switch to a routing-prefer SDM template if available.
Simplify or split ACLs across multiple devices.
Refresh to a model with a larger TCAM.

CLI / commands

show interface brief
show interface gei_1/1/1
show device

When the issue persists

Open a ZTE Customer Support case with the tech-support bundle.
Provide the timeline + recent changes.

Frequently asked questions

Will this work on my specific ZXR10 / ZXROS version?

The procedure reflects current ZXR10 / ZXROS behaviour. Older releases may need minor syntax adjustments: use the CLI help (? or tab-completion) to verify.

Should I open a ZTE Customer Support case immediately?

Open one if you suspect hardware failure or the symptom persists after a maintenance-window reload. Make sure your support entitlement is active first.

Where can I find the ZTE official documentation?

https://support.zte.com.cn, search the product family + feature name.

Is this procedure safe in production?

Test in a lab or maintenance window first. Capture pre-change state so you can roll back.

All ZTE fix guides → /zte/
All vendor guides → /vendors/

Related guides worth a look while you sort this one out:

References

ZTE support portal: https://support.zte.com.cn
ZTE knowledge base: https://support.zte.com.cn
ZTE security advisories: https://support.zte.com.cn/support/news/AnnoucementOverviewLatest.aspx
Open a case: https://support.zte.com.cn

Reference material, not professional advice. Validate against your specific ZXR10 / ZXROS version and test in a non-production environment before applying.

What changed recently?

Fault diagnosis on a ZTE device goes faster when you map the symptom to a recent change:

Did firmware update in the last 7 days?
Did the network (router, ISP, VPN) change?
Was the device moved physically?
Did paired devices (phone, hub, app) update?
Were any accessories swapped in or out?

The answer narrows the root cause to a manageable subset.

Safety + preconditions

Before any work on a ZTE device:

Unplug from mains for any internal-access procedure.
Discharge stored energy (capacitors in PSUs, residual battery charge) per manufacturer guidance.
Use ESD-safe handling for boards and modules. no carpet, no wool sleeves.
Avoid moisture; never apply liquids near vents or connectors.
If you smell smoke, see scorch marks, or feel uneven heat, stop and escalate.

How to confirm it's actually fixed

On a ZTE device, the test is rarely "reboot and see". Use this list:

Active reproduction: trigger the original failure path on purpose.
Indirect reproduction: do an activity that would expose the same subsystem.
Status indicator review: every LED / display / app status should be green.
24-hour soak: leave the device under normal load overnight; check the next morning.
Telemetry check: review the device or app's diagnostic log for new error entries.

When to call ZTE support instead

Escalate if:

The same symptom returns within 24 hours of a clean fix.
You see physical damage (burn marks, swollen battery, cracked PCB).
The device is in warranty and a hardware replacement is the cheaper outcome.
Repair requires specialised tools you don't own (alignment jigs, calibration software).
Following the official path keeps the warranty intact, which matters more than the time spent.