Difference between install Mode and bundled mode

[knaik99]

Difference between install Mode and bundled mode,please explain.

in stacking --Bundled mode requires same IOS at all switch but in installed mode,Active switch push its IOS to member ones right?

[Leo Laohoo]

Bundle Mode means the router, switch, WLC boots the BIN file.  Because the BIN file is the compact form of the firmware, the packages are extracted in the memory of the platform.  This means the boot-up time is longer and utilizes more CPU and memory resources.  It is NOT possible to install any SMU in Bundle Mode.  

Install Mode means all the packages files are fully extracted and the switch goes through the list to boot the different packages in order.  Because the package files are already extracted into the flash, the boot-up time is faster and uses less memory and CPU resources.  Because the package files are fully extracted, the stack master is capable (if the commands are present or enabled) to push the firmware down to any stack member joining the stack with incorrect firmware version.

For obvious reasons, Cisco TAC recommends Install Mode and only use Bundle Mode in "extreme cases" such as booting a platform in ROMMON.

[CJ Bird]

I was actually going to ask of a scenario in which bundle mode is preferred, but it seems you answered two of my questions in one shot.  Curious though, are there any other scenarios other than booting in ROMMON where bundle mode would be preferred?  Thanks!  

[Leo Laohoo]

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@CJ Bird wrote:
Curious though, are there any other scenarios other than booting in ROMMON where bundle mode would be preferred? 

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To put it bluntly, ignorance.  When the difference to Install Mode vs Bundle Mode is not made known or explained well.  

Outside of ignorance, the only other reason why someone would want to choose Bundle Mode is the method of Cisco upgrading the firmware in Install Mode.  If someone was to follow Cisco's archaic and one-sided method, the switch, router or WLC will reboot immediately.  There is no Cisco "recommended" method to boot the appliances at a later time and date*.  But it can be done in Bundle Mode -- As long as the boot variable string is configured correctly, it will work.  

* One-Hit-Wonder

[stefanmtomasevic]

How I can check mode in which my ASR router is?

I want to use install mode but I can not find command to confirm that router is currently in install mode.

#show boot
BOOT variable =
CONFIG_FILE variable does not exist
BOOTLDR variable does not exist
Configuration register is 0x2102

Standby not ready to show bootvar

#show ver
Cisco IOS XE Software, Version 16.09.05
Cisco IOS Software [Fuji], ASR1000 Software (X86_64_LINUX_IOSD-UNIVERSALK9-M), Version 16.9.5, RELEASE SOFTWARE (fc1)
Technical Support: http://www.cisco.com/techsupport
Copyright (c) 1986-2020 by Cisco Systems, Inc.
Compiled Thu 30-Jan-20 18:53 by mcpre

ROM: IOS-XE ROMMON

Cisco-ASR-DV uptime is 4 years, 10 weeks, 21 hours, 29 minutes
Uptime for this control processor is 4 years, 10 weeks, 21 hours, 31 minutes
System returned to ROM by PowerOn
System restarted at 13:24:52 CET Thu Aug 20 2020
System image file is "bootflash:/asr1001x-universalk9.16.09.05.SPA.bin"
Last reload reason: PowerOn

Configuration register is 0x2102

[shambhu.kumar]

"How I can check mode in which my ASR router is?"

In ASR router, when you type "show ver"
it should show
System image file is "bootflash:/packages.conf"  for install mode

 "bootflash:/asr1001x-universalk9.16.09.05.SPA.bin" for bundle mode

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/routers/asr1000/software/configuration/xe-17/asr1000-sw-config-xe-17/package_management-1.html

Regards

[stefanmtomasevic]

As you can see from my previous post, mine is something in between.

System image file is "bootflash:/asr1001x-universalk9.16.09.05.SPA.bin"

So, this is bundle mode?

[shambhu.kumar]

Yes, this is bundle mode.

[marce1000]

   - Yes, 

 M.

[Leo Laohoo]

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@stefanmtomasevic wrote:
System image file is "bootflash:/asr1001x-universalk9.16.09.05.SPA.bin"

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That's Bundle Mode. 

Cisco ISR & ASR 1k Routers: IOS-XE/Firmware Upgrade (Install Mode)

[stefanmtomasevic]

Thank you Leo, I am aware now.

I have read your instructions several dozen times, but its for install mode.
If you dont mind I would like to ask you few specific question.

Section 2:  ROMMON Upgrade

1. Upgrading rommone is not related/depends to the mode of ASR router (install or bundle)
It has its own way and command, right?

#upgrade rom-monitor filename bootflash: asr1000-rommon.173-1r.SPA.pkg all

2. because my router is in Bundel mode for upgrading I will use:

#request platform software package expand file bootflash:asr1001x-universalk9.16.09.05.SPA.bin verbose

and then change boot variable to the new one.

(config) boot system flash bootflash:asr1001x-universalk9.16.09.05.SPA.bin

#write

#reload 

Thank you for your time and patience.

[shambhu.kumar]

boot variable should be pointed to  "packages.conf"

[Leo Laohoo]

1.  Yes. 

2.  Are you going to continue using Bundle Mode or Install Mode?

[stefanmtomasevic]

My device is in Bundle mode right now. So Bundle mode it is.

If I want to use Install mode, I will have to do some conversion to Install mode, and then performe install mode. Is this right?

[Leo Laohoo]

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@stefanmtomasevic wrote:
If I want to use Install mode, I will have to do some conversion to Install mode, and then performe install mode. Is this right?

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Correct.