Cisco Catalyst Center Administrator Guide, Release 3.2.x

Configure an image distribution server

Updated: May 4, 2026

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Overview

Information about configuring an image distribution server to store and distribute software images.

An image distribution server helps in the storage and distribution of software images. You can configure up to three external image distribution servers to distribute software images. You can also set up one or more protocols for the newly added image distribution servers.

For information about the supported servers, see the "Server Requirements for Automation Data Backup" section in Backup server requirements.

Procedure

	1.	From the main menu, choose System > Settings > Device Settings > Image Distribution Servers.
	2.	In the Image Distribution Servers window, click Servers. The table displays details about the host, username, SFTP, SCP, and connectivity of image distribution servers.
	3.	Click Add to add a new image distribution server. The Add a New Image Distribution Server slide-in pane is displayed.
	4.	Configure these image distribution server settings: Host: Enter the hostname or IP address of the image distribution server. Root Location: Enter the working root directory for file transfers. Note For Cisco AireOS Wireless Controllers, image distribution fails if the configured path is longer than 16 characters. Username: Enter a username to log in to the image distribution server. The username must have read/write privileges in the working root directory of the server. Password: Enter a password to log in to the image distribution server. Port Number: Enter the port number on which the image distribution server is running.
	5.	Click Save.
	6.	Because some legacy wireless controller software versions support only weak ciphers (such as SHA1-based ciphers) for SFTP, Catalyst Center should enable SFTP compatibility mode for SFTP connections from wireless controllers for software image management and wireless assurance. You can temporarily enable support for weak ciphers on the Catalyst Center SFTP server for up to 90 days. To allow weak ciphers: Hover over the i icon next to the IP address of the SFTP server and click Click here. In the Compatibility Mode slide-in pane, check the Compatibility Mode check box and enter a duration (from 1 minute to 90 days). Click Save.
	7.	(Optional) To edit the settings, click the Edit icon next to the corresponding image distribution server, make the required changes, and click Save.
	8.	(Optional) To delete an image distribution server, click the Delete icon next to the corresponding image distribution server and click Delete.

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