IOS question

[christopher_hall]

I have a few different router types and am confused about IOS releases. I'm using 2600 & 1700 series routers and both use a 12.x ios. Are the ios releases hardware dependent? Can anyone offer advice on keeping our ios up-to-date, but not on the bleeding edge?

TIA,

Chris

[sundar.palaniappan]

This white paper on Cisco IOS should provide answers to most of your queries. Check it out..

http://www.cisco.com/warp/customer/620/1.html

HTH,

Sundar

[Edison Ortiz]

Chris:

"Are the ios releases hardware dependent?"

Yes.

"Can anyone offer advice on keeping our ios up-to-date, but not on the bleeding edge?"

I suggest logging onto CCO and then go to:

http://www.cisco.com/kobayashi/sw-center/sw-ios.shtml

select the IOS level and read of the deferral advisory list. If your IOS image is listed and the bug is critical, I recommend upgrading it.

I often use the hardware-software compatability matrix link for upgrades.

[jackyoung]

What I suggest if the IOS is running stable and provide the required feature then it is fine to keep it until there is a new feature you want to use that require an upgrade or bug-fix.

In normal case, upgrade IOS will not provide higher performance.

Hope this helps.

[christopher_hall]

Thanks for all replies!!