Information About Zero-Touch Provisioning
To address network-provisioning challenges, Cisco has introduced Zero-Touch Provisioning (ZTP), which automates the process of installing configuration files on Cisco devices that are deployed in a network for the first time. ZTP also reduces the manual tasks required to scale network capacity.
Zero-Touch Provisioning Overview
When a device that supports ZTP boots up, and does not find the startup configuration (during fresh install on Day Zero), the device enters the ZTP mode. The device locates a DHCP server, bootstraps itself with its interface IP address, gateway, and Domain Name System (DNS) server IP address, and enables Guest Shell. The device then obtains the IP address or URL of a TFTP server, and downloads the configuration file for the device.
Note |
If ZTP fails, the device falls back to AutoInstall to load configuration files. For more information about loading configuration files see Using AutoInstall and Setup. |
In Cisco IOS XE 3.10.1E, the ZTP feature is implemented on Cisco Catalyst 4500-E Sup 8-E, SUP9-E, Cisco Catalyst 4500X, and Cisco Catalyst 3560CX.
DHCP Server Configuration for Zero-Touch Provisioning
In ZTP, a DHCP server must be running on the same network as the new device that is being provisioned. ZTP is supported on both the management ports and the in-band ports.
When the new device is switched on, it retrieves the IP address information of the TFTP server in which the configuration resides.
The DHCP server responds to DHCP discovery events with the following option:
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Option 150—(Optional) Contains a list of IP addresses that point to the TFTP server on the management network that hosts the configuration file for the new device.
After receiving these DHCP option, the device connects to the TFTP server, and downloads the configuration. At this point, the device, does not have any route to reach the TFTP server. Therefore, it uses the default route provided by the DHCP server.