I need to replace the bootflash for ISR4431/K9 with MEM-FLSH-16G

[proziumwtf]

I am encountering an issue while attempting to replace the bootflash on an ISR 4431/K9 with MEM-FLSH-16G. Specifically, I have observed two distinct types of MEM-FLSH-16G, differentiated by their serial numbers:

1. Units with serial numbers starting with "STP"
2. Units with serial numbers starting with "VIR"

The problem arises with the "STP" units, as they are not recognized by the router. When installed, I receive the following error message:

"Media drive bootflash: not readable"

Consequently, the bootflash becomes unusable. In contrast, units with serial numbers starting with "VIR" function as expected and are fully recognized by the device.

Additionally, I have encountered similar issues when trying to use the "STP" units on an ISR 4331/K9. This is despite the fact that the MEM-FLSH-16G SKU explicitly lists compatibility with the following models:

• Cisco ISR 4430
• Cisco ISR 4350
• Cisco ISR 4330 (Spare)

Could you provide clarification on why the "STP" units fail to work on these devices, and whether there are additional compatibility considerations or firmware requirements that need to be addressed? Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.

[marce1000]

 - I can't see an immediate correlation , but have a look at https://bst.cloudapps.cisco.com/bugsearch/bug/CSCwe05928

 M.

[Flavio Miranda]

@proziumwtf 

 Interesting fnding but is there any other difference between them. I assume Serial number is somehow a random number and could be anything. Is there any difference on the part number?

[proziumwtf · Accepted solution]

I attempted to boot the ISR4400 using the firmware isr4400-universalk9.16.09.08.SPA.bin through a USB drive. The process proceeded as expected, and after formatting the eUSB, the correct size was displayed.

Additionally, I recently discovered that the ISR4431 has an extra slot for a compact flash card located behind the bezel. Interestingly, this feature is neither documented nor mentioned in the ISR4431 datasheet. This slot allows for an upgrade to a 32GB compact flash card, utilizing the SKU MEM-FLASH-32G, which is typically associated with the ISR4451 series.

Referencing the Cisco documentation available at https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/routers/access/4400/hardware/installation/guide4400-4300/C4400_isr/Overview.html#15245, specifically under Figure 1-16: Platform Summary of the Cisco 4431 ISR, the compact flash (CF) slot is clearly visible on the right, positioned next to the DIMM slots.

However, it is neither described nor mentioned further in the documentation for the ISR4431/K9. This omission raises the question as to why such a feature is not addressed, particularly since it provides valuable expandability, as evidenced by the ability to upgrade to a 32GB CF card (SKU MEM-FLASH-32G). Anyone knows why? Thank you in advance!