IOS for device 4503-E

[Electronic20]

Hello, checking the IOS for the device 4503-E with supervisor 8E, has these versions:

What does the letters that are next to the versions like: XO, ED, MD mean?

What will be the recommended IOS and what is stable for the 4503-E with supervisor 8E device?

[ammahend]

Early Deployment (ED): These releases provide both new features and new platform support in addition to bug fixes.

Maintenance Deployment (MD): These releases are used to provide additional support for bug fixes and ongoing software maintenance.

"XO" release were a branch IOS release that introduced hardware support for the Sup 8-E. (Original Post : https://community.cisco.com/t5/network-management/ios-xo-vs-e/td-p/2966267)

for most part you want to use is the one with golden star, however I would recommend reading release notes and outstanding bugs to ensure it does not effect anything specific to your environment.

[Electronic20]

Hello, I have a 4503-E device with supervisor 8E what kind of software should I update?

In the image below you can see 4 types of software to update

Is it necessary to update those 4 types of software? 

What are they: Software on Chassis, IOS XE software. IOS XE rommon and Catalyst Data Model Interface Plugin

[ammahend · Accepted solution]

No you don't necessary have to update all 4 however you need to know what versions are compatible because some of the requirements are interdependent for e.g. lets say you were upgrading supervisor to 3.9.xE, then Cisco recommends that you use ROMMON version 15.1(1r) SG5 or later version. if you are already on this version then you fulfill the prerequisite and you can move forward.

read the release notes section " Upgrading the system software" it had prerequisites, if time permits I would also recommend read other sections like compatibility with other infrastructure in your deployment, new features, open caveats etc.

[Electronic20]

Hello, regarding the IOS versions I see that there are 3 types:

 Universal Image
Universal Crypto Image
Universal No MACSEC Image

Which of all should I install or should I install all 3?
What meaning does each image have?
Why does it have the .bin and .tar extension?

[Reza Sharifi · Accepted solution]

Which of all should I install or should I install all 3?

No, you don't need all 3. You just need one of them. If you have security/SSH enabled, you need "Universal Crypto Image". If not simply use "Universal Image"

HTH

[Electronic20]

Thank you, I have another query, does security/SSH refer to being able to configure the device for remote access via SSH?