Cisco 4331 IOS Upgrade 03.16.04 to 16.09.06

[johnlloyd_13]

hi,

i need to upgrade my 4331 ISR from 03.16.04 to 16.09.06.

is there a upgrade path to follow? or do i just FTP and set the boot variable directly to the new 16.09.06?

is it required to upgrade rommon to 16.9(1r)? i checked the current rommon code (minimum - 16.7(3r)) is compatible with the target 16.9.6 code per compatibility matrix below:

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/routers/access/4400/software/configuration/xe-16-12/isr4400swcfg-xe-16-12-book/installing_the_software.html#Cisco_Concept.dita_8829af23-df9e-4314-89d3-ab7e5a4e243a

#sh ver
Cisco IOS XE Software, Version 03.16.04b.S - Extended Support Release
Cisco IOS Software, ISR Software (X86_64_LINUX_IOSD-UNIVERSALK9-M), Version 15.5(3)S4b, RELEASE SOFTWARE (fc1)

#sh platform
Chassis type: ISR4331/K9

Slot Type State Insert time (ago)
--------- ------------------- --------------------- -----------------
0 ISR4331/K9 ok 3w1d
0/0 ISR4331-3x1GE ok 3w1d
0/4 PVDM4-32 ok 3w1d
1 ISR4331/K9 ok 3w1d
R0 ISR4331/K9 ok, active 3w1d
F0 ISR4331/K9 ok, active 3w1d
P0 PWR-4330-AC ok 3w1d
P2 ACS-4330-FANASSY ok 3w1d

Slot CPLD Version Firmware Version
--------- ------------------- ---------------------------------------
0 19040541 16.7(3r)
1 19040541 16.7(3r)
R0 19040541 16.7(3r)
F0 19040541 16.7(3r)

[Leo Laohoo]

ROMMON upgrade is mandatory before upgrading to 16.X.X.

NOTE:  Consider upgrading using "Install Mode".

[johnlloyd_13]

hi leo,

do you have a cisco link for this procedure?

why is there a "minimum" rommon if it's mandatory to upgrade it?

will the new code and "minimum" rommon combo would still work?

i don't see recommended 16.9(1r) rommon release in the download site for 4331.

https://software.cisco.com/download/home/284358776/type/282046486/release/16.12(2r).

the latest are only 16.12(2r) and 16.7(5r). which one do i choose?

[balaji.bandi]

if you looking to upgrade 16.9.X  you need to refer release notes of 16.9.X

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/routers/access/4400/release/xe-16-9/isr4k-rel-notes-xe-16-9.html#con_180601

[johnlloyd_13]

hi,

the link's a bit lengthy but will parse through it. thanks!

[balaji.bandi]

yes i know bit work of reading, but end you understand and caveats if any, since you managing the network, we need know any issues around before upgrade as part of  audit