How to Upgrade Cisco 9300 Switch Using CLI Commands

Upgrading the Cisco IOS XE software on your Cisco Catalyst 9300 series switches is essential for maintaining network performance, security, and compatibility with new features. This Cisco 9300 upgrade procedure guide walks you through the exact CLI commands, prerequisites, and troubleshooting tips you need to execute a smooth, reliable upgrade, whether in install mode or bundle mode.

Understanding Cisco 9300 Upgrade Methods

Cisco Catalyst 9300 switches support two upgrade methods:

• Install Mode (Recommended): Uses .pkg files for faster boot, efficient memory use, and simpler management via packages.conf.
• Bundle Mode (Legacy): Boots a single monolithic .bin file, requiring manual boot variable management.

Note: Catalyst 9300 switches do not support In-Service Software Upgrade (ISSU), but features like ReloadFast can reduce downtime by keeping the data plane online during control plane reloads.

Install Mode vs. Bundle Mode Comparison

Feature	Install Mode	Bundle Mode
Image Type	.pkg files extracted from .bin	Single .bin file
Boot Process	Loads via packages.conf	Direct boot from .bin
Speed	Faster boot, better memory utilization	Slower, legacy method
Recommended?	Recommended for all Catalyst 9K switches	Legacy, supported but not preferred
Stack Upgrade	Auto-upgrade standby in stack	Must copy .bin to each stack member

Prerequisites Before Upgrading Cisco 9300

• Allocate a Maintenance Window: Reserve 2-3 hours to handle upgrade and rollback if needed.
• Console Access: Always maintain direct console access during upgrades.
• Check Free Flash Space: Ensure 1GB–1.5GB free; use install remove inactive to clear old files if necessary.
• Download Target Image: From Cisco's official site and verify MD5 checksum.
• Release Notes: Always review target version release notes for potential bugs or intermediate upgrade paths.
• Prepare USB/TFTP Server: For transferring the .bin file.

How to Check Current Cisco 9300 Version

Use:

Switch# show version

Check flash contents with:

Switch# dir flash:

Step-by-Step Cisco 9300 Upgrade Procedure (Install Mode)

1️⃣ Clean Up Old Files

Switch# install remove inactive

2️⃣ Copy the New Image to Flash

Via TFTP:

Switch# copy tftp:///.bin flash:

Via USB:

Switch# copy usbflash0:.bin flash:

Verify:

Switch# dir flash:

3️⃣ Set Boot Variable

Switch# configure terminal
Switch(config)# no boot system
Switch(config)# boot system flash:packages.conf
Switch(config)# end
Switch# write memory

Verify:

Switch# show boot

4️⃣ Execute Upgrade Command

Switch# install add file flash:.bin activate commit

The switch will reload automatically.

5️⃣ Verify Upgrade

Switch# show version
Switch# dir flash:*.pkg
Switch# dir flash:*.conf

Cisco 9300 Upgrade Procedure (Bundle Mode)

Bundle mode may be needed for certain legacy environments or older firmware.

1. Copy .bin to each stack member (flash-x:).
2. Set boot variable:

   Switch(config)# no boot system
   Switch(config)# boot system flash:.bin

3. Save configuration:

   Switch# write memory

4. Reload:

   Switch# reload

5. Verify:

   Switch# show version

Common Issues & Troubleshooting

1. Not Enough Space: Use install remove inactive to clear space.
2. ROMMON Recovery:

   Boot from USB:

   switch: boot usbflash0:.bin

   Boot from TFTP (after setting IP and gateway in ROMMON).

3. V-Mismatch in Stack: Ensure all stack members have the same image. Use auto-upgrade or manually upgrade mismatched members.
4. "Super package already added": Use install activate commit or clear inactive packages.

Upgrading ROMMON on Cisco 9300

ROMMON typically upgrades automatically during a software upgrade but can also be manually upgraded:

Switch# upgrade rom-monitor capsule golden switch

Check FPGA and ROMMON versions post-upgrade as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: How do I use the upgrade command Cisco 9300 in install mode?
Use:

install add file flash:.bin activate commit

This upgrades, activates, commits, and reloads automatically.

 

Q2: Can I downgrade my Cisco 9300?
Yes, using the same install add file ... activate commit procedure with your older. bin file, ensuring you review microcode downgrade prerequisites for UPOE models.

Q3: What if my Cisco 9300 gets stuck in ROMMON during an upgrade?
Boot manually from USB or TFTP, reset boot variables, and reload.

Q4: Is bundle mode still supported on Cisco 9300?
Yes, but install mode is recommended for efficiency and stability on Catalyst 9300 switches.

Conclusion

Mastering the upgrade command Cisco 9300 is critical for maintaining a secure, high-performance network. By following this structured guide, you will confidently handle Cisco 9300 upgrade procedures in install or bundle mode, minimizing downtime and avoiding common pitfalls.

If you’re planning your network upgrades, consider exploring your options on Router-Switch.com. Our team can assist you in selecting the right models and ensuring your deployment aligns with Cisco best practices.