Native IOS versus Hybrid OS

[pmkpal]

We have multiple 6509's and 4006 swtiches in our campus. Each 6509s have dual sup2 with MSFC2/PFC2 and 4006s have sup2 with 4232 L3 card.

At present we are running Hybrid OS (CATOS + IOS) configuration on 6509s. I understand that we can also run single IOS image on both SUP2 and MSFC2/PFC2.

I would like to know the pros and cons if we switch over to single IOS wrt the existing Hybrid OS and whether the effort involved is really justified.

Thanks in advance.

[Prashanth Krishnappa]

In the long run, Native IOS should be the way to go. However, we do not support some features yet in native IOS(such as AVVID products, LANE modules). So make sure you read the release notes fully before you make the call

http://cio.cisco.com/univercd/cc/td/doc/product/lan/cat6000/relnotes/index.htm

Also some previous posts should help

http://forum.cisco.com/eforum/servlet/NetProf?page=netprof&CommCmd=MB%3Fcmd%3Ddisplay_location%26mode%3Dnew%26location%3D.ee867a4

[edillon]

From my understanding, there is also a faster fail-over built into the Native IOS versions

I just installed two new 6513's, and will be getting some more 65xx's soon, but will stay with the CatOS+IOS, it gives me easier security breakdown, since the switching and the routing are on entirely different OS's. Plus, I like the CATOS better for switch config personally.

Our SE told me that the forward drive on products was to go to the native IOS mode, similar to what you have in the 4500 S3 and S4's, something to keep in mind.

[Prashanth Krishnappa]

Stateful failover is not supported in Native IOS(yet). We now have RPR+ which is much faster compared to ESHA. RPR+ takes anywhere between 30-60 seconds depending on number of line cards and configuration

http://www.cisco.com/univercd/cc/td/doc/product/lan/cat6000/12_1e/swconfig/redund.htm#54084