Cisco IOS XE is a modular operating system designed for Cisco routers and switches, providing advanced networking features, programmability, and improved security. Keeping your IOS XE up to date helps maintain network stability and security by addressing vulnerabilities and adding new features.
Upgrade Prerequisites
Before upgrading, follow these preparations:
1. Connect via console cable to avoid SSH session drops during the upgrade.
2. Back up configurations and system images:
Save the current config:
copy running-config startup-config
Back up to a remote server:
copy startup-config tftp:
3. Check available storage:
Images often exceed 1GB. Check:
dir bootflash:
Free up space:
install remove inactive
4. Download and verify the image:
Download the required IOS XE .bin file from Cisco.com.
Verify the file integrity:
verify /md5 flash:[filename]
5. Schedule a maintenance window: Upgrading requires a device reboot, causing temporary downtime.
Step-by-Step Upgrade Process on Catalyst 9300 (Install Mode)
Using Catalyst 9300 as an example:
Copy the image to the device:
copy tftp:[server_ip]/[image_name] flash:
Verify the image integrity:
verify /md5 flash:[image_name]
Clear existing boot settings and configure new boot parameters:
no boot system
boot system flash:packages.conf
write memory
