2901 router IOS upgrade

[AmecSupport]

I have a 2901/K9 router running ROM version 15.0(1r)M16.

With the latest version at 15.6.3M2 looks like I'm way behind.

Can I upgrade to the this latest version or is there a step up procedure (i.e.15.2 -> 15.4 -> to the latest) 

Additionally, are there any gotchas or other updates I should consider

Thank so much.

[Iulian Vaideanu]

ROMMON is one thing, IOS is another - 15.0(1r)M16 is the latest ROMMON version available for 2901:

https://software.cisco.com/download/release.html?mdfid=282774223&flowid=7438&softwareid=280805687&release=15.0(1r)M16&relind=AVAILABLE&rellifecycle=&reltype=latest

[AmecSupport]

Thank you. Should I be concerned about the following below and if so what steps are required to resolve it.

2901#show rom-monitor
ReadOnly ROMMON version:

System Bootstrap, Version 15.0(1r)M16, RELEASE SOFTWARE (fc1)
Technical Support: http://www.cisco.com/techsupport
Copyright (c) 2012 by cisco Systems, Inc.

No upgrade ROMMON programmed or not yet run
Currently running ROMMON from ReadOnly region
ROMMON from ReadOnly region is selected for next boot

[Joseph W. Doherty]

The ROMMOM release notes should indicate what's been changed and dependencies.

[Iulian Vaideanu]

This is nothing to be concerned about - it just shows that there's no ROMMON upgrade "in progress" (that is, the router is not in between a successful "upgrade rom-monitor" command and the reload needed to make it effective).

[chrihussey]

You should be able to upgrade the IOS without any intermediate steps. The only gotchas would be if you have a config that has changed in some way with the later versions, so there might be some need make adjustments. Also, in the off chance you may want to check the hardware with the latest version of code too.

Finally, 15.4.3M7 and 15.5.3M5 are Cisco recommended for quality, stability and longevity. They don't have a recommended version for 15.6. at this time. Latest and greatest isn't always the best.