Can't find software for my switch

[noahwright571]

Greetings! I have bought a used Cisco Catalyst 2960G 24Port TC-L, but I don't know if I can use the 2900 series main software. New to networking equipment as a whole. Just don't want to brick my switch I bought, I doubt I will, just wanna be 100% sure before I do so. Hopefully someone can point me in the right area. Thanks.

[Kasun Bandara]

@noahwright571 hi, this model marked EOL around 2017 as i can remember. so from those days, cisco didnt released any new OS for this model. do not use 2960 series OS as there was many models under 2960 series such as S,X,+, etc models. 

[zayanhani]

hey

totally get where you’re coming from i was nervous flashing my first switch too. the 2960G should use IOS versions specific to the 2960 series (not the broader 2900 router series), so make sure you grab firmware labeled for 2960G or just 2960.

also, check what version is already on it (show version in CLI) before updating sometimes these used ones are already running a decent IOS. and yeah you won’t brick it as long as you do not interrupt the flash or load something wildly incompatible.

Cisco’s official site has downloads but needs a support login you might find archived versions elsewhere too.

[Leo Laohoo]

2960/2960G firmware are still available for download for the following trains: 

• 12.2(55)SE
• 15.0(2)SE

[Jens Albrecht · Accepted solution]

Hello @noahwright571,

the short answer is yes, you can use the 2960 series main software.
The 2960 and 2960G switches use the same software and the number of ports also does not matter in this case.

When you look at the Software Download portal you can find the Catalyst 2960 Series Switches.

Only 2 models are listed (2960-48PST-L and 2960-48TC-L) as Cisco already removed all other models as the series is EOL as already mentioned. You can click either one and then select the IOS-version you want to use, either 15.0.2-SE11 or 12.2.55-SE12.

The software is offered in 2 flavors, either just the firmware as a BIN-file or the package with the WebGUI as a TAR-file.

You mention that you are new to networking, so make sure to read the chapter Working with the Cisco IOS File System, Configuration Files, and Software Images of the config guides.

If you need some help regarding the upgrade procedure, just let us know.

HTH!

[noahwright571]

Thanks everyone for the help! Really helped me out.

[Jens Albrecht]

We are here to help. You're welcome!