Re: Cat 9K series IOS upgrade

kalen4101 · ‎02-05-2020

Question: I've been watching instructions on how to upgrade the IOS for 9k series Cat switches. Specifically the Catalyst 9300, I will be taking it from Fuji 16.9.1 to Fuji 16.9.4 (MD). Instructions I've seen state to use "switch#request platform software package install switch 1 file flash:cat9k_iosxe.16.09.04.SPA.bin" for example.

But the folks I work with want to do it the old way. Will the old way still work, replacing the old .bin with the new .bin?

marce1000 · ‎02-05-2020

- There is no old way ; the only supported way is studying release notes for the intended version and look for the installation and or upgrade procedures too.

M.

-- Each morning when I wake up and look into the mirror I always say ' Why am I so brilliant ? '
When the mirror will then always repond to me with ' The only thing that exceeds your brilliance is your beauty! '

Mark Malone · ‎02-05-2020

Yes totally agree use the release notes it will give you exact steps , you have to be careful with the newer package release ,you could end up bricking the switch if the docs are not followed correctly , seen it done in our own place

kalen4101 · ‎02-05-2020

Thanks to both of you. Read the patch notes and for the Cat 9500 you have to use the "install" commands. But for the Cat 9300 since I'm going from Fuji 16.9.1 to Fuji 16.9.4 I can use either (install or request platform)

kalen4101 · ‎02-05-2020

Thanks to both of you. Read the patch notes and for the Cat 9500 you have to use the "install" commands. But for the Cat 9300 since I'm going from Fuji 16.9.1 to Fuji 16.9.4 I can use either (install or request platform)

Leo Laohoo · ‎02-05-2020

@kalen4101 wrote:

But the folks I work with want to do it the old way. Will the old way still work, replacing the old .bin with the new .bin?

The old way of copying the BIN file (only) into the switch is wrong.

Time and time again, the Cisco Support Community forum has seen so many switches boot into ROMMON because of this "old method".

It is also recommended to use the Install Mode because the bootup time (faster), memory- and CPU utilization (lower).

Use Bundle Mode at your peril.

kalen4101 · ‎02-06-2020

OK. So looking at the release notes for the Cat 9300 Fuji 16.9.X I see the instructions for upgrading in install mode. But don't see that much difference to bundle mode.

Now I'm also doing a pair of Cat 9500s and the release notes for Fuji 16.9.X only have instructions for bundle mode

Leo Laohoo · ‎02-06-2020

I have upgraded numerous 9500 (stand alone and in VSS) and all of the upgrades are in Install Mode.