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Update used Cisco gear

supremeprimate
Level 1
Level 1

Greetings All,

My son is studying for networking so I bought a bunch of used Cisco gear from ebay to help him build a lab.  Most of what I have is older so I want to update them with the latest ios and firmware versions.  I thought that this would be a simple download but it seems there is a licensing gate preventing me from getting the images.  Could someone please tell me what the proper method is to gain access to these downloads?

Thanks!

2 Replies 2

Hello @supremeprimate ,

in order to download software from Cisco you must have an entitlement contract.

An alternative to having a physical lab, there is the Cisco Modeling Lab https://learningnetworkstore.cisco.com/cisco-modeling-labs-personal/cisco-modeling-labs-personal/CML-PERSONAL.html

The personal version offers you up to 20 equipment simultaneously and the annual subscription is reasonably priced. All you need is a computer with enough RAM - 128 GB should be ok.

HTH

Regards, LG
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Joseph W. Doherty
Hall of Fame
Hall of Fame

As @liviu.gheorghe already described, to obtain updated software from Cisco you need a support contract, which you may find surprisingly pricey, assuming you could obtain one for each device.  Also, generally, unless you're the original purchaser from Cisco, or an authorized reseller, Cisco will not sell you a support contract.  Further, if the equipment is old enough, it may no longer be supported (what's known as EoL/EoS [end of life, end of support]), which means updated software cannot be obtained, at all.

BTW, without a license for the Cisco software, legally, used Cisco devices are only good for door stops, boat anchors, book ends, etc., unless you provide your own OS to run the platform.  I.e. you own the hardware, but not the software.

@liviu.gheorghe also suggested Cisco's CML.  Cisco did (does?) offer an on-line version, that can be used free of charge.  I believe it won't allow labs to be saved.

Cisco also provides Packet Tracer, for free, if you signup (also for free) at https://www.netacad.com/.  PT, is many ways, is superior to CML, for those new to networking for initial learning.

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