Need clarification on iOS version for WS-C6509-V-E & 720 supervisor

[jamesleinbach1]

Hello all,

We have a WS-C6509-V-E, with a 720 Supervisor (VS-S720-10G), and a DFC3C 16 port 10 Gigabit Ethernet module(WS-X6716-10G-3C).

I need clarification, if we use iOS 12.2(33)SXJ on the Supervisor this will recognize and support the DFC3C module correct? The DFC3C module does not require it's own iOS running on it as well? We are supporting a legacy system and there seem to be some confusion as to whether or not the DFC3C module requires it's own iOS in addition to the 720 Supervisor.

I apologize as I'm not a cisco expert, and have been reading the documentation on this, which has left me with a lot of questions.

[Leo Laohoo]

I need clarification, if we use iOS 12.2(33)SXJ on the Supervisor this will recognize and support the DFC3C module correct?

Cisco has announced the End-of-Sale (EoS) for SXJ since 02 October 2013 and the final version is SXJ10 (25 August 2015).  Since then, numerous bugs and vulnerabilities have been discovered.  

My recommendation is to read the Release Notes for newer versions.  The Release Notes will detail what line cards are supported.  

DFC3C module will be supported by the Sup720.  The 6716 has a DFC3C daughter card and if the Sup720 doesn't have MFC3C then the 6716 will "down rate" itself to the least common denominator but otherwise, it is compatible. 

[jamesleinbach1]

Thank you. This is legacy equipment, and i realize it should be upgraded to newer IOS versions, but for reasons that are out of my control the versions have to remain the same for now.

I am not a cisco expert by any means and we were asked to put iOS 12.2(33)SXJ on the Supervisor, and 12.2(33).SXH1 on the DFC3C module. Further research makes me believe that the DFC3C module does not have it's own iOS. We Simply install the 12.2(33)SXJ on the 720 supervisor and it should be able to work with the DFC3C module.

I apologize, I'm just trying to wrap my head around this stuff as this is not an area I am an expert in.

[Leo Laohoo · Accepted solution]

Further research makes me believe that the DFC3C module does not have it's own iOS. We Simply install the 12.2(33)SXJ on the 720 supervisor and it should be able to work with the DFC3C module.

That's correct.  One single IOS which the route processor (RP) and the switch processor (SP) can read.   

[jamesleinbach1]

Thanks again for all your help, its much appreciated.

[Leo Laohoo]

If the replies have answered the question, please don't forget to mark them as "Answered".  

Thanks. 

[Joseph W. Doherty]

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Posting

Actually a DFC does run it's own IOS, but that's provided by the main image that supports the supervisor.  So, ". . . we were asked to put iOS 12.2(33)SXJ on the Supervisor, and 12.2(33).SXH1 on the DFC3C module." isn't possible (to my knowledge).

Where a DFC might have software not "sync'ed" with the supervisor's, might be at the ROMMON/boot flash images.