IOS Image upgrading for C2960X

[amralrazzaz]

Dear all 

i have 2 cisco switches WS-C2960X-24PS-L  with (C2960X-UNIVERSALK9-M), Version 15.0(2)EX5  ((c2960x-universalk9-mz.150-2.EX5))

so my question is how can i do an upgrade with the newer SW version in easy way? what is exactly the stable and recommended version shall i use for upgrade?  also how to not lose the configurations and everything before doing upgrade  can i save and restore after upgrade or not need and all configuration will keep working even after upgrade!? 

what is the difference that will be applied on switch after upgrade and why its important ?

Note: i have check that the recommended golden start version for this switch is c2960x-universalk9-mz.152-7.E5.bin so shall i go for this directly or is there another version more better ?

Switch Ports Model SW Version SW Image
------ ----- ----- ---------- ----------
* 1 28 WS-C2960X-24PS-L 15.0(2)EX5 C2960X-UNIVERSALK9-M

also can i use the http web base to upgrade the version ?

[Flavio Miranda]

Hi

"so my question is how can i do an upgrade with the newer SW version in easy way? "

Using web interface for sure.

what is exactly the stable and recommended version shall i use for upgrade? 

You can check on the cisdo download page. The image with golden indication.

also how to not lose the configurations and everything before doing upgrade  can i save and restore after upgrade or not need and all configuration will keep working even after upgrade!? 

Before upgrade you should save the config just to make sure as the switch will be rebooted. But, the upgrade itself will not erase anything.

what is the difference that will be applied on switch after upgrade and why its important ?

It depends. Upgrades can be used to correct a Bug, a Vulnerability or improve performance. 

Note: i have check that the recommended golden start version for this switch is c2960x-universalk9-mz.152-7.E5.bin so shall i go for this directly or is there another version more better ?

That´s correct.

also can i use the http web base to upgrade the version ?

Access the switch via CLI and run 

ip http server

Then, use the switch IP address to access the switch using a browser.

On the top of the page, there´s a "Upgrade Software" option. 

[amralrazzaz]

Thanks for your guidance , just another question is that upgraded file version will be replaced on current existing one or it will be placed  with the old version at the switch memory !

and i have no cisco smartnet license for these switches so i can go ahead and upgrade ? or this can cause issue ?

[Flavio Miranda]

CLI mode x Web mode:

CLI mode:

 During the upgrade process a new IOS will be uploaded to the switch and will be placed in the Flash (Flash is just like PC HD).

After the transder finish, you need to change the boot command and point to the new IOS. Reload the switch and wait for it come back.

boot system flash:"IOS Version"

Web Mode:

You need to map the IOS file on your PC and the switch will do everything. At the end the process, the switch will be upgrade.

License will not be a problem.