C1111-4P IOS Image

[Dave Gilbert]

Hello,

I purchased a C1111-4P, used, and found that it didn't come with an IOS. I wasn't expecting this, and now I'm in search of how to get an IOS. I'm using this router in my home lab, and I don't have a way of downloading the image via the downloads page since I don't have a service contract. I'm told from talking with Cisco via their chat function, that I need to contact my Cisco representative but I don't have one, and they were super unhelpful when I asked how to get in touch with one. How do I move forward with this? 

[Enes Simnica]

hello @Dave Gilbert, The Cisco C1111-4P is a great router for a home lab, but unfortunately, Cisco does not allow public access to IOS images without a valid service contract. When u purchase a Cisco device used or from a third party, the software licensing doesn't automatically transfer, which is why u're unable to download the IOS from Cisco's site.

and since u dont have a service contract or a Cisco account rep, u have some limited options:

 1. Contact the seller

2. Purchase a smartnet contract

3. Use Cisco's devnet sandbox, for labs and stuff....

Cisco is pretty strict about IOS redistribution, so there’s no legal way to obtain the image unless it's via a valid support channel. If u're looking to build your lab further, devices that come with a valid Smart License or where IOS is preloaded can save headaches.

and hope it helps, also if u need links or documentations just let me knoww, and PEACE!

-Enes

[Dave Gilbert]

@Enes Simnica Thanks for your reply. Just to make sure I'm tracking correctly...in order to get a license, I need to purchase a contract. I see the smartnet contracts are 1/3/5 year increments. Will the license stop working after the contract expires?

[Enes Simnica]

@Dave Gilbert yesssirrr! and  Yep, you got it, to legally download Cisco IOS for your C1111-4P, u’ll need an active SmartNet contract or a Software Support Subscription linked to the router’s serial number.

The good news? The license itself doesn’t expire, once u’ve downloaded the IOS image, it’ll keep working even after your contract ends. But once the contract lapses, u lose access to updates, security patches, and Cisco TAC support. No more new downloads unless u renew. 

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and for later, when u are free, if u want something for home lab, the best options are to BUY a used router with IOS preloaded, like resellers and stufff (which it is a lot more work) and i would suggest to go with EVEng, GNS3, CML, IT IS much easier and fun!!!

hope it helps and have a great Day!!!

-Enes

[Dave Gilbert]

@Enes Simnica Thanks for that info as well sir. I messaged the seller, but have yet to hear back. I've read that I cannot link a contract or subscription to a router purchased from a 3rd party, is this true? If so, and the seller doesn't get back to me, or wont assist, am I out of luck? Is there truly no other way to get a license for my router? It's only for personal use, and I'd hate to think that I purchased an unusable device...

[Ramblin Tech]

Something to note is that a software license and a support contract are two separate things. A software license entitles you to run the version of the software that you originally license, while a software support contract entitles you to upgrade that software to later versions. A license can be perpetual (does not expire) or can be term-based (expires after a fixed time period). Cisco has been moving toward term-based license subscriptions for a number of years now, but I do not know whether that has reached the Cisco 1000 product line yet.

You, and everyone who buys used gear on the secondary market, are in a tough situation. Legally, the seller cannot provide a copy of IOS without violating Cisco's rights. You cannot legally run the router without a license, nor access IOS images on cisco.com without a support contract. Your options are: (1) return to router to the seller for a refund and go virtual (2) find a Cisco authorized reseller to purchase a license and support contract, or (3) find a pirate site and steal Cisco's intellectual property.

For #2, the cost of the license and support contract will likely far exceed the hardware purchase, if you can even find an authorized reseller willing to book this sale. For #3, I cannot in good conscience ever recommend violating someone's IP rights, which leaves us with #1. Go virtual with CML or DevNet sandboxes; if you get a refund, all the better, otherwise just junk this router.

[Ramblin Tech]

I will also note that having a copy of Cisco's software, however obtained, even from Cisco, and having a valid license to operate said software are also two separate things. All of Cisco's copyrighted software is operated under a license.

[Leo Laohoo]

1.  Cisco c11XX-series router firmware files can be found HERE.  Note down the web site, the firmware file you want to download. 

2.  Read this:  SNMP Remote Code Execution Vulnerabilities in Cisco IOS and IOS XE Software

3.  Scroll down to the "Customers Without Service Contracts" and read that section very, very carefully: 

Customers who purchase directly from Cisco but do not hold a Cisco service contract and customers who make purchases through third-party vendors but are unsuccessful in obtaining fixed software through their point of sale should obtain upgrades by contacting the Cisco TAC:
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/support/tsd_cisco_worldwide_contacts.html

Customers should have the product serial number available and be prepared to provide the URL of this advisory as evidence of entitlement to a free upgrade.

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4.  Contact Cisco TAC by phone (because their email have been decommissioned in order to cut cost).

5.  Provide Cisco TAC the serial number of the router, the filename, the web address. 

Best Regards/Leo

[Jens Albrecht]

The method mentioned by @Leo Laohoo is of course the preferred and recommended way to get access to the latest firmware.

However, just in case you fail, it is also possible to use a bit of Google-Fu to 'find' images like "c1100-universalk9.17.09.05a.SPA.bin". Just make sure to validate the checksum after download.

HTH!

[Charles-sarfo]

please i need ios for cisco 3560-X 24T-S switch but i do not have a service contract, can you help me out...??