First Published: March 30, 2020

Release Notes for Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series Switches, Cisco IOS XE Amsterdam 17.2.x

Introduction

Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series Switches and Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series Switches - High Performance are leading, fixed, core and aggregation enterprise switching platforms and have been purpose-built to address emerging trends in security, IoT, mobility, and cloud.

These switches deliver complete convergence in terms of ASIC architecture with Unified Access Data Plane (UADP) 2.0 on Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series Switches and UADP 3.0 on Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series Switches - High Performance. The platform runs an open Cisco IOS XE that supports model-driven programmability. This series forms the foundational building block for Software-Defined Access (SD-Access), which is Cisco’s lead enterprise architecture.


Note
With the introduction of the High Performance models in the series, there may be differences in the supported and unsupported features, limitations, and caveats that apply to the Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series Switches and Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series Switches - High Performance models. Throughout this release notes document, any such differences are expressly called out. If they are not, the information applies to all the models in the series.

Whats New in Cisco IOS XE Amsterdam 17.2.1

Hardware Features in Cisco IOS XE Amsterdam 17.2.1

Table 1. Hardware Features Introduced on Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series Switches (C9500-12Q, C9500-16X, C9500-24Q, C9500-40X)

Feature Name

Description and Documentation Link

Direct-Attach Cables for Cisco QSFP to SFP or SFP+ Adapter (QSA) Module CVR-QSFP-SFP10G

  • Supported direct-attach copper cable product numbers:

    • SFP-H10GB-CU1-5M

    • SFP-H10GB-CU2-5M

    • SFP-H10GB-CU2M

  • Compatible switch models: C9500-12Q (with the Cisco QSFP to SFP or SFP+ Adapter [QSA] Module), C9500-16X, C9500-24Q (with the Cisco QSA Module), and C9500-40X

  • Compatible network modules: C9500-NM-2Q (with the Cisco QSA Module), and C9500-NM-8X.

For information about these cables, see the Cisco 10GBASE SFP+ Modules Data Sheet. For information about device compatibility, see the Transceiver Module Group (TMG) Compatibility Matrix.

Cisco QSFP-40G Direct-Attach Cables

  • Supported direct-attach copper cable product numbers:

    • QSFP-H40G-CU2M

    • QSFP-H40G-CU4M

  • Compatible switch models: C9500-12Q, C9500-16X, C9500-24Q, and C9500-40X

  • Compatible network modules: C9500-NM-2Q

For information about these cables, see the Cisco 40GBASE QSFP Modules Data Sheet. For information about device compatibility, see the Transceiver Module Group (TMG) Compatibility Matrix
Table 2. Hardware Features Introduced on Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series Switches-High Performance (C9500-24Y4C, C9500-32C, C9500-32QC, and C9500-48Y4C

Feature Name

Description and Documentation Link

Cisco SFP-25G Direct-Attach and Active Optical Cables

  • Supported active optical cable: SFP-25G-AOC4M

  • Supported direct-attach copper cable product numbers:

    • SFP-H25G-CU1.5M

    • SFP-H25G-CU2.5M

    • SFP-H25G-CU4M

  • Compatible switch models: C9500-48Y4C and C9500-24Y4C

For information about these cables, see the Cisco 25GBASE SFP28 Modules Data Sheet. For information about device compatibility, see the Transceiver Module Group (TMG) Compatibility Matrix.

Cisco QSFP-40G Direct-Attach Cables (DAC)

  • Supported direct-attach copper cable product numbers:

    • QSFP-H40G-CU2M

    • QSFP-H40G-CU4M

  • Compatible switch models: C9500-32C, C9500-32QC, C9500-48Y4C, and C9500-24Y4C

For information about these cables, see the Cisco 40GBASE QSFP Modules Data Sheet. For information about device compatibility, see the Transceiver Module Group (TMG) Compatibility Matrix.

Software Features in Cisco IOS XE Amsterdam 17.2.1

Software Features Introduced on All Models

Feature Name

Description, Documentation Link, and License-Level Information

Factory Reset with 3-pass Overwrite

Enables factory reset with 3-pass overwrite. A secure 3-pass keyword has been introduced.

  • Pass 1: Overwrites all addressable locations with binary zeroes.

  • Pass 2: Overwrites all addressable locations with binary ones.

  • Pass 3: Overwrites all addressable locations with a random bit pattern.

See System Management → Performing Factory Reset.

(Network Essentials and Network Advantage)

IEEE802.1AS (gPTP) and IEEE 1588v2 PTP on EtherChannel Interfaces

Supports configuration of IEEE802.1AS gPTP and IEEE 1588v2 PTP on a port that is part of an EtherChannel bundle.

See Layer 2 → Configuring Precision Time Protocol (PTP).

(Network Advantage)

Loop Detection Guard

Provides a way of detecting network loops. The feature can be used in situations where there may be unmanaged switches in a network that do not understand Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), or where STP is not configured on the network.

You can take one of these actions when a loop is detected: error-disable either the source port or the destination port, or have the system display a syslog message, and not disable a port.

See Layer 2 → Configuring Loop Detection Guard.

(Network Essentials and Network Advantage)

Programmability:

  • Native Docker Support

  • YANG Data Models

The following programmability features are introduced in this release:

  • Native Docker Support: Application Hosting supports Docker applications. Application Hosting is a virtualization environment that runs a guest Docker application on the host operating system. The Cisco IOS-XE virtualization services provide manageability and networking models for running a guest application.

    (DNA Advantage)

  • YANG Data Models: For the list of Cisco IOS XE YANG models available in this release, see: https://github.com/YangModels/yang/tree/master/vendor/cisco/xe/1721.

    Revision statements embedded in the YANG files indicate if there has been a model revision. The README.md file in the same GitHub location highlights the changes that have been made in the release.

    (Network Essentials and Network Advantage)

See Programmability.

SCP Performance Improvements

Enables you to now use the Secure Shell (SSH) bulk data transfer mode to enhance the throughput performance of Secure Copy Protocol (SCP) operating in the capacity of a client or server. Use the ip ssh bulk-mode command in global configuration mode.

See System Management → Secure Copy.

(Network Essentials and Network Advantage)

VRF Aware NAT

Enables NAT to carry out address translation by taking the VRF of the private networks into consideration. This feature allows private networks to be placed in different VRFs.

See IP Addressing Services → Configuring Network Address Translation.

(Network Essentials and Network Advantage)

New on the Web UI

  • HSRP

  • Passwordless Login

Use the WebUI for:

  • HSRP: Provides high network availability by providing redundancy for IP traffic from hosts on networks.

  • Passwordless Login: Supports login to WebUI without password using Personal Identity Verification-compatible (PIV-compatible) smart cards.

Serviceability

See Command Reference, Cisco IOS XE Amsterdam 17.2.x (Catalyst 9500 Switches)

factory-reset

The command has been modified. The switch keyword is introduced for devices that support the Cisco StackWise Virtual solution. You can perform factory reset on the active and standby switches.

show platform hardware fed switch active fwd-asic resource tcam utilization

The command output is enhanced to display TCAM utilization categorised by IPv4, IPv6, MPLS and other protocols.

Software Features Introduced on Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series Switches

Feature Name

Description, Documentation Link, and License-Level Information

IPv6: HTTP SGACL enforcement with IPv6 Policy Server

Supports eight IPv4 and eight IPv6 addresses per server for SGACL and Environment Data Download over REST.

See Cisco TrustSec → SGACL and Environment Data Download over REST.

(Network Advantage)

Multiple Administrative VLANS in Resilient Ethernet Protocol (REP)

Supports configuration of multiple administrative VLANs to manage an REP domain that has multiple REP segments that are mutually exclusive.

To configure the additional administrative VLANs, use the rep admin vlan command in global configuration mode.

See Layer 2 → Configuring Resilient Ethernet Protocol.

(Network Essentials and Network Advantage)

Programmability: TLDP On-Change Notifications

Notifies users when Targeted Label Distribution Protocol (TLDP) sessions come up or go down and when TLDP is configured or disabled. TLDP must be enabled for the notifications to work.

See Programmability → Model-Driven Telemetry.

(Network Essentials and Network Advantage)

Session Limit - To prevent MAC address flooding DOS attack

Enables you to configure an access session limit profile, which will allow you to limit the number of voice and data hosts connecting to a port.

See Security → Configuring IEEE 802.1x Port-Based Authentication.

(Network Essentials and Network Advantage)

VLAN Load Balancing for FlexLink+

Introduces support for VLAN load balancing on a FlexLink+ pair (along with providing the redundancy). Both ports of a FlexLink+ pair can now simultaneously forward traffic in mutually exclusive VLANs. If one of the ports fails, the other active port forwards all the traffic. When the failed port is available again, it resumes forwarding of traffic in the preferred VLANs.

See Layer 2 → Configuring Flexlink+.

(Network Essentials and Network Advantage)

VPN ID in NetFlow

Supports Virtual Private Network Identifier (VPN-ID) configuration in Flexible NetFlow. A VPN-ID is global and unique. It is used to identify a VPN across autonomous systems (ASes).

See Network Management → Configuring Flexible NetFlow.

(Network Essentials and Network Advantage)

VRF Support for TCL Socket

Supports Virtual Routing and Forwarding (VRF).

See Network Management Commands.

(Network Essentials and Network Advantage)

Software Features Introduced on Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series Switches-High Performance

Feature Name

Description, Documentation Link, and License-Level Information

Hierarchical VPLS with MPLS Access

Reduces signaling overhead and packet replication between devices when compared to configuring VPLS.

See Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) → Configuring Hierarchical VPLS with MPLS Access.

(Network Essentials and Network Advantage)

VPLS: Routed Pseudowire IRB for IPv4 Unicast

Enables a switch interface to route traffic instead of using a router.

See Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) → Configuring VPLS: Routed Pseudowire IRB for IPv4 Unicast.

(Network Essentials and Network Advantage)

Important Notes

Cisco StackWise Virtual: Supported and Unsupported Features

The following is a list of features that are supported or unsupported when you enable Cisco StackWise Virtual on a device:

  • Layer 2, Layer 3, Security, Quality of Service, Multicast, Application, Monitoring and Management, Multiprotocol Label Switching, High Availability, BGP EVPN VXLAN, Remote Switched Port Analyzer, and Sofware Defined Access are supported.

    Contact the Cisco Technical Support Centre for the specific list of features that are supported under each one of these technologies.

  • Resilient Ethernet Protocol is not supported.

Unsupported Features: All Models

  • IPsec VPN

  • Performance Monitoring (PerfMon)

  • Virtual Routing and Forwarding-Aware (VRF-Aware) web authentication

Unsupported Features: Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series Switches

  • Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) Additional Paths

  • Cisco TrustSec Network Device Admission Control (NDAC) on Uplinks

  • Flexible NetFlow: NetFlow v5 Export Protocol, 4-byte (32-bit) AS Number Support, TrustSec NetFlow IPv4 Security Group Access Control List (SGACL) Deny and Drop Export

  • Lawful Intercept

  • Network-Powered Lighting (including COAP Proxy Server, 2-event Classification, Perpetual POE, Fast PoE)

  • PIM Bidirectional Forwarding Detection (PIM BFD), PIM Snooping.

  • Quality of Service: Classification (Layer 3 Packet Length, Time-to-Live (TTL)), per queue policer support, sharped profile enablement for egress per port queue, L2 Miss, Ingress Packet FIFO (IPF)

  • Unicast over Point-to-Multipoint (P2MP) Generic Routing Encapsulation (GRE), Multicast over P2MP GRE.

Unsupported Features: Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series Switches - High Performance

  • Cisco Application Visibility and Control (AVC)

  • MPLS Label Distribution Protocol (MPLS LDP) VRF-Aware Static Labels

  • Network-Based Application Recognition (NBAR) and Next-Generation NBAR (NBAR2)

  • QoS Options on GRE Tunnel Interfaces

Complete List of Supported Features

For the complete list of features supported on a platform, see the Cisco Feature Navigator at: https://www.cisco.com/go/cfn.

Choose the following in the context of the Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series Switches:

  • CAT9500: to see all the features supported on the C9500-12Q, C9500-16X, C9500-24Q, C9500-40X models

  • CAT9500 HIGH PERFORMANCE (32C; 32QC; 48Y4C; 24Y4C): to see all the features supported on the C9500-24Y4C, C9500-32C, C9500-32QC, and C9500-48Y4C models

Accessing Hidden Commands

From Cisco IOS XE Fuji 16.8.1a, as an improved security measure, the way in which hidden commands can be accessed has changed.

Hidden commands have always been present in Cisco IOS XE, but were not equipped with CLI help. That is, entering a question mark (?) at the system prompt did not display the list of available commands. Hidden commands are only meant to assist Cisco TAC in advanced troubleshooting, and are not documented either.

From Cisco IOS XE Fuji 16.8.1a, hidden commands are available under:

  • Category 1: Hidden commands in Privileged or User EXEC mode. Enter the service internal command to access these commands.

  • Category 2: Hidden commands in one of the configuration modes (global, interface, and so on).

Further, the following points apply to hidden commands under Category 1 and 2:

  • The commands have CLI help. Enter a question mark (?) at the system prompt to display the list of available commands.

    Note: For Category 1, enter the service internal command before you enter the question mark; you do not have to do this for Category 2.

  • The system generates a %PARSER-5-HIDDEN syslog message when a hidden command is used. The following is an example: 
    *Feb 14 10:44:37.917: %PARSER-5-HIDDEN: Warning!!! 'show processes memory old-header ' is a hidden command. 
Use of this command is not recommended/supported and will be removed in future.

Apart from categories 1 and 2, there are other internal commands displayed on the CLI, for which the system does not generate the %PARSER-5-HIDDEN syslog message.


Note

We recommend that you use any hidden command only under TAC supervision.

If you find that you need to use a hidden command, open a TAC case for help with finding another way of collecting the same information as the hidden command (for a hidden EXEC mode command), or to configure the same functionality (for a hidden configuration mode command) using nonhidden commands.

Default Behaviour—All Models

Beginning from Cisco IOS XE Gibraltar 16.12.5 and later, do not fragment bit (DF bit) in the IP packet is always set to 0 for all outgoing RADIUS packets (packets that originate from the device towards the RADIUS server).

Default Interface Behaviour on Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series Switches - High Performance Only

From Cisco IOS XE Gibraltar 16.11.1, the default interface for all High Performance models in the series changes from Layer 3 to Layer 2. Use the no switchport command to change the Layer 2 interface into Layer 3 mode.

The startup configuration has explicit configuration of the switchport command for Layer 2 interfaces and the no switchport command for Layer 3 interfaces to address this change in behaviour and to support seamless migration.

Supported Hardware

Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series Switches—Model Numbers

The following table lists the supported hardware models and the default license levels they are delivered with. For more information about the available license levels, see section License Levels.

Base PIDs are the model numbers of the switch.

Bundled PIDs indicate the orderable part numbers for base PIDs that are bundled with a particular network module. Entering the show version , show module , or show inventory commands on such a switch (bundled PID), displays its base PID.

Table 3. Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series Switches

Switch Model

Default License Level1

Description

Base PIDs

C9500-12Q-E

Network Essentials

12 40-Gigabit Ethernet QSFP+ ports and two power supply slots

C9500-12Q-A

Network Advantage

C9500-16X-E

Network Essentials

16 1/10-Gigabit Ethernet SFP/SFP+ ports and two power supply slots

C9500-16X-A

Network Advantage

C9500-24Q-E

Network Essentials

24-Port 40-Gigabit Ethernet QSFP+ ports and two power supply slots

C9500-24Q-A

Network Advantage

C9500-40X-E

Network Essentials

40 1/10-Gigabit Ethernet SFP/SFP+ ports and two power supply slots

C9500-40X-A

Network Advantage

Bundled PIDs

C9500-16X-2Q-E

Network Essentials

16 10-Gigabit Ethernet SFP+ port switch and a 2-Port 40-Gigabit Ethernet (QSFP) network module on uplink ports

C9500-16X-2Q-A

Network Advantage

C9500-24X-E

Network Essentials

16 10-Gigabit Ethernet SFP+ port switch and an 8-Port 10-Gigabit Ethernet (SFP) network module on uplink ports

C9500-24X-A

Network Advantage

C9500-40X-2Q-E

Network Essentials

40 10-Gigabit Ethernet SFP+ port switch and a 2-Port 40-Gigabit Ethernet (QSFP) network module on uplink ports

C9500-40X-2Q-A

Network Advantage

C9500-48X-E

Network Essentials

40 10-Gigabit Ethernet SFP+ port switch and an 8-Port 10-Gigabit Ethernet (SFP) network module on uplink ports

C9500-48X-A

Network Advantage
1 See section Licensing → Table: Permitted Combinations, in this document for information about the add-on licenses that you can order.
Table 4. Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series Switches-High Performance

Switch Model

Default License Level2

Description

C9500-24Y4C-E

Network Essentials

24 SFP28 ports that support 1/10/25-GigabitEthernet connectivity, four QSFP uplink ports that support 100/40-GigabitEthernet connectivity; two power supply slots.

C9500-24Y4C-A

Network Advantage

C9500-32C-E

Network Essentials

32 QSFP28 ports that support 40/100 GigabitEthernet connectivity; two power supply slots.

C9500-32C-A

Network Advantage

C9500-32QC-E

Network Essentials

32 QSFP28 ports, where you can have 24 ports that support 40-GigabitEthernet connectivity and 4 ports that support 100-GigabitEthernet connectivity, OR 32 ports that support 40-GigabitEthernet connectivity, OR 16 ports that support 100-GigabitEthernet connectivity; two power supply slots.

C9500-32QC-A

Network Advantage

C9500-48Y4C-E

Network Essentials

48 SFP28 ports that support 1/10/25-GigabitEthernet connectivity; four QSFP uplink ports that supports up to 100/40-GigabitEthernet connectivity; two power supply slots.

C9500-48Y4C-A

Network Advantage
2 See section Licensing → Table: Permitted Combinations, in this document for information about the add-on licenses that you can order.

Network Modules

The following table lists optional network modules for uplink ports available with some configurations .

Network Module

Description

C9500-NM-8X

Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series Network Module 8-port 1/10 Gigabit Ethernet with SFP/SFP+

Note the supported switch models (Base PIDs):

  • C9500-40X

  • C9500-16X

C9500-NM-2Q

Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series Network Module 2-port 40 Gigabit Ethernet with QSFP+

Note the supported switch models (Base PIDs):

  • C9500-40X

  • C9500-16X

Compatibility Matrix

The following table provides software compatibility information between Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series Switches, Cisco Identity Services Engine, Cisco Access Control Server, and Cisco Prime Infrastructure.

Catalyst 9500, 9500-High Performance and 9500X

Cisco Identity Services Engine

Cisco Access Control Server

Cisco Prime Infrastructure

Amsterdam 17.2.1

2.7

-

PI 3.7 + PI 3.7 latest maintenance release + PI 3.7 latest device pack

See Cisco Prime Infrastructure 3.7 → Downloads.

Amsterdam 17.1.1

2.7

-

PI 3.6 + PI 3.6 latest maintenance release + PI 3.6 latest device pack

See Cisco Prime Infrastructure 3.6 → Downloads.

Gibraltar 16.12.8

2.6

-

PI 3.9 + PI 3.9 latest maintenance release + PI 3.9 latest device pack

See Cisco Prime Infrastructure 3.9 → Downloads.

Gibraltar 16.12.7

2.6

-

PI 3.9 + PI 3.9 latest maintenance release + PI 3.9 latest device pack

See Cisco Prime Infrastructure 3.9 → Downloads.

Gibraltar 16.12.6

2.6

-

PI 3.9 + PI 3.9 latest maintenance release + PI 3.9 latest device pack

See Cisco Prime Infrastructure 3.9 → Downloads.

Gibraltar 16.12.5b

2.6

-

PI 3.9 + PI 3.9 latest maintenance release + PI 3.9 latest device pack

See Cisco Prime Infrastructure 3.9 → Downloads.

Gibraltar 16.12.5

2.6

-

PI 3.9 + PI 3.9 latest maintenance release + PI 3.9 latest device pack

See Cisco Prime Infrastructure 3.9 → Downloads.

Gibraltar 16.12.4

2.6

-

PI 3.8 + PI 3.8 latest maintenance release + PI 3.8 latest device pack

See Cisco Prime Infrastructure 3.8 → Downloads.

Gibraltar 16.12.3a

2.6

-

PI 3.5 + PI 3.5 latest maintenance release + PI 3.5 latest device pack

See Cisco Prime Infrastructure 3.5 → Downloads.

Gibraltar 16.12.3

2.6

-

PI 3.5 + PI 3.5 latest maintenance release + PI 3.5 latest device pack

See Cisco Prime Infrastructure 3.5 → Downloads.

Gibraltar 16.12.2

2.6

-

PI 3.5 + PI 3.5 latest maintenance release + PI 3.5 latest device pack

See Cisco Prime Infrastructure 3.5 → Downloads.

Gibraltar 16.12.1

2.6

-

PI 3.5 + PI 3.5 latest maintenance release + PI 3.5 latest device pack

See Cisco Prime Infrastructure 3.5 → Downloads.

Gibraltar 16.11.1

2.6

2.4 Patch 5

5.4

5.5

PI 3.4 + PI 3.4 latest maintenance release + PI 3.4 latest device pack

See Cisco Prime Infrastructure 3.4 → Downloads.

Gibraltar 16.10.1

2.3 Patch 1

2.4 Patch 1

5.4

5.5

PI 3.4 + PI 3.4 latest maintenance release + PI 3.4 latest device pack

See Cisco Prime Infrastructure 3.4→ Downloads.

Fuji 16.9.8

2.5

2.1

5.4

5.5

PI 3.9 + PI 3.9 latest maintenance release + PI 3.9 latest device pack

See Cisco Prime Infrastructure 3.9 → Downloads.

Fuji 16.9.7

2.5

2.1

5.4

5.5

PI 3.9 + PI 3.9 latest maintenance release + PI 3.9 latest device pack

See Cisco Prime Infrastructure 3.9 → Downloads.

Fuji 16.9.6

2.3 Patch 1

2.4 Patch 1

5.4

5.5

PI 3.4 + PI 3.4 latest maintenance release + PI 3.4 latest device pack

See Cisco Prime Infrastructure 3.4→ Downloads.

Fuji 16.9.5

2.3 Patch 1

2.4 Patch 1

5.4

5.5

PI 3.4 + PI 3.4 latest maintenance release + PI 3.4 latest device pack

See Cisco Prime Infrastructure 3.4→ Downloads.

Fuji 16.9.4

2.3 Patch 1

2.4 Patch 1

5.4

5.5

PI 3.4 + PI 3.4 latest maintenance release + PI 3.4 latest device pack

See Cisco Prime Infrastructure 3.4→ Downloads.

Fuji 16.9.3

2.3 Patch 1

2.4 Patch 1

5.4

5.5

PI 3.4 + PI 3.4 latest maintenance release + PI 3.4 latest device pack

See Cisco Prime Infrastructure 3.4→ Downloads.

Fuji 16.9.2

2.3 Patch 1

2.4 Patch 1

5.4

5.5

PI 3.4 + PI 3.4 latest maintenance release + PI 3.4 latest device pack

See Cisco Prime Infrastructure 3.4→ Downloads.

Fuji 16.9.1

2.3 Patch 1

2.4 Patch 1

5.4

5.5

PI 3.4 + PI 3.4 latest device pack

See Cisco Prime Infrastructure 3.4→ Downloads.

Fuji 16.8.1a

2.3 Patch 1

2.4

5.4

5.5

PI 3.3 + PI 3.3 latest maintenance release + PI 3.3 latest device pack

See Cisco Prime Infrastructure 3.3→ Downloads.

Everest 16.6.4a

2.2

2.3

5.4

5.5

PI 3.1.6 + Device Pack 13

See Cisco Prime Infrastructure 3.1 → Downloads.

Everest 16.6.4

2.2

2.3

5.4

5.5

PI 3.1.6 + Device Pack 13

See Cisco Prime Infrastructure 3.1 → Downloads.

Everest 16.6.3

2.2

2.3

5.4

5.5

PI 3.1.6 + Device Pack 13

See Cisco Prime Infrastructure 3.1 → Downloads

Everest 16.6.2

2.2

2.3

5.4

5.5

PI 3.1.6 + Device Pack 13

See Cisco Prime Infrastructure 3.1 → Downloads

Everest 16.6.1

2.2

5.4

5.5

PI 3.1.6 + Device Pack 13

See Cisco Prime Infrastructure 3.1 → Downloads

Everest 16.5.1a

2.1 Patch 3

5.4

5.5

-

Web UI System Requirements

The following subsections list the hardware and software required to access the Web UI:

Minimum Hardware Requirements

Processor Speed

DRAM

Number of Colors

Resolution

Font Size

233 MHz minimum3

512 MB4

256

1280 x 800 or higher

Small
3 We recommend 1 GHz
4 We recommend 1 GB DRAM

Software Requirements

Operating Systems

  • Windows 10 or later

  • Mac OS X 10.9.5 or later

Browsers

  • Google Chrome—Version 59 or later (On Windows and Mac)

  • Microsoft Edge

  • Mozilla Firefox—Version 54 or later (On Windows and Mac)

  • Safari—Version 10 or later (On Mac)

ROMMON Versions

ROMMON, also known as the boot loader, is firmware that runs when the device is powered up or reset. It initializes the processor hardware and boots the operating system software (Cisco IOS XE software image). The ROMMON is stored on the following Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) flash devices on your switch:

  • Primary: The ROMMON stored here is the one the system boots every time the device is powered-on or reset.

  • Golden: The ROMMON stored here is a backup copy. If the one in the primary is corrupted, the system automatically boots the ROMMON in the golden SPI flash device.

ROMMON upgrades may be required to resolve firmware defects, or to support new features, but there may not be new versions with every release.

The following table provides ROMMON version information for the Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series Switches. For ROMMON version information of Cisco IOS XE 16.x.x releases, refer to the corresponding Cisco IOS XE 16.x.x release notes of the respective platform.

Release

ROMMON Version (C9500-12Q, C9500-24Q, C9500-16X, C9500-40X)

ROMMON Version (C9500-32C, C9500-32QC, C9500-24Y4C, C9500-48Y4C)

ROMMON Version (C9500X)

Amsterdam 17.2.1

17.2.1r[FC1]

17.1.1[FC2]

-

Amsterdam 17.1.1

17.1.1r [FC1]

17.1.1[FC1]

-

Upgrading the Switch Software

This section covers the various aspects of upgrading or downgrading the device software.


Note
You cannot use the Web UI to install, upgrade, or downgrade device software.

Finding the Software Version

The package files for the Cisco IOS XE software are stored on the system board flash device (flash:).

You can use the show version privileged EXEC command to see the software version that is running on your switch.


Note
Although the show version output always shows the software image running on the switch, the model name shown at the end of this display is the factory configuration and does not change if you upgrade the software license.

You can also use the dir filesystem: privileged EXEC command to see the directory names of other software images that you might have stored in flash memory.

Software Images

Release

Image Type

File Name

Cisco IOS XE Amsterdam 17.2.1

CAT9K_IOSXE

cat9k_iosxe.17.02.01.SPA.bin

No Payload Encryption (NPE)

cat9k_iosxe_npe.17.02.01.SPA.bin

Upgrading the ROMMON

To know the ROMMON or bootloader version that applies to every major and maintenance release, see ROMMON Versions.

You can upgrade the ROMMON before, or, after upgrading the software version. If a new ROMMON version is available for the software version you are upgrading to, proceed as follows:

  • Upgrading the ROMMON in the primary SPI flash device

    On the C9500-12Q, C9500-16X, C9500-24Q, C9500-40X models of the series, you must manually upgrade the ROMMON in the primary SPI flash device, if a new version is applicable, and the release you are upgrading from is Cisco IOS XE Gibraltar 16.12.1 or a later release. (So if you upgrade from Cisco IOS XE Gibraltar 16.11.1 for example, a manual upgrade does not apply; the ROMMON is automatically updated, if applicable). Enter the upgrade rom-monitor capsule primary switch command in privileged EXEC mode.

    On the C9500-24Y4C, C9500-32C, C9500-32QC, and C9500-48Y4C models of the series, this ROMMON is upgraded automatically. When you upgrade from an existing release on your switch to a later or newer release for the first time, and there is a new ROMMON version in the new release, the system automatically upgrades the ROMMON in the primary SPI flash device, based on the hardware version of the switch when you boot up your switch with the new image for the first time.

  • Upgrading the ROMMON in the golden SPI flash device

    You must manually upgrade this ROMMON. The manual upgrade applies to all models in the series. Enter the upgrade rom-monitor capsule golden switch command in privileged EXEC mode.


Note

In case of a Cisco StackWise Virtual setup, upgrade the active and standby switch.

After the ROMMON is upgraded, it will take effect on the next reload. If you go back to an older release after this, the ROMMON is not downgraded. The updated ROMMON supports all previous releases.

Field-Programmable Gate Array Version Upgrade

A field-programmable gate array (FPGA) is a type of programmable memory device that exists on Cisco switches. They are re-configurable logic circuits that enable the creation of specific and dedicated functions.

There is no FPGA upgrade in Cisco IOS XE Amsterdam 17.2.1. To check the current FPGA version, enter the version -v command in ROMMON mode.


Note

  • Not every software release has a change in the FPGA version.

  • The version change occurs as part of the regular software upgrade and you do not have to perform any other additional steps.

Software Installation Commands

Summary of Software Installation Commands

Supported starting from Cisco IOS XE Everest 16.6.2 and later releases

To install and activate the specified file, and to commit changes to be persistent across reloads:

install add file filename [ activate commit]

To separately install, activate, commit, cancel, or remove the installation file: install ?

add file tftp: filename

Copies the install file package from a remote location to the device and performs a compatibility check for the platform and image versions.

activate [ auto-abort-timer]

Activates the file, and reloads the device. The auto-abort-timer keyword automatically rolls back image activation.

commit

Makes changes persistent over reloads.

rollback to committed

Rolls back the update to the last committed version.

abort

Cancels file activation, and rolls back to the version that was running before the current installation procedure started.

remove

Deletes all unused and inactive software installation files.

Note
The request platform software commands are deprecated starting from Cisco IOS XE Gibraltar 16.10.1. The commands are visible on the CLI in this release and you can configure them, but we recommend that you use the install commands to upgrade or downgrade.

Summary of request platform software Commands

Note

 
This table of commands is not supported on Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series Switches - High Performance. 
Device# request platform software package ?

clean

Cleans unnecessary package files from media

copy

Copies package to media

describe

Describes package content

expand

Expands all-in-one package to media

install

Installs the package

uninstall

Uninstalls the package

verify

Verifies In Service Software Upgrade (ISSU) software package compatibility

Upgrading in Install Mode

Follow these instructions to upgrade from one release to another, in install mode. To perform a software image upgrade, you must be booted into IOS through boot flash:packages.conf .

Before you begin

Note that you can use this procedure for the following upgrade scenarios:

When upgrading from ...

Use these commands...

To upgrade to...

Cisco IOS XE Everest 16.5.1a or Cisco IOS XE Everest 16.6.1

Only request platform software commands

Cisco IOS XE Amsterdam 17.2.1

Cisco IOS XE Everest 16.6.2 and all later releases

Either install commands or request platform software commands

The sample output in this section displays upgrade from

  • Cisco IOS XE Everest 16.6.1 to Cisco IOS XE Amsterdam 17.2.1 using request platform software commands.

  • Cisco IOS XE Amsterdam 17.1.1 to Cisco IOS XE Amsterdam 17.2.1 using install commands.

Procedure

Step 1

Clean Up

Ensure that you have at least 1GB of space in flash to expand a new image. Clean up old installation files in case of insufficient space.

  • request platform software package clean
  • install remove inactive

The following sample output displays the cleaning up of unused files, by using the request platform software package clean command for upgrade scenario Cisco IOS XE Everest 16.6.1 to Cisco IOS XE Amsterdam 17.2.1. 

Switch# request platform software package clean switch all
Running command on switch 1
Cleaning up unnecessary package files
No path specified, will use booted path flash:packages.conf
Cleaning flash:
Scanning boot directory for packages ... done.
Preparing packages list to delete ...
cat9k-cc_srdriver.16.06.01.SPA.pkg
File is in use, will not delete.
cat9k-espbase.16.06.01.SPA.pkg
File is in use, will not delete.
cat9k-guestshell.16.06.01.SPA.pkg
File is in use, will not delete.
cat9k-rpbase.16.06.01.SPA.pkg
File is in use, will not delete.
cat9k-rpboot.16.06.01.SPA.pkg
File is in use, will not delete.
cat9k-sipbase.16.06.01.SPA.pkg
File is in use, will not delete.
cat9k-sipspa.16.06.01.SPA.pkg
File is in use, will not delete.
cat9k-srdriver.16.06.01.SPA.pkg
File is in use, will not delete.
cat9k-webui.16.06.01.SPA.pkg
File is in use, will not delete.
cat9k-wlc.16.06.01.SPA.pkg
File is in use, will not delete.
packages.conf
File is in use, will not delete.
done.
done.
 
Running command on switch 2
Cleaning up unnecessary package files
No path specified, will use booted path flash:packages.conf
Cleaning flash:
Scanning boot directory for packages ... done.
Preparing packages list to delete ...
cat9k-cc_srdriver.16.06.01.SPA.pkg
File is in use, will not delete.
cat9k-espbase.16.06.01.SPA.pkg
File is in use, will not delete.
cat9k-guestshell.16.06.01.SPA.pkg
File is in use, will not delete.
cat9k-rpbase.16.06.01.SPA.pkg
File is in use, will not delete.
cat9k-rpboot.16.06.01.SPA.pkg
File is in use, will not delete.
cat9k-sipbase.16.06.01.SPA.pkg
File is in use, will not delete.
cat9k-sipspa.16.06.01.SPA.pkg
File is in use, will not delete.
cat9k-srdriver.16.06.01.SPA.pkg
File is in use, will not delete.
cat9k-webui.16.06.01.SPA.pkg
File is in use, will not delete.
cat9k-wlc.16.06.01.SPA.pkg
File is in use, will not delete.
packages.conf
File is in use, will not delete.
done.
 
Running command on switch 3
Cleaning up unnecessary package files
No path specified, will use booted path flash:packages.conf
Cleaning flash:
Scanning boot directory for packages ... done.
Preparing packages list to delete ...
hexdump: NVRAM: No such file or directory
hexdump: all input file arguments failed
head: cannot open 'NVRAM' for reading: No such file or directory
NVRAM: No such file or directory
hexdump: NVRAM: No such file or directory
hexdump: stdin: Bad file descriptor
tail: cannot open 'NVRAM' for reading: No such file or directory
hexdump: NVRAM: No such file or directory
hexdump: all input file arguments failed
cat9k-cc_srdriver.16.06.01.SPA.pkg
File is in use, will not delete.
cat9k-espbase.16.06.01.SPA.pkg
File is in use, will not delete.
cat9k-guestshell.16.06.01.SPA.pkg
File is in use, will not delete.
cat9k-rpbase.16.06.01.SPA.pkg
File is in use, will not delete.
cat9k-rpboot.16.06.01.SPA.pkg
File is in use, will not delete.
cat9k-sipbase.16.06.01.SPA.pkg
File is in use, will not delete.
cat9k-sipspa.16.06.01.SPA.pkg
File is in use, will not delete.
cat9k-srdriver.16.06.01.SPA.pkg
File is in use, will not delete.
cat9k-webui.16.06.01.SPA.pkg
File is in use, will not delete.
cat9k-wlc.16.06.01.SPA.pkg
File is in use, will not delete.
packages.conf
File is in use, will not delete.
done.
 
The following files will be deleted:
[1]:
/flash/cat9k-cc_srdriver.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-espbase.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-guestshell.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-rpbase.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-rpboot.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-sipbase.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-sipspa.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-srdriver.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-webui.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k_iosxe.16.06.01.SPA.conf
/flash/packages.conf.00-
[2]:
/flash/cat9k-cc_srdriver.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-espbase.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-guestshell.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-rpbase.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-rpboot.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-sipbase.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-sipspa.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-srdriver.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-webui.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k_iosxe.16.06.01.SPA.conf
/flash/packages.conf.00-
[3]:
/flash/cat9k-cc_srdriver.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-espbase.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-guestshell.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-rpbase.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-rpboot.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-sipbase.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-sipspa.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-srdriver.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-webui.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k_iosxe.16.06.01.SPA.conf
/flash/packages.conf.00-
 
Do you want to proceed? [y/n]y
[1]:
Deleting file flash:cat9k-cc_srdriver.SPA.pkg ... done.
Deleting file flash:cat9k-espbase.SPA.pkg ... done.
Deleting file flash:cat9k-guestshell.SPA.pkg ... done.
Deleting file flash:cat9k-rpbase.SPA.pkg ... done.
Deleting file flash:cat9k-rpboot.SPA.pkg ... done.
Deleting file flash:cat9k-sipbase.SPA.pkg ... done.
Deleting file flash:cat9k-sipspa.SPA.pkg ... done.
Deleting file flash:cat9k-srdriver.SPA.pkg ... done.
Deleting file flash:cat9k-webui.SPA.pkg ... done.
Deleting file flash:cat9k_iosxe.16.06.01.SPA.conf ... done.
Deleting file flash:packages.conf.00- ... done.
SUCCESS: Files deleted.
[2]:
Deleting file flash:cat9k-cc_srdriver.SPA.pkg ... done.
Deleting file flash:cat9k-espbase.SPA.pkg ... done.
Deleting file flash:cat9k-guestshell.SPA.pkg ... done.
Deleting file flash:cat9k-rpbase.SPA.pkg ... done.
Deleting file flash:cat9k-rpboot.SPA.pkg ... done.
Deleting file flash:cat9k-sipbase.SPA.pkg ... done.
Deleting file flash:cat9k-sipspa.SPA.pkg ... done.
Deleting file flash:cat9k-srdriver.SPA.pkg ... done.
Deleting file flash:cat9k-webui.SPA.pkg ... done.
Deleting file flash:cat9k_iosxe.16.06.01.SPA.conf ... done.
Deleting file flash:packages.conf.00- ... done.
SUCCESS: Files deleted.
[3]:
Deleting file flash:cat9k-cc_srdriver.SPA.pkg ... done.
Deleting file flash:cat9k-espbase.SPA.pkg ... done.
Deleting file flash:cat9k-guestshell.SPA.pkg ... done.
Deleting file flash:cat9k-rpbase.SPA.pkg ... done.
Deleting file flash:cat9k-rpboot.SPA.pkg ... done.
Deleting file flash:cat9k-sipbase.SPA.pkg ... done.
Deleting file flash:cat9k-sipspa.SPA.pkg ... done.
Deleting file flash:cat9k-srdriver.SPA.pkg ... done.
Deleting file flash:cat9k-webui.SPA.pkg ... done.
Deleting file flash:cat9k_iosxe.16.06.01.SPA.conf ... done.
Deleting file flash:packages.conf.00- ... done.
SUCCESS: Files deleted
The following sample output displays the cleaning up of unused files, by using the install remove inactive command, for upgrade scenario Cisco IOS XE Amsterdam 17.1.1 to Cisco IOS XE Amsterdam 17.2.1:
Switch# install remove inactive
install_remove: START Tue Mar 17 19:51:48 UTC 2020
Cleaning up unnecessary package files
Scanning boot directory for packages ... done.
Preparing packages list to delete ...
done.
The following files will be deleted:
[switch 1]:
/flash/cat9k-cc_srdriver.17.01.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-espbase.17.01.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-guestshell.17.01.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-rpbase.17.01.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-rpboot.17.01.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-sipbase.17.01.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-sipspa.17.01.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-srdriver.17.01.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-webui.17.01.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-wlc.17.01.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/packages.conf
 
Do you want to remove the above files? [y/n]y
[switch 1]:
Deleting file flash:cat9k-cc_srdriver.17.01.01.SPA.pkg ... done.
Deleting file flash:cat9k-espbase.17.01.01.SPA.pkg ... done.
Deleting file flash:cat9k-guestshell.17.01.01.SPA.pkg ... done.
Deleting file flash:cat9k-rpbase.17.01.01.SPA.pkg ... done.
Deleting file flash:cat9k-rpboot.17.01.01.SPA.pkg ... done.
Deleting file flash:cat9k-sipbase.17.01.01.SPA.pkg ... done.
Deleting file flash:cat9k-sipspa.17.01.01.SPA.pkg ... done.
Deleting file flash:cat9k-srdriver.17.01.01.SPA.pkg ... done.
Deleting file flash:cat9k-webui.17.01.01.SPA.pkg ... done.
Deleting file flash:cat9k-wlc.17.01.01.SPA.pkg ... done.
Deleting file flash:packages.conf ... done.
SUCCESS: Files deleted.
--- Starting Post_Remove_Cleanup ---
Performing Post_Remove_Cleanup on all members
[1] Post_Remove_Cleanup package(s) on switch 1
[1] Finished Post_Remove_Cleanup on switch 1
Checking status of Post_Remove_Cleanup on [1]
Post_Remove_Cleanup: Passed on [1]
Finished Post_Remove_Cleanup
 
SUCCESS: install_remove Tue Mar 17 19:52:25 UTC 2020
Switch#

Step 2

Copy new image to flash

  1. copy tftp: flash:

    Use this command to copy the new image to flash: (or skip this step if you want to use the new image from your TFTP server)
    Switch# copy tftp://10.8.0.6//cat9k_iosxe.17.02.01.SPA.bin flash:
destination filename [cat9k_iosxe.17.02.01.SPA.bin]?
Accessing tftp://10.8.0.6//cat9k_iosxe.17.02.01.SPA.bin...
Loading /cat9k_iosxe.17.02.01.SPA.bin from 10.8.0.6 (via GigabitEthernet0/0): 
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
[OK - 601216545 bytes]
 
601216545 bytes copied in 50.649 secs (11870255 bytes/sec)

  2. dir flash:

    Use this command to confirm that the image has been successfully copied to flash. 
    Switch# dir flash:*.bin
Directory of flash:/*.bin
 
Directory of flash:/
 
434184 -rw- 601216545 Mar 17 2020 10:18:11 -07:00 cat9k_iosxe.17.02.01.SPA.bin
11353194496 bytes total (8976625664 bytes free)

Step 3

Set boot variable

  1. boot system flash:packages.conf

    Use this command to set the boot variable to flash:packages.conf . 

    Switch(config)# boot system flash:packages.conf
Switch(config)# exit

  2. write memory

    Use this command to save boot settings.

    Switch# write memory

  3. show boot system

    Use this command to verify the boot variable is set to flash:packages.conf .

    The output should display BOOT variable = flash:packages.conf . 

    Switch# show boot system

Step 4

Software install image to flash

  • request platform software package install
  • install add file activate commit

You can point to the source image on your TFTP server or in flash if you have it copied to flash. We recommend copying the image to a TFTP server or the flash drive of the active switch. If you point to an image on the flash or USB drive of a member switch (instead of the active), you must specify the exact flash or USB drive - otherwise installation fails. For example, if the image is on the flash drive of member switch 3 (flash-3): Switch# request platform software package install switch all file flash-3:cat9k_iosxe.17.02.01.SPA.bin auto-copy.

The following sample output displays installation of the Cisco IOS XE Amsterdam 17.2.1 software image to flash, by using the request platform software package install command, for upgrade scenario Cisco IOS XE Everest 16.6.1 to Cisco IOS XE Amsterdam 17.2.1. 

Switch# request platform software package install switch all file flash:cat9k_iosxe.17.02.01.SPA.bin auto-copy
 
--- Starting install local lock acquisition on switch 1 ---
Finished install local lock acquisition on switch 1
 
Expanding image file: flash:cat9k_iosxe.17.02.01.SPA.bin
[1]: Copying flash:cat9k_iosxe.17.02.01.SPA.bin from switch 1 to switch 2 3
[2 3]: Finished copying to switch 2 3
[1 2 3]: Expanding file
[1 2 3]: Finished expanding all-in-one software package in switch 1 2 3
SUCCESS: Finished expanding all-in-one software package.
[1 2 3]: Performing install
SUCCESS: install finished
[1]: install package(s) on switch 1
--- Starting list of software package changes ---
Old files list:
Removed cat9k-cc_srdriver.16.06.01.SPA.pkg
Removed cat9k-espbase.16.06.01.SPA.pkg
Removed cat9k-guestshell.16.06.01.SPA.pkg
Removed cat9k-rpbase.16.06.01.SPA.pkg
Removed cat9k-rpboot.16.06.01.SPA.pkg
Removed cat9k-sipbase.16.06.01.SPA.pkg
Removed cat9k-sipspa.16.06.01.SPA.pkg
Removed cat9k-srdriver.16.06.01.SPA.pkg
Removed cat9k-webui.16.06.01.SPA.pkg
Removed cat9k-wlc.16.06.01.SPA.pkg
New files list:
Added cat9k-cc_srdriver.17.02.01.SPA.pkg
Added cat9k-espbase.17.02.01.SPA.pkg
Added cat9k-guestshell.17.02.01.SPA.pkg
Added cat9k-rpbase.17.02.01.SPA.pkg
Added cat9k-rpboot.17.02.01.SPA.pkg
Added cat9k-sipbase.17.02.01.SPA.pkg
Added cat9k-sipspa.17.02.01.SPA.pkg
Added cat9k-srdriver.17.02.01.SPA.pkg
Added cat9k-webui.17.02.01.SPA.pkg
Added cat9k-wlc.17.02.01.SPA.pkg
Finished list of software package changes
SUCCESS: Software provisioned. New software will load on reboot.
[1]: Finished install successful on switch 1
[2]: install package(s) on switch 2
--- Starting list of software package changes ---
Old files list:
Removed cat9k-cc_srdriver.16.06.01.SPA.pkg
Removed cat9k-espbase.16.06.01.SPA.pkg
Removed cat9k-guestshell.16.06.01.SPA.pkg
Removed cat9k-rpbase.16.06.01.SPA.pkg
Removed cat9k-rpboot.16.06.01.SPA.pkg
Removed cat9k-sipbase.16.06.01.SPA.pkg
Removed cat9k-sipspa.16.06.01.SPA.pkg
Removed cat9k-srdriver.16.06.01.SPA.pkg
Removed cat9k-webui.16.06.01.SPA.pkg
Removed cat9k-wlc.16.06.01.SPA.pkg
New files list:
Added cat9k-cc_srdriver.17.02.01.SPA.pkg
Added cat9k-espbase.17.02.01.SPA.pkg
Added cat9k-guestshell.17.02.01.SPA.pkg
Added cat9k-rpbase.17.02.01.SPA.pkg
Added cat9k-rpboot.17.02.01.SPA.pkg
Added cat9k-sipbase.17.02.01.SPA.pkg
Added cat9k-sipspa.17.02.01.SPA.pkg
Added cat9k-srdriver.17.02.01.SPA.pkg
Added cat9k-webui.17.02.01.SPA.pkg
Added cat9k-wlc.17.02.01.SPA.pkg
Finished list of software package changes
SUCCESS: Software provisioned. New software will load on reboot.
[2]: Finished install successful on switch 2
[3]: install package(s) on switch 3
--- Starting list of software package changes ---
Old files list:
Removed cat9k-cc_srdriver.16.06.01.SPA.pkg
Removed cat9k-espbase.16.06.01.SPA.pkg
Removed cat9k-guestshell.16.06.01.SPA.pkg
Removed cat9k-rpbase.16.06.01.SPA.pkg
Removed cat9k-rpboot.16.06.01.SPA.pkg
Removed cat9k-sipbase.16.06.01.SPA.pkg
Removed cat9k-sipspa.16.06.01.SPA.pkg
Removed cat9k-srdriver.16.06.01.SPA.pkg
Removed cat9k-webui.16.06.01.SPA.pkg
Removed cat9k-wlc.16.06.01.SPA.pkg
New files list:
Added cat9k-cc_srdriver.17.02.01.SPA.pkg
Added cat9k-espbase.17.02.01.SPA.pkg
Added cat9k-guestshell.17.02.01.SPA.pkg
Added cat9k-rpbase.17.02.01.SPA.pkg
Added cat9k-rpboot.17.02.01.SPA.pkg
Added cat9k-sipbase.17.02.01.SPA.pkg
Added cat9k-sipspa.17.02.01.SPA.pkg
Added cat9k-srdriver.17.02.01.SPA.pkg
Added cat9k-webui.17.02.01.SPA.pkg
Added cat9k-wlc.17.02.01.SPA.pkg
Finished list of software package changes
SUCCESS: Software provisioned. New software will load on reboot.
[3]: Finished install successful on switch 3
Checking status of install on [1 2 3]
[1 2 3]: Finished install in switch 1 2 3
SUCCESS: Finished install: Success on [1 2 3]

Note

 
Old files listed in the logs are not removed from flash.
The following sample output displays installation of the Cisco IOS XE Amsterdam 17.2.1 software image to flash, by using the install add file activate commit command, for upgrade scenario Cisco IOS XE Amsterdam 17.1.1 to Cisco IOS XE Amsterdam 17.2.1: 
Switch# install add file flash:cat9k_iosxe.17.02.01.SPA.bin activate commit
 
install_add_activate_commit: START Tue Mar 17 19:54:51 UTC 2018
 
System configuration has been modified.
Press Yes(y) to save the configuration and proceed.
Press No(n) for proceeding without saving the configuration.
Press Quit(q) to exit, you may save configuration and re-enter the command. [y/n/q]y 
Building configuration...
 
[OK]Modified configuration has been saved
 
*Mar 17 19:54:55.633: %IOSXE-5-PLATFORM: Switch 1 R0/0: Mar 17 19:54:55 install_engine.sh: 
%INSTALL-5-INSTALL_START_INFO: Started install one-shot flash:cat9k_iosxe.17.02.01.SPA.bininstall_add_activate_commit: Adding PACKAGE
 
This operation requires a reload of the system. Do you want to proceed?
Please confirm you have changed boot config to flash:packages.conf [y/n]y
 
--- Starting initial file syncing ---
Info: Finished copying flash:cat9k_iosxe.17.02.01.SPA.bin to the selected switch(es)
Finished initial file syncing
 
--- Starting Add ---
Performing Add on all members
[1] Add package(s) on switch 1
[1] Finished Add on switch 1
Checking status of Add on [1]
Add: Passed on [1]
Finished Add
 
install_add_activate_commit: Activating PACKAGE
Following packages shall be activated:
/flash/cat9k-wlc.17.02.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-webui.17.02.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-srdriver.17.02.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-sipspa.17.02.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-sipbase.17.02.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-rpboot.17.02.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-rpbase.17.02.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-guestshell.17.02.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-espbase.17.02.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-cc_srdriver.17.02.01.SPA.pkg
 
This operation requires a reload of the system. Do you want to proceed? [y/n]y
--- Starting Activate ---
Performing Activate on all members
[1] Activate package(s) on switch 1
[1] Finished Activate on switch 1
Checking status of Activate on [1]
Activate: Passed on [1]
Finished Activate
 
--- Starting Commit ---
Performing Commit on all members
 
*Mar 17 19:57:41.145: %IOSXE-5-PLATFORM: Switch 1 R0/0: Mar 17 19:57:41 rollback_timer.sh: 
%INSTALL-5-INSTALL_AUTO_ABORT_TIMER_PROGRESS: Install auto abort timer will expire in 7200 seconds [1] Commit package(s) on switch 1
[1] Finished Commit on switch 1
Checking status of Commit on [1]
Commit: Passed on [1]
Finished Commit
 
Install will reload the system now!
SUCCESS: install_add_activate_commit Tue Mar 17 19:57:48 UTC 2020
Switch#

Note

 
The system reloads automatically after executing the install add file activate commit command. You do not have to manually reload the system.

Step 5

dir flash:

After the software has been successfully installed, use this command to verify that the flash partition has ten new .pkg files and two .conf files.

The following is sample output of the dir flash: command for upgrade scenario Cisco IOS XE Everest 16.6.1 to Cisco IOS XE Amsterdam 17.2.1:
Switch# dir flash:*.pkg
 
Directory of flash:/*.pkg
Directory of flash:/
475140 -rw- 2012104   Jul 26 2017 09:52:41 -07:00 cat9k-cc_srdriver.16.06.01.SPA.pkg
475141 -rw- 70333380  Jul 26 2017 09:52:44 -07:00 cat9k-espbase.16.06.01.SPA.pkg
475142 -rw- 13256     Jul 26 2017 09:52:44 -07:00 cat9k-guestshell.16.06.01.SPA.pkg
475143 -rw- 349635524 Jul 26 2017 09:52:54 -07:00 cat9k-rpbase.16.06.01.SPA.pkg
475149 -rw- 24248187  Jul 26 2017 09:53:02 -07:00 cat9k-rpboot.16.06.01.SPA.pkg
475144 -rw- 25285572  Jul 26 2017 09:52:55 -07:00 cat9k-sipbase.16.06.01.SPA.pkg
475145 -rw- 20947908  Jul 26 2017 09:52:55 -07:00 cat9k-sipspa.16.06.01.SPA.pkg
475146 -rw- 2962372   Jul 26 2017 09:52:56 -07:00 cat9k-srdriver.16.06.01.SPA.pkg
475147 -rw- 13284288  Jul 26 2017 09:52:56 -07:00 cat9k-webui.16.06.01.SPA.pkg
475148 -rw- 13248     Jul 26 2017 09:52:56 -07:00 cat9k-wlc.16.06.01.SPA.pkg

491524 -rw- 25711568  Mar 17 2020 11:49:33 -07:00 cat9k-cc_srdriver.17.02.01.SPA.pkg
491525 -rw- 78484428  Mar 17 2020 11:49:35 -07:00 cat9k-espbase.17.02.01.SPA.pkg
491526 -rw- 1598412   Mar 17 2020 11:49:35 -07:00 cat9k-guestshell.17.02.01.SPA.pkg
491527 -rw- 404153288 Mar 17 2020 11:49:47 -07:00 cat9k-rpbase.17.02.01.SPA.pkg
491533 -rw- 31657374  Mar 17 2020 11:50:09 -07:00 cat9k-rpboot.17.02.01.SPA.pkg
491528 -rw- 27681740  Mar 17 2020 11:49:48 -07:00 cat9k-sipbase.17.02.01.SPA.pkg
491529 -rw- 52224968  Mar 17 2020 11:49:49 -07:00 cat9k-sipspa.17.02.01.SPA.pkg
491530 -rw- 31130572  Mar 17 2020 11:49:50 -07:00 cat9k-srdriver.17.02.01.SPA.pkg
491531 -rw- 14783432  Mar 17 2020 11:49:51 -07:00 cat9k-webui.17.02.01.SPA.pkg
491532 -rw- 9160      Mar 17 2020 11:49:51 -07:00 cat9k-wlc.17.02.01.SPA.pkg

11353194496 bytes total (8963174400 bytes free)
The following is sample output of the dir flash: command for the Cisco IOS XE Amsterdam 17.1.1 to Cisco IOS XE Amsterdam 17.2.1 upgrade scenario: 
Switch# dir flash:*.pkg
 
Directory of flash:/
475140 -rw- 2012104   Nov 26 2019 09:52:41 -07:00 cat9k-cc_srdriver.17.01.01.SPA.pkg
475141 -rw- 70333380  Nov 26 2019 09:52:44 -07:00 cat9k-espbase.17.01.01.SPA.pkg
475142 -rw- 13256     Nov 26 2019 09:52:44 -07:00 cat9k-guestshell.17.01.01.SPA.pkg
475143 -rw- 349635524 Nov 26 2019 09:52:54 -07:00 cat9k-rpbase.17.01.01.SPA.pkg
475149 -rw- 24248187  Nov 26 2019 09:53:02 -07:00 cat9k-rpboot.17.01.01.SPA.pkg
475144 -rw- 25285572  Nov 26 2019 09:52:55 -07:00 cat9k-sipbase.17.01.01.SPA.pkg
475145 -rw- 20947908  Nov 26 2019 09:52:55 -07:00 cat9k-sipspa.17.01.01.SPA.pkg
475146 -rw- 2962372   Nov 26 2019 09:52:56 -07:00 cat9k-srdriver.17.01.01.SPA.pkg
475147 -rw- 13284288  Nov 26 2019 09:52:56 -07:00 cat9k-webui.17.01.01.SPA.pkg
475148 -rw- 13248     Nov 26 2019 09:52:56 -07:00 cat9k-wlc.17.01.01.SPA.pkg

491524 -rw- 25711568  Mar 17 2020 11:49:33 -07:00 cat9k-cc_srdriver.17.02.01.SPA.pkg
491525 -rw- 78484428  Mar 17 2020 11:49:35 -07:00 cat9k-espbase.17.02.01.SPA.pkg
491526 -rw- 1598412   Mar 17 2020 11:49:35 -07:00 cat9k-guestshell.17.02.01.SPA.pkg
491527 -rw- 404153288 Mar 17 2020 11:49:47 -07:00 cat9k-rpbase.17.02.01.SPA.pkg
491533 -rw- 31657374  Mar 17 2020 11:50:09 -07:00 cat9k-rpboot.17.02.01.SPA.pkg
491528 -rw- 27681740  Mar 17 2020 11:49:48 -07:00 cat9k-sipbase.17.02.01.SPA.pkg
491529 -rw- 52224968  Mar 17 2020 11:49:49 -07:00 cat9k-sipspa.17.02.01.SPA.pkg
491530 -rw- 31130572  Mar 17 2020 11:49:50 -07:00 cat9k-srdriver.17.02.01.SPA.pkg
491531 -rw- 14783432  Mar 17 2020 11:49:51 -07:00 cat9k-webui.17.02.01.SPA.pkg
491532 -rw- 9160      Mar 17 2020 11:49:51 -07:00 cat9k-wlc.17.02.01.SPA.pkg
11353194496 bytes total (9544245248 bytes free)
Switch#

The following sample output displays the .conf files in the flash partition; note the two .conf files:

  • packages.conf—the file that has been re-written with the newly installed .pkg files

  • cat9k_iosxe.17.02.01.SPA.conf— a backup copy of the newly installed packages.conf file 

Switch# dir flash:*.conf
 
Directory of flash:/*.conf
Directory of flash:/

434197 -rw- 7406 Mar 17 2020 10:59:16 -07:00 packages.conf
516098 -rw- 7406 Mar 17 2020 10:58:08 -07:00 cat9k_iosxe.17.02.01.SPA.conf
11353194496 bytes total (8963174400 bytes free)

Step 6

Upgrade the ROMMON

  • upgrade rom-monitor capsule golden switch (Applies to all models in the series)
  • upgrade rom-monitor capsule primary switch (Applies only to the C9500-12Q, C9500-16X, C9500-24Q, C9500-40X models in the series)

Use this command to upgrade the ROMMON version. On the C9500-12Q, C9500-16X, C9500-24Q, C9500-40X models, configure both commands.

For more information about this, see Upgrading the ROMMON in this document.

After you enter the command, confirm upgrade at the system prompt.


Switch# upgrade rom-monitor capsule golden switch active R0 
This operation will reload the switch and take a few minutes to complete. Do you want to proceed (y/n)? [confirm]y
Switch#
Initializing Hardware...
<output truncated>

Step 7

Reload

  1. reload

    Use this command to reload the switch. 

    Switch# reload

  2. boot flash:

    If your switches are configured with auto boot, then the stack will automatically boot up with the new image. If not, you can manually boot flash:packages.conf
    Switch: boot flash:packages.conf

  3. show version

    After the image boots up, use this command to verify the version of the new image.

    Note

     

    When you boot the new image, the boot loader is automatically updated, but the new bootloader version is not displayed in the output until the next reload.

    The following sample output of the show version command displays the Cisco IOS XE Amsterdam 17.2.1 image on the device:
    Switch# show version
Cisco IOS XE Software, Version 17.02.01
Cisco IOS Software [Amsterdam], Catalyst L3 Switch Software (CAT9K_IOSXE), Version 17.2.1, RELEASE SOFTWARE (fc1)
Technical Support: http://www.cisco.com/techsupport
Copyright (c) 1986-2020 by Cisco Systems, Inc.
<output truncated>

Downgrading in Install Mode

Follow these instructions to downgrade from one release to another, in install mode. To perform a software image downgrade, you must be booted into IOS through boot flash:packages.conf .

Before you begin

Note that you can use this procedure for the following downgrade scenarios:

When downgrading from ...

Use these commands...

To downgrade to...

Cisco IOS XE Amsterdam 17.2.1

  • On Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series Switches, either install commands or request platform software commands

  • On Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series Switches - High Performance, install commands

Cisco IOS XE Amsterdam 17.1.x or an earlier release.

The sample output in this section shows downgrade from Cisco IOS XE Amsterdam 17.2.1 to Cisco IOS XE Amsterdam 17.1.1, using install commands.

Procedure

Step 1

Clean Up

Ensure that you have at least 1GB of space in flash to expand a new image. Clean up old installation files in case of insufficient space.

  • request platform software package clean
  • install remove inactive
The following sample output displays the cleaning up of Cisco IOS XE Amsterdam 17.1.1 files using the install remove inactive command:
Switch# install remove inactive
 
install_remove: START Tue Mar 17 19:51:48 UTC 2020
Cleaning up unnecessary package files
Scanning boot directory for packages ... done.
Preparing packages list to delete ...
done.
 
The following files will be deleted:
[switch 1]:
/flash/cat9k-cc_srdriver.17.02.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-espbase.17.02.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-guestshell.17.02.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-rpbase.17.02.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-rpboot.17.02.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-sipbase.17.02.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-sipspa.17.02.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-srdriver.17.02.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-webui.17.02.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-wlc.17.02.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/packages.conf
 
Do you want to remove the above files? [y/n]y
[switch 1]:
Deleting file flash:cat9k-cc_srdriver.17.02.01.SPA.pkg ... done.
Deleting file flash:cat9k-espbase.17.02.01.SPA.pkg ... done.
Deleting file flash:cat9k-guestshell.17.02.01.SPA.pkg ... done.
Deleting file flash:cat9k-rpbase.17.02.01.SPA.pkg ... done.
Deleting file flash:cat9k-rpboot.17.02.01.SPA.pkg ... done.
Deleting file flash:cat9k-sipbase.17.02.01.SPA.pkg ... done.
Deleting file flash:cat9k-sipspa.17.02.01.SPA.pkg ... done.
Deleting file flash:cat9k-srdriver.17.02.01.SPA.pkg ... done.
Deleting file flash:cat9k-webui.17.02.01.SPA.pkg ... done.
Deleting file flash:cat9k-wlc.17.02.01.SPA.pkg ... done.
Deleting file flash:packages.conf ... done.
SUCCESS: Files deleted.

--- Starting Post_Remove_Cleanup ---
Performing Post_Remove_Cleanup on all members
[1] Post_Remove_Cleanup package(s) on switch 1
[1] Finished Post_Remove_Cleanup on switch 1
Checking status of Post_Remove_Cleanup on [1]
Post_Remove_Cleanup: Passed on [1]
Finished Post_Remove_Cleanup
 
SUCCESS: install_remove Tue Mar 17 19:52:25 UTC 2020
Switch#

Step 2

Copy new image to flash

  1. copy tftp: flash:

    Use this command to copy the new image to flash: (or skip this step if you want to use the new image from your TFTP server)

    Switch# copy tftp://10.8.0.6//cat9k_iosxe.17.01.01.SPA.bin flash:
Destination filename [cat9k_iosxe.17.01.01.SPA.bin]?
Accessing tftp://10.8.0.6//cat9k_iosxe.17.01.01.SPA.bin...
Loading /cat9k_iosxe.17.01.01.SPA.bin from 10.8.0.6 (via GigabitEthernet0/0): 
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
[OK - 508584771 bytes]
508584771 bytes copied in 101.005 secs (5035244 bytes/sec)

  2. dir flash:

    Use this command to confirm that the image has been successfully copied to flash.

    Switch# dir flash:*.bin
Directory of flash:/*.bin
 
Directory of flash:/
 
434184 -rw- 508584771 Mar 17 2018 13:35:16 -07:00 cat9k_iosxe.17.01.01.SPA.bin
11353194496 bytes total (9055866880 bytes free)

Step 3

Downgrade software image

  • install add file activate commit
  • request platform software package install
The following example displays the installation of the Cisco IOS XE Gibraltar 16.12.1 software image to flash, by using the install add file activate commit command. 
Switch# install add file flash:cat9k_iosxe.17.01.01.SPA.bin activate commit
 
install_add_activate_commit: START Tue Mar 17 19:54:51 UTC 2020
 
System configuration has been modified.
Press Yes(y) to save the configuration and proceed.
Press No(n) for proceeding without saving the configuration.
Press Quit(q) to exit, you may save configuration and re-enter the command. [y/n/q]yBuilding configuration...
 
[OK]Modified configuration has been saved
 
*Mar 17 19:54:55.633: %IOSXE-5-PLATFORM: Switch 1 R0/0: Mar 17 19:54:55 install_engine.sh: %INSTALL-
5-INSTALL_START_INFO: Started install one-shot flash:cat9k_iosxe.17.01.01.SPA.bin install_add_activate_commit: Adding PACKAGE
 
This operation requires a reload of the system. Do you want to proceed?
Please confirm you have changed boot config to flash:packages.conf [y/n]y
 
--- Starting initial file syncing ---
Info: Finished copying flash:cat9k_iosxe.17.01.01.SPA.bin to the selected switch(es)
Finished initial file syncing
 
--- Starting Add ---
Performing Add on all members
[1] Add package(s) on switch 1
[1] Finished Add on switch 1
Checking status of Add on [1]
Add: Passed on [1]
Finished Add
 
install_add_activate_commit: Activating PACKAGE
Following packages shall be activated:
/flash/cat9k-wlc.17.01.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-webui.17.01.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-srdriver.17.01.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-sipspa.17.01.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-sipbase.17.01.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-rpboot.17.01.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-rpbase.17.01.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-guestshell.17.01.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-espbase.17.01.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-cc_srdriver.17.01.01.SPA.pkg
 
This operation requires a reload of the system. Do you want to proceed? [y/n]y
--- Starting Activate ---
Performing Activate on all members
[1] Activate package(s) on switch 1
[1] Finished Activate on switch 1
Checking status of Activate on [1]
Activate: Passed on [1]
Finished Activate
 
--- Starting Commit ---
Performing Commit on all members
 
*Mar 17 19:57:41.145: %IOSXE-5-PLATFORM: Switch 1 R0/0: Mar 17 19:57:41 rollback_timer.sh: %INSTALL-
5-INSTALL_AUTO_ABORT_TIMER_PROGRESS: Install auto abort timer will expire in 7200 seconds [1] Commit package(s) on switch 1
[1] Finished Commit on switch 1
Checking status of Commit on [1]
Commit: Passed on [1]
Finished Commit
 
Install will reload the system now!
SUCCESS: install_add_activate_commit Tue Mar 17 19:57:48 UTC 2020
Switch#

Note

 
The system reloads automatically after executing the install add file activate commit command. You do not have to manually reload the system.

Step 4

Reload

  1. reload

    Use this command to reload the switch. 

    Switch# reload

  2. boot flash:

    If your switches are configured with auto boot, then the stack will automatically boot up with the new image. If not, you can manually boot flash:packages.conf
    Switch: boot flash:packages.conf

    Note

     
    When you downgrade the software image, the boot loader will not automatically downgrade. It will remain updated.

  3. show version

    After the image boots up, use this command to verify the version of the new image.

    Note

     
    When you boot the new image, the boot loader is automatically updated, but the new bootloader version is not displayed in the output until the next reload.
    The following sample output of the show version command displays the Cisco IOS XE Amsterdam 17.1.1 image on the device:
    Switch# show version
Cisco IOS XE Software, Version 17.01.01
Cisco IOS Software [Amsterdam], Catalyst L3 Switch Software (CAT9K_IOSXE), Version 17.1.1, RELEASE SOFTWARE (fc1)
Technical Support: http://www.cisco.com/techsupport
Copyright (c) 1986-2020 by Cisco Systems, Inc.
<output truncated>

Licensing

This section provides information about the licensing packages for features available on Cisco Catalyst 9000 Series Switches.

License Levels

The software features available on Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series Switches and Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series Switches - High Performance fall under these base or add-on license levels.

Base Licenses

  • Network Essentials

  • Network Advantage—Includes features available with the Network Essentials license and more.

Add-On Licenses

Add-On Licenses require a Network Essentials or Network Advantage as a pre-requisite. The features available with add-on license levels provide Cisco innovations on the switch, as well as on the Cisco Digital Network Architecture Center (Cisco DNA Center).

  • DNA Essentials

  • DNA Advantage— Includes features available with the DNA Essentials license and more.

To find information about platform support and to know which license levels a feature is available with, use Cisco Feature Navigator. To access Cisco Feature Navigator, go to https://cfnng.cisco.com. An account on cisco.com is not required.

License Types

The following license types are available:

  • Permanent—for a license level, and without an expiration date.

  • Term—for a license level, and for a three, five, or seven year period.

  • Evaluation—a license that is not registered.

License Levels - Usage Guidelines

  • Base licenses (Network Essentials and Network-Advantage) are ordered and fulfilled only with a permanent license type.

  • Add-on licenses (DNA Essentials and DNA Advantage) are ordered and fulfilled only with a term license type.

  • An add-on license level is included when you choose a network license level. If you use DNA features, renew the license before term expiry, to continue using it, or deactivate the add-on license and then reload the switch to continue operating with the base license capabilities.

  • When ordering an add-on license with a base license, note the combinations that are permitted and those that are not permitted:

    Table 5. Permitted Combinations

    DNA Essentials

    DNA Advantage

    Network Essentials

    Yes

    No

    Network Advantage

    Yes5

    Yes
    5 You will be able to purchase this combination only at the time of the DNA license renewal and not when you purchase DNA-Essentials the first time.

  • Evaluation licenses cannot be ordered. They are not tracked via Cisco Smart Software Manager and expire after a 90-day period. Evaluation licenses can be used only once on the switch and cannot be regenerated. Warning system messages about an evaluation license expiry are generated only 275 days after expiration and every week thereafter. An expired evaluation license cannot be reactivated after reload. This applies only to Smart Licensing. The notion of evaluation licenses does not apply to Smart Licensing Using Policy.

Cisco Smart Licensing

Cisco Smart Licensing is a flexible licensing model that provides you with an easier, faster, and more consistent way to purchase and manage software across the Cisco portfolio and across your organization. And it’s secure – you control what users can access. With Smart Licensing you get:

  • Easy Activation: Smart Licensing establishes a pool of software licenses that can be used across the entire organization—no more PAKs (Product Activation Keys).

  • Unified Management: My Cisco Entitlements (MCE) provides a complete view into all of your Cisco products and services in an easy-to-use portal, so you always know what you have and what you are using.

  • License Flexibility: Your software is not node-locked to your hardware, so you can easily use and transfer licenses as needed.

To use Smart Licensing, you must first set up a Smart Account on Cisco Software Central (http://software.cisco.com).


Important
Cisco Smart Licensing is the default and the only available method to manage licenses.

For a more detailed overview on Cisco Licensing, go to cisco.com/go/licensingguide.

Deploying Smart Licensing

The following provides a process overview of a day 0 to day N deployment directly initiated from a device that is running Cisco IOS XE Fuji 16.9.1 or later releases. Links to the configuration guide provide detailed information to help you complete each one of the smaller tasks.

Procedure

Step 1

Begin by establishing a connection from your network to Cisco Smart Software Manager on cisco.com.

In the software configuration guide of the required release, see System Management → Configuring Smart Licensing → Connecting to CSSM

Step 2

Create and activate your Smart Account, or login if you already have one.

To create and activate Smart Account, go to Cisco Software Central → Create Smart Accounts. Only authorized users can activate the Smart Account.

Step 3

Complete the Cisco Smart Software Manager set up.

  1. Accept the Smart Software Licensing Agreement.

  2. Set up the required number of Virtual Accounts, users and access rights for the virtual account users.

    Virtual accounts help you organize licenses by business unit, product type, IT group, and so on.

  3. Generate the registration token in the Cisco Smart Software Manager portal and register your device with the token.

    In the software configuration guide of the required release, see System Management → Configuring Smart Licensing → Registering the Device in CSSM

With this,

  • The device is now in an authorized state and ready to use.

  • The licenses that you have purchased are displayed in your Smart Account.

Using Smart Licensing on an Out-of-the-Box Device

Starting from Cisco IOS XE Fuji 16.9.1, if an out-of-the-box device has the software version factory-provisioned, all licenses on such a device remain in evaluation mode until registered in Cisco Smart Software Manager.

In the software configuration guide of the required release, see System Management → Configuring Smart Licensing → Registering the Device in CSSM

How Upgrading or Downgrading Software Affects Smart Licensing

Starting from Cisco IOS XE Fuji 16.9.1, Smart Licensing is the default and only license management solution; all licenses are managed as Smart Licenses.


Important
Starting from Cisco IOS XE Fuji 16.9.1, the Right-To-Use (RTU) licensing mode is deprecated, and the associated license right-to-use command is no longer available on the CLI.

Note how upgrading to a release that supports Smart Licensing or moving to a release that does not support Smart Licensing affects licenses on a device:

  • When you upgrade from an earlier release to one that supports Smart Licensing—all existing licenses remain in evaluation mode until registered in Cisco Smart Software Manager. After registration, they are made available in your Smart Account.

    In the software configuration guide of the required release, see System Management → Configuring Smart Licensing → Registering the Device in CSSM

  • When you downgrade to a release where Smart Licensing is not supported—all smart licenses on the device are converted to traditional licenses and all smart licensing information on the device is removed.

Limitations and Restrictions

With Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series Switches and Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series Switches - High Performance—If a feature is not supported on a switch model, you do not have to factor in any limitations or restrictons that may be listed here. If limitations or restrictions are listed for a feature that is supported, check if model numbers are specified, to know if they apply. If model numbers are not specified, the limitations or restrictons apply to all models in the series.

  • Auto negotiation

    Auto negotiation (the speed auto command) and half duplex (the duplex half command) are not supported on GLC-T or GLC-TE transceivers for 10 Mbps and 100 Mbps speeds. This applies only to the C9500-48Y4C and C9500-24Y4C models of the series.

    We recommend not changing Forward Error Correction (FEC) when auto negotiation is ON. This is applicable to 100G/40G/25G CU cables on the C9500-32C, C9500-32QC, C9500-24Y4C and C9500-48Y4C models of the series.

  • Control Plane Policing (CoPP)—The show run command does not display information about classes configured under system-cpp policy, when they are left at default values. Use the show policy-map system-cpp-policy or the show policy-map control-plane commands in privileged EXEC mode instead.

  • Cisco StackWise Virtual

    • On Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series Switches, when Cisco StackWise Virtual is configured, breakout ports using 4X10G breakout cables, or the Cisco QSFP to SFP or SFP+ Adapter (QSA) module can only be used as data ports; they cannot be used to configure StackWise Virtual links (SVLs) or dual-active detective (DAD) links.

    • On Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series Switches - High Performance,

      • When Cisco StackWise Virtual is configured, breakout ports using 4X25G or 4X10G breakout cables can only be used as data ports; they cannot be used to configure SVLs or DAD links.

      • When Cisco StackWise Virtual is configured, Cisco QSA module with 10G SFP modules can be used as data ports and to configure SVLs or DAD links.

      • When Cisco StackWise Virtual is configured, Cisco QSA module with 1G SFP modules can be used as data ports and to configure DAD links; they cannot be used to configure SVLs since SVLs are not supported on 1G interfaces.

  • Cisco TrustSec restrictions—Cisco TrustSec can be configured only on physical interfaces, not on logical interfaces.

  • Flexible NetFlow limitations

    • You cannot configure NetFlow export using the Ethernet Management port (GigabitEthernet0/0).

    • You can not configure a flow monitor on logical interfaces, such as layer 2 port-channels, loopback, tunnels.

    • You can not configure multiple flow monitors of same type (ipv4, ipv6 or datalink) on the same interface for same direction.

  • Hardware limitations:

    • Use the MODE button to switch-off the beacon LED.

    • All port LED behavior is undefined until interfaces are fully initialized.

    • 1G with Cisco QSA Module (CVR-QSFP-SFP10G) is not supported on the uplink ports of the C9500-24Y4C and C9500-48Y4C models.

    • The following limitations apply to Cisco QSA Module (CVR-QSFP-SFP10G) when Cisco 1000Base-T Copper SFP (GLC-T) or Cisco 1G Fiber SFP Module for Multimode Fiber are plugged into the QSA module:

      • 1G Fiber modules over QSA do not support autonegotiation. Auto-negotiation should be disabled on the far-end devices.

      • Although visible in the CLI, the command [no] speed nonegotiate is not supported with 1G Fiber modules over QSA.

      • Only GLC-T over QSA supports auto-negotiation.

      • GLC-T supports only port speed of 1000 Mb/s over QSA. Port speeds of 10/100-Mb/s are not supported due to hardware limitation.

    • When you use Cisco QSFP-4SFP10G-CUxM Direct-Attach Copper Cables, autonegotiation is enabled by default. If the other end of the line does not support autonegotation, the link does not come up.

    • Autonegotiation is not supported on HundredGigabitEthernet1/0/49 to HundredGigabitEthernet1/0/52 uplink ports of the C9500-48Y4C models, and HundredGigabitEthernet1/0/25 to HundredGigabitEthernet1/0/28 uplink ports of the C9500-24Y4C models. Disable autonegotiation on the peer device if you are using QSFP-H40G-CUxx and QSFP-H40G-ACUxx cables.

    • For QSFP-H100G-CUxx cables, the C9500-48Y4C and C9500-24Y4C models support the cables only if both sides of the connection are either C9500-48Y4C or C9500-24Y4C.

  • Interoperability limitations—When you use Cisco QSFP-4SFP10G-CUxM Direct-Attach Copper Cables, if one end of the 40G link is a Catalyst 9400 Series Switch and the other end is a Catalyst 9500 Series Switch, the link does not come up, or comes up on one side and stays down on the other. To avoid this interoperability issue between devices, apply the the speed nonegotiate command on the Catalyst 9500 Series Switch interface. This command disables autonegotiation and brings the link up. To restore autonegotiation, use the no speed nonegotiation command.

  • In-Service Software Upgrade (ISSU)

    • In-Service Software Upgrade (ISSU)—On Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series Switches (C9500-12Q, C9500-16X, C9500-24Q, C9500-40X), ISSU from Cisco IOS XE Fuji 16.9.x to Cisco IOS XE Gibraltar 16.10.x or to Cisco IOS XE Gibraltar 16.11.x is not supported.

    • On Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series Switches - High Performance (C9500-24Y4C, C9500-32C, C9500-32QC, and C9500-48Y4C), ISSU with Cisco StackWise Virtual is supported only starting from Cisco IOS XE Gibraltar 16.12.1. Therefore, ISSU upgrades can be performed only starting from this release to a later release.

    • While ISSU allows you to perform upgrades with zero downtime, we recommend you to do so during a maintenance window only.

    • If a new feature introduced in a software release requires a change in configuration, the feature should not be enabled during ISSU.

    • If a feature is not available in the downgraded version of a software image, the feature should be disabled before initiating ISSU.

  • QoS restrictions

    • When configuring QoS queuing policy, the sum of the queuing buffer should not exceed 100%.

    • For QoS policies, only switched virtual interfaces (SVI) are supported for logical interfaces.

    • QoS policies are not supported for port-channel interfaces, tunnel interfaces, and other logical interfaces.

  • Secure Shell (SSH)

    • Use SSH Version 2. SSH Version 1 is not supported.

    • When the device is running SCP and SSH cryptographic operations, expect high CPU until the SCP read process is completed. SCP supports file transfers between hosts on a network and uses SSH for the transfer.

      Since SCP and SSH operations are currently not supported on the hardware crypto engine, running encryption and decryption process in software causes high CPU. The SCP and SSH processes can show as much as 40 or 50 percent CPU usage, but they do not cause the device to shutdown.

  • TACACS legacy command: Do not configure the legacy tacacs-server host command; this command is deprecated. If the software version running on your device is Cisco IOS XE Gibraltar 16.12.2 or a later release, using the legacy command can cause authentication failures. Use the tacacs server command in global configuration mode.

  • USB Authentication—When you connect a Cisco USB drive to the switch, the switch tries to authenticate the drive against an existing encrypted preshared key. Since the USB drive does not send a key for authentication, the following message is displayed on the console when you enter password encryption aes command:
    Device(config)# password encryption aes
Master key change notification called without new or old key

  • VLAN Restriction—It is advisable to have well-defined segregation while defining data and voice domain during switch configuration and to maintain a data VLAN different from voice VLAN across the switch stack. If the same VLAN is configured for data and voice domains on an interface, the resulting high CPU utilization might affect the device.

  • Wired Application Visibility and Control limitations:

    • NBAR2 (QoS and Protocol-discovery) configuration is allowed only on wired physical ports. It is not supported on virtual interfaces, for example, VLAN, port channel nor other logical interfaces.

    • NBAR2 based match criteria ‘match protocol’ is allowed only with marking or policing actions. NBAR2 match criteria will not be allowed in a policy that has queuing features configured.

    • ‘Match Protocol’: up to 256 concurrent different protocols in all policies.

    • NBAR2 and Legacy NetFlow cannot be configured together at the same time on the same interface. However, NBAR2 and wired AVC Flexible NetFlow can be configured together on the same interface.

    • Only IPv4 unicast (TCP/UDP) is supported.

    • AVC is not supported on management port (Gig 0/0)

    • NBAR2 attachment should be done only on physical access ports. Uplink can be attached as long as it is a single uplink and is not part of a port channel.

    • Performance—Each switch member is able to handle 500 connections per second (CPS) at less than 50% CPU utilization. Above this rate, AVC service is not guaranteed.

    • Scale—Able to handle up to 5000 bi-directional flows per 24 access ports and 10000 bi-directional flows per 48 access ports.

  • YANG data modeling limitation—A maximum of 20 simultaneous NETCONF sessions are supported.

  • Embedded Event Manager—Identity event detector is not supported on Embedded Event Manager.

  • The File System Check (fsck) utility is not supported in install mode.

Caveats

Caveats describe unexpected behavior in Cisco IOS-XE releases. Caveats listed as open in a prior release are carried forward to the next release as either open or resolved.

Cisco Bug Search Tool

The Cisco Bug Search Tool (BST) allows partners and customers to search for software bugs based on product, release, and keyword, and aggregates key data such as bug details, product, and version. The BST is designed to improve the effectiveness in network risk management and device troubleshooting. The tool has a provision to filter bugs based on credentials to provide external and internal bug views for the search input.

To view the details of a caveat, click on the identifier.

Open Caveats in Cisco IOS XE Amsterdam 17.2.x

Identifier

Applicable models

Description

CSCvs22896

All models

DHCPv6 RELAY-REPLY packet is being dropped

CSCvs84212

All models

DHCP server sends out a NAK packet during DHCP renewal process.

CSCvs97551

All models

Unable to use VLAN range 4084-4095 for any business operations

CSCvt13518

All models

QoS ACL matching incorrectly when udp range is used

Resolved Caveats in Cisco IOS XE Amsterdam 17.2.1

Identifier

Applicable Models

Description

CSCvr28169

All models

Fed crashes when show cli for btrace counters is executed

CSCvr87505

All models

Mac addr count discrepancy b/w active/standby fed post core flap / sso even when no VC discrepancy

CSCvr88090

All models

Cat3k/9k crash on running show platform software fed switch 1 fss abstraction

CSCvr98281

All models

After valid ip conflict, SVI admin down responds to GARP

CSCvs14893

All models

802.1x-MultiAuth/MultiDomain: C9K - Traffic drop in egress direction for Data-Vlan on a Auth port

CSCvs20185

All models

DAD iface not being shown under Device360 (StackWise Virtual)

CSCvr96863

Catalyst 9500

C9500 breakout interfaces on standby switch of stackwise virtual pair may remain down/down

CSCvs15521

Catalyst 9500

Incorrect interface up/down detection using QSFP-4X10G-LR-S breakout-cable

CSCvr20139

Catalyst 9500 High Performance

Packet loss and FSC/RCV Error seen when pumping with mgig IXIA card (1518-9216bytes)

CSCvr98368

Catalyst 9500 High Performance

CAT9K intermittently not responding to SNMP

Troubleshooting

For the most up-to-date, detailed troubleshooting information, see the Cisco TAC website at this URL:

https://www.cisco.com/en/US/support/index.html

Go to Product Support and select your product from the list or enter the name of your product. Look under Troubleshoot and Alerts, to find information for the problem that you are experiencing.

Related Documentation

Information about Cisco IOS XE at this URL: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/ios-nx-os-software/ios-xe/index.html

All support documentation for Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series Switches is at this URL: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/switches/catalyst-9500-series-switches/tsd-products-support-series-home.html

Cisco Validated Designs documents at this URL: https://www.cisco.com/go/designzone

To locate and download MIBs for selected platforms, Cisco IOS releases, and feature sets, use Cisco MIB Locator found at the following URL: http://www.cisco.com/go/mibs

Communications, Services, and Additional Information

  • To receive timely, relevant information from Cisco, sign up at Cisco Profile Manager.

  • To get the business impact you’re looking for with the technologies that matter, visit Cisco Services.

  • To submit a service request, visit Cisco Support.

  • To discover and browse secure, validated enterprise-class apps, products, solutions and services, visit Cisco Marketplace.

  • To obtain general networking, training, and certification titles, visit Cisco Press.

  • To find warranty information for a specific product or product family, access Cisco Warranty Finder.

Cisco Bug Search Tool

Cisco Bug Search Tool (BST) is a web-based tool that acts as a gateway to the Cisco bug tracking system that maintains a comprehensive list of defects and vulnerabilities in Cisco products and software. BST provides you with detailed defect information about your products and software.