Silly question... Uncompressed IOS image on devices

[twhittle1]

Hi All,

Bit of a silly question but I wanted to check and I bet there is a quick answer.

I know on GNS3 it's possible to uncompress the IOS image to speed up the router boot up times. I assume this is also the case on physical Cisco kit, but I've never tried it. Is this true? Can I uncompress an IOS image and transfer it to my router to make it boot up super fast or this is this something which is only possible on GNS3?

Many Thanks,

Tom Whittle

[Marvin Rhoads]

That's not an option with IOS .bin files.

Some switches use archives in the form of .tar files which include all of the device manager (web interface) files. Those  are uncompressed and put into the necessary subdirectories as part of the installation or upgrade process.

Hope this helps - please rate helpful replies.

[twhittle1]

Thanks Marvin,

So it sounds like this is just something which is done on GNS3 and not on physical equipment?

It's a shame, it would be useful.

Regards,

Tom