ISO Path -Cisco catalyst switches

[chiragom2341]

Hi, 

I am finding a hard time finding ISO version compatibility. Can I go from current running ISO version:

15.0(2)SE6, 15.0(2a)EX5, 15.0(2)SE8, 15.0(2)SE8

TO

15.2.4E8 MD?

Switch models: 2960-C and 2960-X (24 & 48 ports).

Thank you. 

[Captain HoOmi]

Hi,

According to the release notes, you can upgrade to this version and there is no requirements

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/switches/lan/catalyst2960x/software/15-2_4_e/releasenotes/rn-1524e-2960x-xr.html#93626

Download it from :

https://software.cisco.com/download/home/284758121

Upgrade process:

1. copy bin file to the flash. Copy tftp: flash:

2. Then use show flash to make sure file exists, you can also use verify /md5 to confirm the hash value.

3. Next step:

conf t

boot system Flash:IOSname.bin

WR

RELOAD

[luis_cordova]

Hi @chiragom2341 

As a second opinion:
You could upgrade to version 15.2.2E first.

EoL for 15.0.2SE

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/collateral/switches/catalyst-3750-series-switches/eos-eol-notice-c51-736302.html

EoL for 15.0.2EX

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/collateral/switches/catalyst-2960-x-series-switches/eos-eol-notice-c51-736509.html

https://software.cisco.com/download/home/284795740/type/280805680/release/15.2.2E10

Then, you could upgrade to the final version (15.2.4E8 MD).

Regards

[chiragom2341]

Hi Luis_cordova,

Thanks for the reply. 

Can't we update directly to 15.2.4E8 MD (as Captain HoOmi mentioned in the previous comment)?

The term they have used "Customers are encouraged to migrate to the 15.2(2)E release train" is a bit confusing. It's not telling specifically whether or not we can go "directly" from 15.0(2)SE6, 15.0(2a)EX5, 15.0(2)SE8, 15.0(2)SE8 TO 15.2.4E8 MD. 

Regards

[luis_cordova]

Hi @chiragom2341 

I understand your doubt.
Apparently, those EoLs were published before the release of IOS 15.2.4E.
Surely you can go directly to the newest version, but, on occasion I have seen that taking a long step between IOS has brought some problems.
Therefore, my recommendation to take an intermediate step.

Regards

[chiragom2341]

Hi,

Thanks for the clarification.

In the event of things break what's the best method to revert back? I prefer to use “archive download-sw /no-set-boot /leave-old-sw scp://” so that switch keeps the old version.

Since the switch would keep the old version and if something goes wrong I could use "boot system: <old IOS>" cmd to instruct the switch to boot with old IOS version instead of a new IOS version. Would this work?

Regards

[Captain HoOmi]

I'd say backup config on one switch, then do a direct upgrade 15.2.4E8 MD. I don't think that will cause an issue. If successful, then upgrade remaining switches.

[chiragom2341]

Thanks for your response, appreciated.

[Captain HoOmi]

No worries, I appreciate if you can please rate my post if you find it helpful.