Can IOS image file be stored in dram due to limited size of flash ?

[prasey]

Hi,

I would like to know if the new ios image file be stored in dram instead of flash.

Because my flash is only 64mb, whereas the requirement for new image is as follows:

Existing image:

IP SERVICES SSH LAN ONLY  

s72033-ipservicesk9-mz.122-18.SXF17a.bin

Size: 42036.01 KB (43044868 bytes)

Minimum Memory: DRAM:512MB   Flash:64MB

New image to be upgraded is as follows:

s72033-ipservicesk9-mz.122-33.SXI5.bin

Size: 69428.29 KB (71094564 bytes)

Minimum Memory: DRAM:512MB   Flash:512MB

As the minimum requirement for new image is 512MB whereas my flash is only 64MB.

So can I install the image in the dram ?

show ver
Cisco Internetwork Operating System Software
IOS (tm) s72033_rp Software (s72033_rp-IPSERVICESK9-M), Version 12.2(18)SXF17a, RELEASE SOFTWARE (fc1)
Technical Support: http://www.cisco.com/techsupport
Copyright (c) 1986-2010 by cisco Systems, Inc.
Compiled Tue 02-Mar-10 02:55 by tinhuang
Image text-base: 0x40101040, data-base: 0x42DDF450

ROM: System Bootstrap, Version 12.2(17r)S4, RELEASE SOFTWARE (fc1)
BOOTLDR: s72033_rp Software (s72033_rp-IPSERVICESK9-M), Version 12.2(18)SXF17a, RELEASE SOFTWARE (fc1)

LON-CS1 uptime is 11 weeks, 3 days, 19 hours, 57 minutes
Time since LON-CS1 switched to active is 11 weeks, 3 days, 19 hours, 57 minutes
System returned to ROM by  power cycle (SP by power on)
System restarted at 17:53:24 SGP Sat May 21 2011
System image file is "sup-bootflash:s72033-ipservicesk9-mz.122-18.SXF17a.bin"

This product contains cryptographic features and is subject to United
States and local country laws governing import, export, transfer and
use. Delivery of Cisco cryptographic products does not imply
third-party authority to import, export, distribute or use encryption.
Importers, exporters, distributors and users are responsible for
compliance with U.S. and local country laws. By using this product you
agree to comply with applicable laws and regulations. If you are unable
to comply with U.S. and local laws, return this product immediately.

A summary of U.S. laws governing Cisco cryptographic products may be found at:
http://www.cisco.com/wwl/export/crypto/tool/stqrg.html

If you require further assistance please contact us by sending email to
export@cisco.com.

cisco WS-C6513 (R7000) processor (revision 1.1) with 458720K/65536K bytes of memory.
Processor board ID SAL1103EN8J
SR71000 CPU at 600Mhz, Implementation 0x504, Rev 1.2, 512KB L2 Cache
Last reset from s/w reset
SuperLAT software (copyright 1990 by Meridian Technology Corp).
X.25 software, Version 3.0.0.
Bridging software.
TN3270 Emulation software.
5 Virtual Ethernet/IEEE 802.3 interfaces
484 Gigabit Ethernet/IEEE 802.3 interfaces
4 Ten Gigabit Ethernet/IEEE 802.3 interfaces
1917K bytes of non-volatile configuration memory.
8192K bytes of packet buffer memory.

65536K bytes of Flash internal SIMM (Sector size 512K).
Configuration register is 0x2102

show bootvar
BOOT variable = sup-bootflash:s72033-ipservicesk9-mz.122-18.SXF17a.bin,1;
CONFIG_FILE variable =
BOOTLDR variable =
Configuration register is 0x2102

Standby is up
Standby has 458720K/65536K bytes of memory.

Standby BOOT variable = sup-bootflash:s72033-ipservicesk9-mz.122-18.SXF17a.bin,1;
Standby CONFIG_FILE variable =
Standby BOOTLDR variable =
Standby Configuration register is 0x2102

show bootflash
-#- ED ----type---- --crc--- -seek-- nlen -length- ---------date/time--------- name
1   .. image        71D6355C 298D084   40 43044868 Aug 26 2010 17:38:07 +08:00 s72033-ipservicesk9-mz.122-18.SXF17a.bin

22491004 bytes available (43044996 bytes used)

How should I upgrade the IOS, We had to do the ios upgrade remotely.

Thanks to advise.

[dumesh]

Hi,

You can directly decompress the IOS image onto the DRAM using xmodem/ymodem or tftpdnld.

However, this can be done only from rommon mode.

The disadvantage of doing this is that, if at all the switch reboots in the future, it will not come up on its own as there is no IOS image locally present on the flash or on the bootflash from which it can boot from.

Links for tftpdnld and xmodem:

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/hw/routers/ps259/products_tech_note09186a008015bf9e.shtml

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/hw/routers/ps259/products_tech_note09186a008015bfac.shtml

Regards,

Dheeraj

[prasey]

Thanks Umesh

[prasey]

Hi Dheeraj ,

Is there any document to validate this statement, if yes, then I shall forego this mode of upgrade and rather wait for CF to be purchased

---------------------------

The disadvantage of doing this is that, if at all the switch reboots in the future, it will not come up on its own as there is no IOS image locally present on the flash or on the bootflash from which it can boot from.

----------------------------

[Jon Marshall]

The more common solution is to buy a compact flash card that you can use in one of the available slots in your chassis. Then copy the IOS to the compact flash card and set the boot variable to point to it.

We did this on a number of our 6500 switches because we did not have enough internal memory on the supervisor.

Jon

[prasey]

Thanks Jon

[Leo Laohoo]

I agree with Jon.  Get a compatible CF (maximum 2Gb but others say 4Gb or 8Gb is possible but I haven't tried it).

[prasey]

Thanks Guyz. Yes CF is the best option. But due to time constraints had to try directly decompress the IOS image in to DRAM as Dheeraj suggested ;-) Will update after the upgrade