XMODEM for catalyst 3650

[failingrw]

XMODEM is missing from a catalyst 3650 24TD.  It has IOS 16.3.6 (Denali) on it.  "show file system" does not list XMODEM as an opaque file system as it should.  Is there anyway to get XMODEM installed?

[Leo Laohoo]

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@failingrw wrote:

Is there anyway to get XMODEM installed?

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Pushing an IOS into a 3650/3850 via XModem is old, old school (`tis about time!).  

The new method of doing that is using a method called Emergency Recovery.  This method is way faster.

[failingrw]

I was just using XMODEM to push configuration files, not the IOS.  The real issue is trying to use the console cable to push configuration files that reside on the host system.  There does not seem to be a way to do that.

[Leo Laohoo]

Well, if you're doing XModem, this means you've got physical access to the appliance.
If this is the case then you can still push configuration files way faster by using USB flash drive.

[failingrw]

Unfortunately these systems are in government classified areas where no flash drives are allowed.  I have been trying to get them in, but have been unsuccessful to date.  Thank you for the suggestion.

Along these lines I have tried other USB solutions that are allowed like hard drives and CF cards, but Cisco has made these solutions unreliable.  What works for a catalyst 3560/IOS 12.x, will not work for IOS 15.x.  What will work for a catalyst 3650 will not work for a catalyst 3560. etc.

Which brings us back to XMODEM or similar solution.  The manuals for catalyst 3650 say it is there and works, but I have checked about dozen 3650 and none of them support XMODEM.  These systems are straight from the factor.

[johnmfritsch]

I'm in the same boat.  Due to a variety of reasons, we are no longer able to use USB sticks.  XMODEM seemed like a great way  to go (at least a viable alternative) but we're using 3850's and I don't seem to have the ability to use XMODEM.  

All I want to be able to do is take a config file from my laptop and transfer it through the COM port while connected to the switch console.

Can anyone suggest how to accomplish this, please?

[Georg Pauwen]

Hello,

I think once the IOS is loaded. XMODEM indeed is not available. It might however still be available from the 'Switch:' prompt. To get there, follow the password recovery procedure:

1. Reconnect the power cord to the or the active switch.

2. Within 15 seconds, press the Mode button while the System LED is still flashing green.

3. Continue pressing the Mode button until all the system LEDs turn on and remain solid; then release the Mode button.

You should see something like the below:

Switch:
Xmodem file system is available.

[johnmfritsch]

Hi.  Thanks for the quick response.

I was able to get to the Switch: prompt and was able to initiate an XMODEM transfer of a test file but I'm not exactly sure things are in the proper state....

switch: dir

List of filesystems currently registered:

xmodem[0]: (read-only)
null[1]: (read-write)
bs[3]: (read-only)
flash[18]: (read-only)
tftp[19]: (read-write)

If I want to take a config file and drop it on the switch as either the running or startup config, will I be able to do that?  Flash is read-only...is that what I'd put as my copy/XMODEM destination?

[Georg Pauwen]

Hello,

there used to be a trap door emergency recovery procedure (linked below), try and see if you get that to work:

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/docs/switches/catalyst-3850-series-switches/117552-technote-cat3850-00.html#anc20