Start and run a C9200CX-12P-2X2G entirely from SD Card?

[dal]

Hi.

The  C9200CX-12P-2X2G has a slot for SD cards.
Other switch types, like the IE 2000 series can be configured to be run entirely from SD Cards.

Is this possible on a C9200 as well?

Booting the image from SD Card is easy enough by using the boot system command, but it always looks for the config at flash:

The manual says there is a command called boot config that allows for changing where the config file is, but I cannot see that command in my  C9200CX-12P-2X2G

The command used in the IE series (auto sync) is not present either.

Any tips?

Thanks

[Flavio Miranda]

@dal 

Theorically it is possible. 

"Cisco Catalyst 9200CX compact switches support an SD (Secure Digital) Card that extends the onboard flash
storage memory on the switch.
The SD card can be used instead of the internal flash memory of the switch to update or restore configuration
settings. Additionally, the SD card can be used to boot the switch. You can boot a switch from its internal
flash memory or from an SD card; SD card takes precedence over internal flash memory. You can also copy
Cisco Catalyst 9200 Series Switches Hardware Installation Guide
6
Product Overview
USB Type A Port
IOS software and switch configuration settings from a PC or from the switch to the SD card, and then use the
SD card to copy this software and settings to other switches.
You can access an SD card using the switch boot loader or the command prompt."

https://www.niap-ccevs.org/MMO/Product/st_vid11364-agd6.pdf

[dal]

Thanks for answering.

Yes, I have read the same, but I cannot find the commands to actually make it so.

[Flavio Miranda]

Can I see the command "show boot" ?

[dal]

Switch#show boot
---------------------------
Switch 1
---------------------------
Current Boot Variables:
BOOT variable = sdflash:cat9k_lite_iosxe.17.16.01.SPA.bin;

Boot Variables on next reload:
BOOT variable = sdflash:cat9k_lite_iosxe.17.16.01.SPA.bin;
Manual Boot = no
Enable Break = no
Boot Mode = DEVICE
iPXE Timeout = 0
Switch#

[Flavio Miranda]

@dal 

And if you reload, it take the IOS from flash? 

What is you remove the IOS from flash? 

[MHM Cisco World]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JsSxpnR3Lk

check this 

MHM

[dal]

Don't really see how this is relevant, but this is how it looks in ROM.

switch: set
ABNORMAL_RESET_COUNT=0
BAUD=9600
BOOT=sdflash:cat9k_lite_iosxe.17.16.01.SPA.bin;
BSI=0
CSDL_MODE_DISABLE=1
DC_COPY=yes
ENABLE_BREAK=yes
MAC_ADDR=CC:36:CF:BD:F1:80
MODEL_NUM=C9200CX-12P-2X2G
MOTHERBOARD_SERIAL_NUM=FJZ2744101D
RANDOM_NUM=29386754
RET_2_RCALTS=1736979943
ROMMON_BOARDID=0x33B
ReloadReason=Install RET_2_RCALTS=1736951041
SWITCH_NUMBER=1
SYSTEM_SERIAL_NUM=FJC274510AU
TEMPLATE=advanced
USB_DISABLE=0

I don't know, It just seems that the commands that Cisco mentions in their own document just isn't present in the switch

[Leo Laohoo]

I do not believe the 9200CX supports this feature.  

Contact Cisco TAC and raise an Enhancement Request. 

[dal]

If not, why mention it in the documentation?

[Leo Laohoo]

---

@dal wrote:
If not, why mention it in the documentation?

---

Cisco likes to use the phrase "in the roadmap" which is a euphemism for "MAYBE some time in the future".  Maybe.  This feature is "in the roadmap" for several reasons:  

Different business units (BU) write their own rules but do not necessarily "have to" abide by them.  Features can be enabled/disabled at the whim of a big, big customer (aka a "whale").  And something as a "corner case" (another favourite Cisco phrase) like this won't get any traction unless a whale steps in and demands it.  

Think of it as a coin-operated vending machine.  Put a coin in and push a button.  Same thing here.  BU are "coin-operated machines" and without a "coin" nothing will come out. 

Finally, this feature is very "left field".  A very "corner case".  Not a lot of request for this feature to be enabled.  Another reason why this feature is documented but not enabled.