IOS clarification

[tstaskiewicz]

I am installing a 2801 with an HWIC-4ESW-POE and IOS version 12.4(3d). I don't appear to have the ability to configure the HWIC ports from SDM and I am questioning whether it must be done using the Command Line or do I have an IOS issue. I am seeing IOS versions with a "T" appended referenced on the Cisco site and I'm wondering if the "T" has some kind of special designation for specific features or functions that might apply to my problem.

I appreciate the help.

[Richard Burts]

Tom

The T is significant. There are several variables to understand when talking about Cisco IOS. The obvious starting point is the release level - which is the 12.4(3d). 12.4 is the latest main line version of code and (3d) indicates an iteration of that code. In addition to the version level there are several trains within the IOS code. The T is the indicator of the technology train and is the version of code supporting new hardware. 12.4(3d) would be mainline code and 12.4(x)T would be a release in the technology train. It seems logical that you might need a T image for this card.

The other variable to consider in the IOS is the feature set. The feature set representa the combination of features supported within that piece of code. There are more basic feature sets such as IP-BASE or IP-PLUS and more advanced feature sets such as IP-ADVSECURITY and IP-ADVSERVICES.

The card you are using should configure from either SDM or the command line. If it will not configure from SDM I doubt that it would configure from the command line either.

HTH

Rick

[tstaskiewicz]

Rick,

I appreciate your response it is helping to clarify what's going on. If the stated minimum IOS is 12.3(8)T, should 12.4.(3d) have the same support capabilities plus enhancements or is that not necessarily the case and I still need to have a T suffix?

If I need 12.4(T) why wasn't it shipped with the router or the HWIC? This seems to be a pretty obscure process.

I look forward to your reply.

[Richard Burts]

Tom

I have looked a bit at documentation on the Cisco site and it is fairly clear that the minimum requirement for software is 12.3(8)T. This link indicates that functionality from 12.3(8)T should be carried into 12.4 mainline:

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/partner/products/ps5854/prod_bulletin0900aecd8017a816.html

and your 12.4(3d) is 12.4 mainline code.

I am not sure whether you will be able to access that link. If you can not then search on the Cisco site for PRODUCT BULLETIN NO. 2598.

So it looks like your 12.4 mainline code should support it. If you are having problems with SDM you might try and see if it works better with command line configuration. If it is a fairly recent purchase you have have Cisco support for it. You might try opening a case with TAC and see what they see.

HTH

Rick

[tstaskiewicz]

Rick,

It looks like I received some bad info when I purchased the products. I was told that I needed to purchase the power injector with the router and HWIC-4ESW-POE. Actually what I needed was the extra power supply for the 2801 that would drive the POE capability and not Power Injectors. Thus the reason that power related commands wouldn't work and the appearance that I was having configuration problems. Once I realized what was happening and was able to confirm, as you indicated, that my IOS version will work, I could focus on the configuration and what I was doing incorrectly. Things also started going better when I went to the Command Line Interface; sometimes the basics are better than the automated processes. You learn a lot more.

Thanks for your help.

Tom

[Richard Burts]

Tom

Thanks for posting indicating that you had found a resolution for the problem. It makes the forum more useful when we can read about a problem and then see what the resolution was. And the issue about power supply vs power injector is quite understandable.

I agree with you that sometimes the basic like command line configuration clarify issues better than the fancy tools like SDM.

I encourage you to continue your participation in the forum.

HTH

Rick

[gpulos]

see the following link for the Feature Navigator. you can use this to find out which version of IOS you need to support your feature/hardware:

http://tools.cisco.com/ITDIT/CFN/jsp/index.jsp

see this link for understanding IOS Release Naming:

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/sw/iosswrel/ps1818/products_tech_note09186a0080101cda.shtml

i must admit, i liked your answer too richard...take 5!

[tstaskiewicz]

The links did not help. There were references to the router, but not to the router with and HWIC.

Thanks for the idea however.

[jackyoung]

In additional to the release note, you can use the configuration tool to verify the IOS & hardware compatibility. Select the router model and required module then select the IOS. If it is not compatible, it will prompt you to change the HW config. or IOS or increase memory, etc.

https://tools.cisco.com/qtc/config/html/configureHomeGuest.html

Hope this helps.