Update 3850 from 16.06.07 to 16.12.8

[Andy Emerine]

I'd like to update my ws-c3850-12xs from version 16.06.07 to 16.12.8. Do I need to follow an update path of different versions  or can I simply upgrade to 16.12.8?

[salomidhogela]

No you do not need to follow the upgrade path, you can do direct upgrade to the latest release Gibraltar- 16.12.7

Use the below upgrade link

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/switches/lan/catalyst3850/software/release/16-12/release_notes/ol-16-12-3850.html

tx,

Salom

[Leo Laohoo · Accepted solution]

Direct upgrade to 16.12.8 can be done, however, I strongly recommend upgrading to the latest 16.6.X and avoid 16.9.X and 16.12.X altogether.

Cisco 3850: IOS-XE/Firmware Upgrade

[Andy Emerine]

Thanks for the tip. I will install the latest 16.6.X. I looked at install commands on the switch. The command software install is not recognized. I am able to enter the command software auto-upgrade source url flash:cat3k_caa-universalk9.16.06.09.SPA.bin but doesn't seem to do any thing nor does it return any errors. 

[Leo Laohoo]

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@Andy Emerine wrote:

software auto-upgrade source url flash:cat3k_caa-universalk9.16.06.09.SPA.bin

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The command is wrong.  Please read the link I've provided.  

[Andy Emerine]

Fantastic write up. Thank you. I'm now on version 16.6.9. Now I'll wait and see if my network issues have been resolved. 

The following commands before rebooting the switch stack did not display any output.

more flash-1:packages.conf | begin for NOVA

more flash-2:packages.conf | begin for NOVA

[Leo Laohoo]

more flash-1:packages.conf
more flash-2:packages.conf

Then use the following commands.  For consistency purposes, the developers have changed the behaviour of each release.

[Andy Emerine]

I need to ask why avoid 16.9.X and 16.12.X altogether? It looks like several version sof 16.6.X fixed DHCP related issues, what I'm having trouble with. https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/switches/lan/catalyst3850/software/release/16-6/release_notes/ol-16-6-3850.html#pgfId-1511816

[Leo Laohoo]

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@Andy Emerine wrote:
I need to ask why avoid 16.9.X and 16.12.X altogether?

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16.9.X and 16.12.X introduces a feature called Cisco Smart License.  A number of the background process for CSL are known (present tense) to cause CPU hogs and memory leaks. 

Particularly 16.12.X there are numerous bugs found in 16.12.3 that the developers are unable to fix.  

Also, read this:  FN - 72323 - Cisco IOS XE Software: QuoVadis Root CA 2 Decommission Might Affect Smart Licensing, Smart Call Home, and Other Functionality and do Workaround 2.

[Andy Emerine]

Thank you