Upgrade the Software Image on a Catalyst Switch
Introduction      Requirements      Upgrade the Software Image           Obtain the Software Image File           Connect the Switch to the PC           Copy the Software Image to the Switch      Next Step      Troubleshoot the Procedure      Related Information	Download PDF   Upgrade the Software Image on a Catalyst Switch

Introduction

This document explains how to use Cisco Network Assistant (CNA) to upgrade the version of Cisco IOS® software on your Catalyst switch. This procedure applies to 2900XL, 2940, 2950, 2970, 3500XL, 3550, 3560, and 3750 model Catalyst switches.

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Requirements

To perform the steps described in this document, you need to have these items:

• A PC with CNA installed

  Note: If your PC does not have CNA installed, refer to Download and Install Cisco Network Assistant for instructions.

• A straight-through Ethernet cable to connect your PC to the switch

• A new Cisco IOS software image provided to you by the SMB Technical Assistance Center (SMB TAC). If you do not have a new image, contact the SMB TAC for assistance.

• A TFTP server on your PC

  Note: If you do not have a TFTP server, refer to Set Up a TFTP Server for instructions.

• Approximately 1 hour of network downtime

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Upgrade the Software Image

If you have a software problem that requires a Cisco IOS upgrade, contact the SMB TAC to obtain the appropriate software image for your switch.

Obtain the Software Image File

Follow these steps to obtain the software image file:

1. Download the image file as directed by SMB TAC.

2. Note the exact name of the image file. It will have a .tar extension.

3. Place the image file in your C:\TFTP-Root directory.

Connect the Switch to the PC

Follow these steps to prepare for the upgrade process:

1. Change your PC IP address to an address that matches the switch's IP address. Refer to the LAN Addressing Worksheet if you do not know the switch's IP address. For example, if the switch IP address is 192.168.10.2, change the PC IP address to 192.168.10.50. To change your PC IP address, go to Control Panel > Network and Dial-Up Connections > TCP/IP Properties. For more information on how to configure an IP address on your PC, refer to Configure an IP Address on Your PC.

2. Connect your PC Ethernet interface to port 1 of the switch with the straight-through Ethernet cable.

3. Launch your TFTP server.

Copy the Software Image to the Switch

Follow these steps to upgrade the Cisco IOS software image on your switch:

1. Launch the CNA application. Go to Start > Programs > Cisco Network Assistant > Cisco Network Assistant.

2. Type the IP address of the switch in the Connect window and click Connect.

   Note: You may see the switch in the Front Panel view; you can close this window.

3. Go to the Menu bar and click the Upgrade Software button.

   

4. In the Software Upgrade window, select the row for the switch. Then click Upgrade Settings.

   

5. When the Upgrade Settings window opens, populate these fields:

   1. Check the Upgrade check box.

   2. Ensure that TFTP is selected in the Protocol field.

   3. Enter the image file name in the IOS Image Tar File field.

   4. Enter the TFTP server's IP address. This is the same IP address that you set on your PC.

   Click OK to return to the Software Upgrade window.

   

6. In the Software Upgrade window, verify that the new image name appears in the device row, and then click the Upgrade button.

7. If you want to view the progress of the upgrade, click Details. When the software upgrade completes, a confirmation dialog box displays to tell you whether or not the upgrade was successful.

   

8. If the upgrade was successful, click Yes to reload the switch. When the switch reboots, the switch loads the new software image.

   If the upgrade is not successful, repeat the upgrade procedure. If you are still unable to upgrade the software image, contact the SMB Technical Assistance Center (SMB TAC) for assistance.

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Next Step

You have upgraded the software on your Catalyst switch. If you need to perform other tasks, go to the Switch Support Page.

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Troubleshoot the Procedure

This section provides information about common problems that you may encounter. If this information does not solve your problem, contact the SMB Technical Assistance Center (SMB TAC) for assistance.

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Related Information

• Download and Install Cisco Network Assistant
• Configure a Catalyst Switch with Cisco Network Assistant
• Switch Support Page