First Published: July 31, 2019

Last Updated: September 22, 2022

Release Notes for Cisco Catalyst 9600 Series Switches, Cisco IOS XE Gibraltar 16.12.x

Introduction

Cisco Catalyst 9600 Series Switches are the next generation purpose-built 40 GigabitEthernet and 100 GigabitEthernet modular core and aggregation platform providing resiliency at scale with the industry’s most comprehensive security while allowing your business to grow at the lowest total operational cost. They have been purpose-built to address emerging trends of Security, IoT, Mobility, and Cloud.

They deliver complete convergence in terms of ASIC architecture with Unified Access Data Plane (UADP) 3.0. The platform runs an Open Cisco IOS XE that supports model driven programmability, Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) Solid State Drive (SSD) local storage, and a higher memory footprint). The series forms the foundational building block for SD-Access, which is Cisco’s lead enterprise architecture.

It also supports features that provide high availability, advanced routing and infrastructure services, security capabilities, and application visibility and control.

Whats New in Cisco IOS XE Gibraltar 16.12.8

There are no new hardware or software features in this release. For the list of open and resolved caveats in this release, see Caveats.

Whats New in Cisco IOS XE Gibraltar 16.12.7

There are no new hardware or software features in this release. For the list of open and resolved caveats in this release, see Caveats.

Whats New in Cisco IOS XE Gibraltar 16.12.6

There are no new hardware or software features in this release. For the list of open and resolved caveats in this release, see Caveats.

Whats New in Cisco IOS XE Gibraltar 16.12.5b

There are no new hardware or software features in this release. For the list of open and resolved caveats in this release, see Caveats.

Whats New in Cisco IOS XE Gibraltar 16.12.5

There are no new hardware or software features in this release. For the list of open and resolved caveats in this release, see Caveats.

Whats New in Cisco IOS XE Gibraltar 16.12.4

There are no new hardware or software features in this release. For the list of open and resolved caveats in this release, see Caveats.

Whats New in Cisco IOS XE Gibraltar 16.12.3a

There are no new hardware or software features in this release. For the list of open and resolved caveats in this release, see Caveats.

Whats New in Cisco IOS XE Gibraltar 16.12.3

There are no new hardware or software features in this release. For the list of open and resolved caveats in this release, see Caveats.

Whats New in Cisco IOS XE Gibraltar 16.12.2

Hardware Features in Cisco IOS XE Gibraltar 16.12.2

Feature Name

Description and Documentation Link

Cisco SFP Modules for Gigabit Ethernet

Supported Cisco SFP Modules for Gigabit Ethernet on C9600-LC-48YL line card are:

  • GLC-T (1G)

  • GLC-TE (1G)

  • GLC-LH-SM

  • GLC-LH-SMD

  • GLC-SX-MM

  • GLC-SX-MMD

  • GLC-EX-SMD

  • GLC-ZX-SM

  • GLC-ZX-SMD

  • GLC-BX-D

  • GLC-BX-U

  • GLC-SX-MM-RGD

  • GLC-LX-SM-RGD

  • GLC-ZX-SM-RGD

  • CWDM-SFP-xxxx

  • DWDM-SFP-xxxx

  • GLC-BX40-U-I

  • GLC-BX40-DA-I

  • GLC-BX80-D-I

  • GLC-BX80-U-I

Supported Cisco SFP Modules for Gigabit Ethernet on C9600-LC-24C line card using Cisco QSFP 40-Gigabit Ethernet to SFP+ 10G Adapter Module (CVR-QSFP-SFP10G) are:

  • GLC-T (1G)

  • GLC-TE (1G)

  • GLC-LH-SMD

  • GLC-SX-MMD

For information about a module, see the Cisco SFP Modules for Gigabit Ethernet Applications Data Sheet. For information about device compatibility, see the Transceiver Module Group (TMG) Compatibility Matrix.

Whats New in Cisco IOS XE Gibraltar 16.12.1

Hardware Features in Cisco IOS XE Gibraltar 16.12.1

Feature Name

Description and Documentation Link

Cisco 10GBASE SFP+ modules and Cisco SFP+ active optical cables

  • Supported transceiver module product numbers:

    • SFP-10G-SR-X

    • SFP-10G-LR-X

  • Supported cable product numbers:

    • SFP-H10GB-CU1-5M

    • SFP-H10GB-CU2-5M

    • SFP-H10GB-CU2M

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

Cisco 25GBASE SFP28 Modules

Supported transceiver module product number—Cisco SFP-10/25G-LR-S

For information about the module, see the Cisco 25GBASE SFP28 Modules Data Sheet and Cisco 25G Transceivers and Cables Enable 25 Gigabit Ethernet over a Fiber or Copper Cable. For information about device compatibility, see the Transceiver Module Group (TMG) Compatibility Matrix.

Cisco 40GBASE QSFP Modules

Supported transceiver module product number—QSFP-4X10G-LR-S

Note

 
Only the 40G mode is supported; the 4X10G breakout out mode is not supported.

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

Cisco 100GBASE QSFP-100G Modules

Supported cable product numbers:

  • QSFP-40/100-SRBD

    40G and 100G modes are supported.

  • QSFP-100G-ER4L-S

For information about the module, see Cisco 100GBASE QSFP-100G Modules Data Sheet. For information about device compatibility, see the Transceiver Module Group (TMG) Compatibility Matrix.

Software Features in Cisco IOS XE Gibraltar 16.12.1

Feature Name

Description, Documentation Link, and License Level Information

Autoconf Device Granularity to PID of Cisco Switch

Introduces the platform type filter option for class map and parameter map configurations. Use the map platform-type command in parameter map filter configuration mode, to set the parameter map attribute and the match platform-type command in control class-map filter configuration mode, to evaluate control classes.

See Network Management → Configuring Autoconf.

(Network Essentials and Network Advantage)

Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) Ethernet VPN (EVPN) Route Target (RT) Autonomous System Number (ASN) Rewrite

Introduces support for the rewrite-evpn-rt-asn command in address-family configuration mode. This command enables the rewrite of the ASN portion of the EVPN route target that originates from the current autonomous system, with the ASN of the target eBGP EVPN peer.

See IP Routing Commands → rewrite-evpn-rt-asn.

(Network Advantage)

Bidirectional Protocol Independent Multicast (PIM)

Introduces support for bidirectional PIM. This feature is an extension of the PIM suite of protocols that implements shared sparse trees with bidirectional data flow. In contrast to PIM-sparse mode, bidirectional PIM avoids keeping source-specific state in a router and allows trees to scale to an arbitrary number of sources.

See IP Multicast Routing → Configuring Protocol Independent Multicast (PIM).

(Network Advantage)

Cisco StackWise Virtual

Introduces support for a network system virtualization technology that pairs two switches into one virtual switch, to simplify operational efficiency with a single control and management plane.

See High Availability → Configuring Cisco StackWise Virtual.

(Network Advantage)

Cisco StackWise Virtual—Cisco QSFP to SFP or SFP+ Adapter (QSA module)

Introduces support for QSA module with Cisco StackWise Virtual.

  • Cisco QSA module with 10G SFP modules can be used as data ports and to configure StackWise Virtual links (SVLs) or Dual-Active Detection (DAD) links.

  • 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.

See High Availability → Configuring Cisco StackWise Virtual.

(Network Advantage)

Ethernet over MPLS (EoMPLS) Xconnect on Subinterfaces

Transports Ethernet traffic from a source 802.1Q VLAN to a destination 802.1Q VLAN through a single virtual circuit over an Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) network.

See Multiprotocol Label Switching → Configuring Ethernet-over-MPLS and Pseudowire Redundancy.

(Network Advantage)

High Availability support for MACsec Key Agreement (MKA)

Support for high availability for MKA sessions is introduced. MKA sessions are now SSO-aware. In the event of failure of the active switch, the standby switch takes over the existing MKA sessions in a minimally disruptive switchover.

See Security → MACsec Encryption.

(Network Advantage)

IPv4 and IPv6: Object Groups for access control lists (ACLs)

Enables you to classify users, devices, or protocols into groups and apply them to ACLs, to create access control policies for these groups. With this feature, you use object groups instead of individual IP addresses, protocols, and ports, which are used in conventional ACLs. It allows multiple access control entries (ACEs), and you can use each ACE to allow or deny an entire group of users the access to a group of servers or services.

See Security → Object Groups for ACLs.

(Network Advantage)

IPv6: Neighbor Discovery

IPv6 support is introduced for the following Neighbor Discovery features:

  • IPv6: Global IPv6 entries for unsolicited NA

  • IPv6: HA support

(Network Advantage and Network Essentials)

MPLS Layer 2 VPN over GRE

Provides a mechanism for tunneling Layer 2 MPLS packets over a non-MPLS network.

See Multiprotocol Label Switching → Configuring MPLS Layer 2 VPN over GRE.

(Network Advantage)

MPLS Subinterface Support

MPLS is now supported on Layer 3 subinterfaces.

See VLAN → Configuring Layer 3 Subinterfaces.

(Network Advantage)

MPLS Layer 3 VPN over Generic Routing Encapsulation (GRE)

Provides a mechanism for tunneling Layer 3 MPLS packets over a non-MPLS network.

See Multiprotocol Label Switching → Configuring MPLS Layer 3 VPN over GRE.

(Network Advantage)

Network Address Translation (NAT) license level change

The NAT feature is now available with the Network Advantage license.

See IP Addressing Services → Configuring Network Address Translation.

(Network Advantage)

Port Channel with Subinterface

Subinterfaces can now be created on Layer 3 port channels.

See VLAN → Configuring Layer 3 Subinterfaces.

(Network Essentials and Network Advantage)

Programmability

  • Zero-Touch Provisioning (ZTP)

  • IoX Support of Docker

  • Model-Driven Telemetry gNMI Dial-In

  • NETCONF-YANG SSH Server Support

  • YANG Data Models

The following programmability features are introduced in this release:

  • ZTP—Open Zero Touch Provisioning (ZTP) interface to allow devices to be provisioned and configured automatically, eliminating most of the manual labor involved with adding them to a network. This feature is supported on C9200 SKUs and not on c9200L SKUs.

  • Model-Driven Telemetry gNMI Dial-In—Support for telemetry subscriptions and updates over a gRPC Network Management Interface (gNMI).

  • NETCONF-YANG SSH Server Support—NETCONF-YANG supporting the use of IOS Secure Shell (SSH) public keys (RSA) to authenticate users as an alternative to password-based authentication.

  • YANG Data Models—For the list of Cisco IOS XE YANG models available with this release, navigate to: https://github.com/YangModels/yang/tree/master/vendor/cisco/xe/16121.

    Some of the models introduced in this release are not backward compatible. For the complete list, navigate to: https://github.com/YangModels/yang/tree/master/vendor/cisco/xe/16121/BIC.

    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 changes that have been made in the release.

See Programmability.

(Network Essentials and Network Advantage)

Seamless MPLS

Integrates multiple networks into a single MPLS domain. It removes the need for service-specific configurations in network transport nodes.

See Multiprotocol Label Switching → Configuring Seamless MPLS.

(Network Advantage)

Simplified Factory Reset for Removable Storage

Performing a factory reset now also erases the contents of removable storage devices such as Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA), Solid State Drive (SSD), and USB.

See System Management → Performing Factory Reset.

(Network Advantage)

Source Group Tag (SGT), Destination Group Tag (DGT) over FNF for IPv6 traffic

Introduces support for SGT and DGT fields over FNF, for IPv6 traffic.

See Network Management → Configuring Flexible NetFlow.

(Network Advantage)

VPN Routing and Forwarding-aware Policy Based Routing (VRF-aware PBR)

The PBR feature is now VRF-aware and can be configured on VRF lite interfaces. You can enable policy based routing of packets for a VRF instance.

See IP Routing → Configuring VRF aware PBR.

(Network Advantage)

New on the Web UI

  • 802.1X Port-Based Authentication

  • Audio Video Bridging

Use the WebUI for:

  • 802.1X Port-Based Authentication—Supports IEEE 802.1X authentication configuration at the interface level. This type of access control and authentication protocol restricts unauthorized clients from connecting to a LAN through publicly accessible ports

  • Audio Video Bridging—Supports configuration and monitoring of Ethernet based audio/video deployments using the IEEE 802.1BA standard. This enables low latency and high dedicated bandwidth for time-sensitive audio and video streams for a professional grade experience.

Important Notes

Unsupported Features

  • Breakout Cables

  • Cisco Application Visibility and Control (AVC)

  • IPsec VPN

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

  • Programmability (Cisco Plug-in for OpenFlow 1.3, Third-Party Application Hosting)

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.

Accessing Hidden Commands

This section provides information about hidden commands in Cisco IOS XE and the security measures in place, when they are accessed. Hidden commands are meant to assist Cisco TAC in advanced troubleshooting and are therefore not documented. For more information about CLI help, see the Using the Command-Line Interface → Understanding the Help System chapter of the Command Reference document.

Hidden commands are available under:

  • Category 1—Hidden commands in privileged or User EXEC mode. Begin by entering the service internal command to access these commands.

  • Category 2—Hidden commands in one of the configuration modes (global, interface and so on). These commands do not require the service internal command.

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

  • The commands have CLI help. Entering enter a question mark (?) at the system prompt displays 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 the command is used. For 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 category 1 and 2, there remain internal commands displayed on the CLI, for which the system does NOT generate the %PARSER-5-HIDDEN syslog message.


Important

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

If you find that you are using 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 non-hidden commands.

Default Behaviour

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).

Supported Hardware

Cisco Catalyst 9600 Series Switches—Model Numbers

The following table lists the supported switch models. For information about the available license levels, see section License Levels.

Switch Model

(append with “=” for spares)

Description

C9606R

Cisco Catalyst 9606R Switch

  • Redundant supervisor module capability

  • Four linecard slots

  • Hot-swappable fan tray, front and rear serviceable, fan tray assembly with 9 fans.

  • Four power supply module slots

Supported Hardware on Cisco Catalyst 9600 Series Switches

Product ID

(append with “=” for spares)

Description

Supervisor Modules

C9600-SUP-1

Cisco Catalyst 9600 Series Supervisor 1 Module

This supervisor module is supported on the C9606R chassis.

SATA1 SSD2 Modules (for the Supervisor)

C9K-F2-SSD-240GB

Cisco Catalyst 9600 Series 240GB SSD Storage

C9K-F2-SSD-480GB

Cisco Catalyst 9600 Series 480GB SSD Storage

C9K-F2-SSD-960GB

Cisco Catalyst 9600 Series 960GB SSD Storage

40 or 100 GigabitEthernet Line Cards

C9600-LC-24C

Cisco Catalyst 9600 Series 24-Port 40GE/12-Port 100GE Line Card.

It supports:

  • 12 ports of 100 GigabitEthernet (GE) or 24 ports of 40GE

  • QSFP on all ports and QSFP28 on the 100 GE ports

25 GigabitEthernet Line Cards

C9600-LC-48YL

Cisco Catalyst 9600 Series 48-Port 25GE/10GE/1GE line card.

It supports:

  • 48 ports of 25 GE, 10GE or 1GE

  • SFP28, SFP+ transceivers on all ports

AC Power Supply Modules

C9600-PWR-2KWAC

Cisco Catalyst 9600 Series 2000W AC Power Supply Module3

DC Power Supply Modules

C9600-PWR-2KWDC

Cisco Catalyst 9600 Series 2000W DC Power Supply Module
1 Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA)
2 Solid State Drive (SSD) Module
3 Power supply output capacity is 1050W at 110 VAC.

Compatibility Matrix

The following table provides software compatibility information between Cisco Catalyst 9600 Series Switches, Cisco Identity Services Engine, Cisco Access Control Server, and Cisco Prime Infrastructure.

Catalyst 9600

Cisco Identity Services Engine

Cisco Access Control Server

Cisco Prime Infrastructure

Gibraltar 16.12.8

2.6

-

-

Gibraltar 16.12.7

2.6

-

-

Gibraltar 16.12.6

2.6

-

-

Gibraltar 16.12.5b

2.6

-

-

Gibraltar 16.12.5

2.6

-

-

Gibraltar 16.12.4

2.6

-

-

Gibraltar 16.12.3a

2.6

-

-

Gibraltar 16.12.3

2.6

-

-

Gibraltar 16.12.2

2.6

-

-

Gibraltar 16.12.1

2.6

-

-

Gibraltar 16.11.1

2.6

2.4 Patch 5

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 minimum4

512 MB5

256

1280 x 800 or higher

Small
4 We recommend 1 GHz
5 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 9600 Series Supervisor Modules. For ROMMON version information of Cisco IOS XE 17.x.x releases, refer to the corresponding Cisco IOS XE 17.x.x release notes of the respective platform.

Release

ROMMON Version (C9600-SUP-1)

Gibraltar 16.12.8

17.1.1[FC2]

Gibraltar 16.12.7

17.1.1[FC2]

Gibraltar 16.12.6

17.1.1[FC2]

Gibraltar 16.12.5b

17.1.1[FC2]

Gibraltar 16.12.5

17.1.1[FC2]

Gibraltar 16.12.4

17.1.1[FC2]

Gibraltar 16.12.3a

17.1.1[FC2]

Gibraltar 16.12.3

17.1.1[FC2]

Gibraltar 16.12.2

17.1.1[FC2]

Gibraltar 16.12.1

16.12.1r[FC2]

Gibraltar 16.11.1

16.11.1r[FC2]

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 Gibraltar 16.12.8

CAT9K_IOSXE

cat9k_iosxe.16.12.08.SPA.bin

No Payload Encryption (NPE)

cat9k_iosxe_npe.16.12.08.SPA.bin

Cisco IOS XE Gibraltar 16.12.7

CAT9K_IOSXE

cat9k_iosxe.16.12.07.SPA.bin

No Payload Encryption (NPE)

cat9k_iosxe_npe.16.12.07.SPA.bin

Cisco IOS XE Gibraltar 16.12.6

CAT9K_IOSXE

cat9k_iosxe.16.12.06.SPA.bin

No Payload Encryption (NPE)

cat9k_iosxe_npe.16.12.06.SPA.bin

Cisco IOS XE Gibraltar 16.12.5b

CAT9K_IOSXE

cat9k_iosxe.16.12.05b.SPA.bin

No Payload Encryption (NPE)

cat9k_iosxe_npe.16.12.05b.SPA.bin

Cisco IOS XE Gibraltar 16.12.5

CAT9K_IOSXE

cat9k_iosxe.16.12.05.SPA.bin

No Payload Encryption (NPE)

cat9k_iosxe_npe.16.12.05.SPA.bin

Cisco IOS XE Gibraltar 16.12.4

CAT9K_IOSXE

cat9k_iosxe.16.12.04.SPA.bin

No Payload Encryption (NPE)

cat9k_iosxe_npe.16.12.04.SPA.bin

Cisco IOS XE Gibraltar 16.12.3a

CAT9K_IOSXE

cat9k_iosxe.16.12.03a.SPA.bin

No Payload Encryption (NPE)

cat9k_iosxe_npe.16.12.03a.SPA.bin

Cisco IOS XE Gibraltar 16.12.3

CAT9K_IOSXE

cat9k_iosxe.16.12.03.SPA.bin

No Payload Encryption (NPE)

cat9k_iosxe_npe.16.12.03.SPA.bin

Cisco IOS XE Gibraltar 16.12.2

CAT9K_IOSXE

cat9k_iosxe.16.12.02.SPA.bin

No Payload Encryption (NPE)

cat9k_iosxe_npe.16.12.02.SPA.bin

Cisco IOS XE Gibraltar 16.12.1

CAT9K_IOSXE

cat9k_iosxe.16.12.01.SPA.bin

No Payload Encryption (NPE)

cat9k_iosxe_npe.16.12.01.SPA.bin

Automatic Boot Loader Upgrade


Caution

You must comply with these cautionary guidelines during an upgrade:

  • Do not power cycle your switch.

  • Do not disconnect power or remove the supervisor module.

  • Do not perform an online insertion and replacement (OIR) of either supervisor (in a High Availability setup), if one of the supervisor modules in the chassis is in the process of a bootloader upgrade or when the switch is booting up.

  • Do not perform an OIR of a switching module (linecard) when the switch is booting up.

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.

The FPGA upgrade process is part of the software image upgrade. The FPGA version does not downgrade when you downgrade the software image.

After completing the upgrade procedure, you can verify the FPGA version against the value in the table below. Enter the show firmware version all command in IOS mode or version -v command in ROMMON mode.

Platform

FPGA Version in Cisco IOS XE Gibraltar 16.12.1

Cisco Catalyst 9600 Series Switches

  • I/O FPGA on Supervisor Modules - 0x19041620

  • Flash FPGA on Supervisor Modules - 0x190308B9

  • FPGA on Line Cards - 0x19070619

    Note

     

    FPGA version is upgraded only if the setup is reloaded. In case of upgrade with ISSU, the line card should be power-cycled for their FPGA to upgrade.

Software Installation Commands

Summary of Software Installation Commands

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.

Upgrading with In Service Software Upgrade (ISSU)

Follow these instructions to perform ISSU upgrade from Cisco IOS XE Gibraltar 16.12.1 to Cisco IOS XE Gibraltar 16.12.x, in install mode. The sample output in this section displays upgrade from Cisco IOS XE Gibraltar 16.12.1 to Cisco IOS XE Gibraltar 16.12.2 using install commands.

Before you begin

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

When upgrading from ...

To...

Cisco IOS XE Gibraltar 16.12.1

Cisco IOS XE Gibraltar 16.12.x

Note

Downgrade with ISSU is not supported. To downgrade, follow the instructions in the Downgrading in Install Mode section.

For more information about ISSU release support and recommended releases, see Technical References → In-Service Software Upgrade (ISSU).

Procedure

Step 1

enable

Enables privileged EXEC mode. Enter your password if prompted.

Switch# enable

Step 2

install add file activate issu commit

Use this command to automate the sequence of all the upgrade procedures, including downloading the images to both the switches, expanding the images into packages, and upgrading each switch as per the procedures. 

Switch# install add file tftp:cat9k_iosxe.16.12.02.SPA.bin activate issu commit

Step 3

show version

Use this command to verify the version of the new image.

The following sample output of the show version command displays the Cisco IOS XE Gibraltar 16.12.2 image on the device:
Switch# show version
Cisco IOS XE Software, Version 16.12.02
Cisco IOS Software [Gibraltar], Catalyst L3 Switch Software (CAT9K_IOSXE), Version 16.12.2, RELEASE SOFTWARE (fc3)
Technical Support: http://www.cisco.com/techsupport
Copyright (c) 1986-2019 by Cisco Systems, Inc.
<output truncated>

Step 4

exit

Exits privileged EXEC mode and returns to user EXEC mode.

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 ...

To...

Cisco IOS XE Gibraltar 16.11.x

Cisco IOS XE Gibraltar 16.12.x

The sample output in this section displays upgrade from Cisco IOS XE Gibraltar 16.11.1 to Cisco IOS XE Gibraltar 16.12.1 using install commands.

Procedure

Step 1

Clean Up

  1. install remove inactive

    Use this command to clean up unused installation files in case of insufficient space. Ensure that you have at least 1GB of space in flash to expand a new image. 
    Switch# install remove inactive
install_remove: START Wed Jul 24 19:51:48 UTC 2019
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.16.11.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-espbase.16.11.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-guestshell.16.11.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-rpbase.16.11.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-rpboot.16.11.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-sipbase.16.11.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-sipspa.16.11.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-srdriver.16.11.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-webui.16.11.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-wlc.16.11.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/packages.conf
 
Do you want to remove the above files? [y/n]y
[switch 1]:
Deleting file flash:cat9k-cc_srdriver.16.11.01.SPA.pkg ... done.
Deleting file flash:cat9k-espbase.16.11.01.SPA.pkg ... done.
Deleting file flash:cat9k-guestshell.16.11.01.SPA.pkg ... done.
Deleting file flash:cat9k-rpbase.16.11.01.SPA.pkg ... done.
Deleting file flash:cat9k-rpboot.16.11.01.SPA.pkg ... done.
Deleting file flash:cat9k-sipbase.16.11.01.SPA.pkg ... done.
Deleting file flash:cat9k-sipspa.16.11.01.SPA.pkg ... done.
Deleting file flash:cat9k-srdriver.16.11.01.SPA.pkg ... done.
Deleting file flash:cat9k-webui.16.11.01.SPA.pkg ... done.
Deleting file flash:cat9k-wlc.16.11.01.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 Wed Jul 24 19:52:25 UTC 2019
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.16.12.01.SPA.bin flash:

Destination filename [cat9k_iosxe.16.12.01.SPA.bin]?
Accessing tftp://10.8.0.6//cat9k_iosxe.16.12.01.SPA.bin...
Loading /cat9k_iosxe.16.12.01.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 Jul 24 2019 10:18:11 -07:00 cat9k_iosxe.16.12.01.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

  1. install add file activate commit

    Use this command to install the target image. You can point to the source image on your TFTP server or in flash if you have it copied to flash.
    Switch# install add file flash:cat9k_iosxe.16.12.01.SPA.bin activate commit
_install_add_activate_commit: START Wed Jul 24 16:37:25 IST 2019

*Jul 24 16:37:26.544 IST: %INSTALL-5-INSTALL_START_INFO: R0/0: install_engine: Started install one-shot flash:cat9k_iosxe.16.12.01.SPA.bin 
install_add_activate_commit: Adding PACKAGE
install_add_activate_commit: Checking whether new add is allowed ....

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 ---
Copying image file: flash:cat9k_iosxe.16.12.01.SPA.bin to standby
Info: Finished copying flash:cat9k_iosxe.16.12.01.SPA.bin to standby
Finished initial file syncing

--- Starting Add ---
Performing Add on Active/Standby
  [R0] Add package(s) on R0
  [R0] Finished Add on R0
  [R1] Add package(s) on R1
  [R1] Finished Add on R1
Checking status of Add on [R0 R1]
Add: Passed on [R0 R1]
Finished Add

Image added. Version: 16.12.1
install_add_activate_commit: Activating PACKAGE
Following packages shall be activated:
/flash/cat9k-wlc.16.12.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-webui.16.12.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-srdriver.16.12.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-sipspa.16.12.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-sipbase.16.12.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-rpboot.16.12.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-rpbase.16.12.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-guestshell.16.12.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-espbase.16.12.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-cc_srdriver.16.12.01.SPA.pkg

This operation may require a reload of the system. Do you want to proceed? [y/n]y
--- Starting Activate ---
Performing Activate on Active/Standby

*Jul 24 16:45:21.695 IST: %INSTALL-5-INSTALL_AUTO_ABORT_TIMER_PROGRESS: R0/0: rollback_timer: Install auto abort timer will expire in 7200 seconds  [R0] Activate package(s) on R0
  [R0] Finished Activate on R0
  [R1] Activate package(s) on R1
  [R1] Finished Activate on R1
Checking status of Activate on [R0 R1]
Activate: Passed on [R0 R1]
Finished Activate


*Jul 24 16:45:25.233 IST: %INSTALL-5-INSTALL_AUTO_ABORT_TIMER_PROGRESS: R1/0: rollback_timer: Install auto abort timer will expire in 7200 seconds--- Starting Commit ---
Performing Commit on Active/Standby
  [R0] Commit package(s) on R0
  [R0] Finished Commit on R0
  [R1] Commit package(s) on R1
  [R1] Finished Commit on R1
Checking status of Commit on [R0 R1]
Commit: Passed on [R0 R1]
Finished Commit

Install will reload the system now!
SUCCESS: install_add_activate_commit  Wed Jul 24 16:46:18 IST 2019

    Note

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

  2. dir flash:

    After the software has been successfully installed, use this command to verify that the flash partition has four new .pkg files and two .conf files. 
    Switch# dir flash:*.pkg
Directory of flash:/*.pkg
Directory of flash:/
475140 -rw- 2012104    Mar 29 2019 09:52:41 -07:00 cat9k-cc_srdriver.16.11.01.SPA.pkg
475141 -rw- 70333380   Mar 29 2019 09:52:44 -07:00 cat9k-espbase.16.11.01.SPA.pkg
475142 -rw- 13256      Mar 29 2019 09:52:44 -07:00 cat9k-guestshell.16.11.01.SPA.pkg
475143 -rw- 349635524  Mar 29 2019 09:52:54 -07:00 cat9k-rpbase.16.11.01.SPA.pkg
475149 -rw- 24248187   Mar 29 2019 09:53:02 -07:00 cat9k-rpboot.16.11.01.SPA.pkg
475144 -rw- 25285572   Mar 29 2019 09:52:55 -07:00 cat9k-sipbase.16.11.01.SPA.pkg
475145 -rw- 20947908   Mar 29 2019 09:52:55 -07:00 cat9k-sipspa.16.11.01.SPA.pkg
475146 -rw- 2962372    Mar 29 2019 09:52:56 -07:00 cat9k-srdriver.16.11.01.SPA.pkg
475147 -rw- 13284288   Mar 29 2019 09:52:56 -07:00 cat9k-webui.16.11.01.SPA.pkg
475148 -rw- 13248      Mar 29 2019 09:52:56 -07:00 cat9k-wlc.16.11.01.SPA.pkg

491524 -rw- 25711568   Jul 24 2019 11:49:33 -07:00  cat9k-cc_srdriver.16.12.01.SPA.pkg
491525 -rw- 78484428   Jul 24 2019 11:49:35 -07:00  cat9k-espbase.16.12.01.SPA.pkg
491526 -rw- 1598412    Jul 24 2019 11:49:35 -07:00  cat9k-guestshell.16.12.01.SPA.pkg
491527 -rw- 404153288  Jul 24 2019 11:49:47 -07:00  cat9k-rpbase.16.12.01.SPA.pkg
491533 -rw- 31657374   Jul 24 2019 11:50:09 -07:00  cat9k-rpboot.16.12.01.SPA.pkg
491528 -rw- 27681740   Jul 24 2019 11:49:48 -07:00  cat9k-sipbase.16.12.01.SPA.pkg
491529 -rw- 52224968   Jul 24 2019 11:49:49 -07:00  cat9k-sipspa.16.12.01.SPA.pkg
491530 -rw- 31130572   Jul 24 2019 11:49:50 -07:00  cat9k-srdriver.16.12.01.SPA.pkg
491531 -rw- 14783432   Jul 24 2019 11:49:51 -07:00  cat9k-webui.16.12.01.SPA.pkg
491532 -rw- 9160       Jul 24 2019 11:49:51 -07:00  cat9k-wlc.16.12.01.SPA.pkg

11353194496 bytes total (8963174400 bytes free)

    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.16.12.01.SPA.conf— a backup copy of the newly installed packages.conf file 

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

16631  -rw-             4882  Jul 24 2019 05:39:42 +00:00  packages.conf
16634  -rw-             4882  Jul 24 2019 05:34:06 +00:00  cat9k_iosxe.16.12.01.SPA.conf

Step 5

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 Gibraltar 16.12.1 image on the device:
    Switch# show version
Cisco IOS XE Software, Version 16.12.01
Cisco IOS Software [Gibraltar], Catalyst L3 Switch Software (CAT9K_IOSXE), Version 16.12.1, RELEASE SOFTWARE (fc2)
Technical Support: http://www.cisco.com/techsupport
Copyright (c) 1986-2019 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 via “ boot flash:packages.conf .”

Before you begin

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

When downgrading from ...

To ...

Cisco IOS XE Gibraltar 16.12.x

Cisco IOS XE Gibraltar 16.11.x or an earlier release.

The sample output in this section shows downgrade from Cisco IOS XE Gibraltar 16.12.1 to Cisco IOS XE Gibraltar 16.11.1, using install commands.


Important
New switch models that are introduced in a release cannot be downgraded. The release in which a module is introduced is the minimum software version for that model. We recommend upgrading all existing hardware to the same release as the latest hardware.

Procedure

Step 1

Clean Up

  1. install remove inactive

    Use this command to clean up unused installation files in case of insufficient space. Ensure that you have at least 1GB of space in flash to expand a new image. 
    Switch# install remove inactive
 
install_remove: START Mon Jul 22 19:51:48 UTC 2019
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.16.12.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-espbase.16.12.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-guestshell.16.12.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-rpbase.16.12.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-rpboot.16.12.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-sipbase.16.12.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-sipspa.16.12.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-srdriver.16.12.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-webui.16.12.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-wlc.16.12.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/packages.conf
 
Do you want to remove the above files? [y/n]y
[switch 1]:
Deleting file flash:cat9k-cc_srdriver.16.12.01.SPA.pkg ... done.
Deleting file flash:cat9k-espbase.16.12.01.SPA.pkg ... done.
Deleting file flash:cat9k-guestshell.16.12.01.SPA.pkg ... done.
Deleting file flash:cat9k-rpbase.16.12.01.SPA.pkg ... done.
Deleting file flash:cat9k-rpboot.16.12.01.SPA.pkg ... done.
Deleting file flash:cat9k-sipbase.16.12.01.SPA.pkg ... done.
Deleting file flash:cat9k-sipspa.16.12.01.SPA.pkg ... done.
Deleting file flash:cat9k-srdriver.16.12.01.SPA.pkg ... done.
Deleting file flash:cat9k-webui.16.12.01.SPA.pkg ... done.
Deleting file flash:cat9k-wlc.16.12.01.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 Mon Jul 22 19:52:25 UTC 2019
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.16.11.01.SPA.bin flash:

Destination filename [cat9k_iosxe.16.11.01.SPA.bin]?
Accessing tftp://10.8.0.6//cat9k_iosxe.16.11.01.SPA.bin...
Loading /cat9k_iosxe.16.11.01.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 Jul 22 2019 20:52:25 -07:00 cat9k_iosxe.16.11.01.SPA.bin
11353194496 bytes total (9055866880 bytes free)

Step 3

Downgrade software image

  1. install add file activate commit

The following example displays the installation of the Cisco IOS XE Gibraltar 16.11.1 software image to flash, by using the install add file activate commit command. You can point to the source image on your tftp server or in flash if you have it copied to flash. 

Switch# install add file flash:cat9k_iosxe.16.11.01.SPA.bin activate commit
_install_add_activate_commit: START Mon Jul 22 21:37:25 IST 2019

*Jul 24 16:37:26.544 IST: %INSTALL-5-INSTALL_START_INFO: R0/0: install_engine: Started install one-shot flash:cat9k_iosxe.16.11.01.SPA.bin 
install_add_activate_commit: Adding PACKAGE
install_add_activate_commit: Checking whether new add is allowed ....

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 ---
Copying image file: flash:cat9k_iosxe.16.11.01.SPA.bin to standby
Info: Finished copying flash:cat9k_iosxe.16.11.01.SPA.bin to standby
Finished initial file syncing

--- Starting Add ---
Performing Add on Active/Standby
  [R0] Add package(s) on R0
  [R0] Finished Add on R0
  [R1] Add package(s) on R1
  [R1] Finished Add on R1
Checking status of Add on [R0 R1]
Add: Passed on [R0 R1]
Finished Add

Image added. Version: 16.11.1
install_add_activate_commit: Activating PACKAGE
Following packages shall be activated:
/flash/cat9k-wlc.16.11.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-webui.16.11.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-srdriver.16.11.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-sipspa.16.11.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-sipbase.16.11.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-rpboot.16.11.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-rpbase.16.11.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-guestshell.16.11.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-espbase.16.11.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-cc_srdriver.16.11.01.SPA.pkg

This operation may require a reload of the system. Do you want to proceed? [y/n]y
--- Starting Activate ---
Performing Activate on Active/Standby

*Jul 22 21:45:21.695 IST: %INSTALL-5-INSTALL_AUTO_ABORT_TIMER_PROGRESS: R0/0: rollback_timer: Install auto abort timer will expire in 7200 seconds  [R0] Activate package(s) on R0
  [R0] Finished Activate on R0
  [R1] Activate package(s) on R1
  [R1] Finished Activate on R1
Checking status of Activate on [R0 R1]
Activate: Passed on [R0 R1]
Finished Activate


*Jul 22 21:45:25.233 IST: %INSTALL-5-INSTALL_AUTO_ABORT_TIMER_PROGRESS: R1/0: rollback_timer: Install auto abort timer will expire in 7200 seconds--- Starting Commit ---
Performing Commit on Active/Standby
  [R0] Commit package(s) on R0
  [R0] Finished Commit on R0
  [R1] Commit package(s) on R1
  [R1] Finished Commit on R1
Checking status of Commit on [R0 R1]
Commit: Passed on [R0 R1]
Finished Commit

Install will reload the system now!
SUCCESS: install_add_activate_commit  Mon Jul 22 21:46:18 IST 2019

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 does not automatically downgrade. It remains 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 Gibraltar 16.11.1 image on the device:
    Switch# show version
Cisco IOS XE Software, Version 16.11.01
Cisco IOS Software [Everest], Catalyst L3 Switch Software (CAT9K_IOSXE), Version 16.11.1, RELEASE SOFTWARE (fc2)
Technical Support: http://www.cisco.com/techsupport
Copyright (c) 1986-2017 by Cisco Systems, Inc.
Compiled Mon 22-Jul-19 22:38 by mcpre
<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 9600 Series Switches fall under these base or add-on license levels.

Base Licenses

  • Network Advantage

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 Advantage

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-Advantage) are ordered and fulfilled only with a permanent license type.

  • Add-on licenses (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.

  • 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. 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

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

Scaling Guidelines

For information about feature scaling guidelines, see the Cisco Catalyst 9600 Series Switches datasheets at:

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/collateral/switches/catalyst-9600-series-switches/nb-06-cat9600-series-data-sheet-cte-en.html

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/collateral/switches/catalyst-9600-series-switches/nb-06-cat9600-series-line-data-sheet-cte-en.html

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/collateral/switches/catalyst-9600-series-switches/nb-06-cat9600-ser-sup-eng-data-sheet-cte-en.html

Limitations and Restrictions

  • Auto negotiation: The SFP+ interface (TenGigabitEthernet0/1) on the Ethernet management port with a 1G transceiver does not support auto negotiation.

  • 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.

  • Hardware Limitations — Optics:

    • Copper cables are not supported with 25GE, 40GE, and 100GE configurations

    • Installation restriction for C9600-LC-24C linecard with CVR-QSFP-SFP10G adapter —This adapter must not be installed on an even numbered port where the corresponding odd numbered port is configured as 40GE port. For example, if port 1 is configured as 40GE, CVR-QSFP-SFP10G must not be installed in port 2.

      Installation restriction for C9600-LC-24C linecard with CVR-QSFP-SFP10G adapter — If you insert a 40-Gigabit Ethernet Transceiver Module to odd numbered port, the corresponding even numbered port does not work with CVR-QSFP-SFP10G adapter.

  • Hardware Limitations — Power Supply Modules:

    • Input voltage for AC power supply modules—All AC-input power supply modules in the chassis must have the same AC-input voltage level.

    • Using power supply modules of different types—When mixing AC-input and DC-input power supplies, the AC-input voltage level must be 220 VAC.

  • Convergence: During SSO, a higher convergence time is observed while removing the active supervisor module installed in slot 3 of a C9606R chassis.

  • In-Service Software Upgrade (ISSU)

    • 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%.

    • Policing and marking policy on sub interfaces is supported.

    • Marking policy on switched virtual interfaces (SVI) is supported.

    • 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.

  • 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 Gibraltar 16.12.x

There are no open caveats in this release.

Resolved Caveats in Cisco IOS XE Gibraltar 16.12.8

Identifier

Description

CSCwa68343

Cisco IOS XE Software for Catalyst Switches MPLS Denial of Service Vulnerability

Resolved Caveats in Cisco IOS XE Gibraltar 16.12.7

There are no resolved caveats in this release.

Resolved Caveats in Cisco IOS XE Gibraltar 16.12.6

Identifier

Description

CSCvv27849

Cat 9K & 3K: Unexpected reload caused by the FED process.

CSCvx94722

Radius protocol generate jumbo frames for dot1x packets

CSCvy25845

SNMP: ifHCInOctets - snmpwalk on sub-interface octet counter does not increase

Resolved Caveats in Cisco IOS XE Gibraltar 16.12.5b

Identifier

Description

CSCvr73771

Session not getting authenticated via MAB after shut/no shut of interface

CSCvv27849

Cat 9K & 3K fed crash when running 16.12.5

CSCvw64798

Cisco IOx for IOS XE Software Command Injection Vulnerability

CSCvx23125

SVL Link Instability May Result in IOMD Exhaustion

Resolved Caveats in Cisco IOS XE Gibraltar 16.12.5

Identifier

Description

CSCvu62273

CLI should be auto-upgraded from "tacacs-server" cli to newer version while upgrading

CSCvv16874

Catalyst Switch: SISF Crash due to a memory leak

CSCvw63161

ZTP failing with error in creating downloaded_script.py

Resolved Caveats in Cisco IOS XE Gibraltar 16.12.4

Identifier

Description

CSCvp77133

systemd service flash-recovery.service always in the running mode

CSCvq17488

show module info for active switch is n/a after booting remaining switches

CSCvr41932

17.1.1 - Memory leak @ SAMsgThread.

CSCvs22896

DHCPv6 RELAY-REPLY packet is being dropped

CSCvs71084

Cat9k - Not able to apply Et-analytics on an interface

CSCvs73383

"show mac address-table" does not show remote EIDs when vlan filter used

CSCvs74413

Modifying the child service policy causes the standby chassis/switch to reboot due to sync failure.

CSCvs75010

Traffic forwarding stops when Session Idle time out is configured 10 sec with active traffic running

CSCvs77781

Critical auth failing to apply DEFAULT_CRITICAL_DATA_TEMPLATE

CSCvs89792

INJECT_FEATURE_ESCAPE: Egress IP packet delivered via legacy inject path for NetBios packets

CSCvs91195

Crash Due to AutoSmart Port Macros

CSCvs91593

offer is dropped in data vlan with dhcp snooping using dot1x/mab

CSCvs97551

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

CSCvt01187

Eigrp neighbor down up occurred frequently

CSCvt13067

Nvram Failed to initializae ( startup missing )

CSCvt30243

connectivity issue after moving client from dot1x enable port to non dot1x port

CSCvt35095

Connection for L3 interfaces and SVIs may go down when power cycled SVL active switch comes online.

CSCvt60712

Switch crashed after removing route-map

CSCvt64058

Loopback error is not detected on trunk interface

CSCvt72401

MACSEC protected link no longer passes traffic.

CSCvt72427

Cat3k/9k Switch running 16.12.3 is not processing superior BPDUs for non-default native vlan

CSCvt82323

Interface storm-control configuration causes policing of same-type traffic elsewhere on the device.

CSCvt83025

Memory utilization increasing under fman_fp_image due to WRC Stats Req

CSCvu15007

Crash when invalid input interrupts a role-based access-list policy installation

Resolved Caveats in Cisco IOS XE Gibraltar 16.12.3a

Identifier

Description

CSCvt17460

SVL/DAD links will be err-disabled when there is link-flap due to faulty SFPs

CSCvt41134

Unexpected reload (or boot loop) caused by Smart Agent (SASRcvWQWrk2)

CSCvt72427

Switch running 16.12.3 is not processing superior BPDUs for non-default native vlan

Resolved Caveats in Cisco IOS XE Gibraltar 16.12.3

Identifier

Description

CSCvm55401

DHCP snooping may drop dhcp option82 packets w/ ip dhcp snooping information option allow-untrusted

CSCvp73666

DNA - LAN Automation doesn't configure link between Peer Device and PnP Agent due CDP limitation

CSCvq72472

Private-vlan mapping XXX configuration under SVI is lost from run config after switch reload

CSCvq75887

intermediate hop with SVI in PIM domain is not forwarding multicast traffic

CSCvr23358

Switches are adding Device SGT to proxy generated IGMP leave messages while keeping End host src IP

CSCvr46622

Cat9k || scaled mVPN || tracebacks and errors seen in FED trace

CSCvr59959

Cat3k/9k Flow-based SPAN(FSPAN) can only work in one direction when mutilple session configured

CSCvr88090

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

CSCvr90442

Unknown status shown in "show platform software status control-processor"

CSCvr90477

Cat3k/Cat9k incorrectly set more-fragment flag for double fragmentation

CSCvr91162

Layer 2 flooding floods IGMP queries causing network outage

CSCvr92638

OSPF External Type-1 Route Present in OSPF Database but not in RIB

CSCvr98281

After valid ip conflict, SVI admin down responds to GARP

CSCvr98368

CAT9K intermittently not responding to SNMP

CSCvs01943

"login authentication VTY_authen" is missing on "line vty 0 4" only

CSCvs03124

In stackwise, PSU status of standby switch is not shown correctly

CSCvs14374

Standby crashes on multiple port flaps

CSCvs14920

Block overrun crash due to Corrupted redzone

CSCvs20038

qos softmax setting doesn't take effect on Catalyst switch in Openflow mode

CSCvs25412

CTS Environmental Data download request triggered before PAC provisioned

CSCvs25428

Netconf incorrectly activate IPv4 address-family for IPv6 BGP peer.

CSCvs36803

When port security applied mac address not learned on hardware

CSCvs39968

C9606R on Stackwise Virtual crashes on transceiver insertion

CSCvs42476

Crash during authentication failure of client

CSCvs45231

Memory exhaustion in sessmgrd process due to EAPoL announcement

CSCvs50391

FED crash when premature free of SG element

CSCvs50868

Fed memory leak in 16.9.X related to netflow

CSCvs61571

Cat3k/Cat9k- OBJ_DWNLD_TO_DP_FAILED after exceeding hardware capacity for adjacency table

CSCvs62003

In COPP policy, ARP traffic should be classified under the "system-cpp-police-forus" class

CSCvs68255

Traceback seen when IS-IS crosses LSP boundary and tries to add information in new LSP

CSCvs73580

Memory leak in fed main event qos

CSCvt00402

cat3k Switch with 1.6GB flash size unable to do SWIM upgrade between 16.12.x images

Resolved Caveats in Cisco IOS XE Gibraltar 16.12.2

Identifier

Description

CSCvp97892

Incorrect speed config & status after SSO for interface with SFP-10/25G-LR-S/CSR-S.

CSCvq54265

Ip bootp server should be disabled by default as a device hardening best practice.

CSCvr02957

Re-add app-hosting move support was removed.

CSCvp93578

SG-SVL : MKA Session got stuck when we change key-chain value on the fly with delay-protection

CSCvr70470

sessmgrd crash with "clear dot1x mac" command

Resolved Caveats in Cisco IOS XE Gibraltar 16.12.1

Identifier

Description

CSCvm89086

cat 9300 | span destination interface not dropping ingress traffic

CSCvn04524

IP Source Guard blocks traffic after host IP renewal

CSCvn31653

Missing/incorrect FED entries for IGMP Snooping on Cat9300/Cat3850/Cat3650

CSCvn77683

Switch crashed at mcprp_pak_add_l3_inject_hdr with dhcp snooping

CSCvn83940

Cat9k TFTP copy failed with Port Security enabled

CSCvo15594

Hardware MAC address programming issue for remote client catalyst 9300

CSCvo17778

Cat9k not updating checksum after DSCP change

CSCvo24073

multiple CTS sessions stuck in HELD/SAP_NE

CSCvo32446

High CPU Due To Looped Packet and/or Unicast DHCP ACK Dropped

CSCvo33983

Mcast traffic loss seen looks due to missing fed entries during IGMP/MLD snooping.

CSCvo47513

Active supervisor crashed during insertion/removal of a line card

CSCvo56629

Cat9500 - Interface in Admin shutdown showing incoming traffic and interface Status led in green.

CSCvo59504

Cat3K | Cat9K - SVI becomes inaccesible upon reboot

CSCvo71264

Cat3k / Cat9k Gateway routes DHCP offer incorrectly after DHCP snooping

CSCvo75559

Cat9300 | First packet not forwarded when (S,G) needs to be built

CSCvo83305

MAC Access List Blocks Unintended Traffic

CSCvp49518

DHCP SNOOPING DATABASE IS NOT REFRESHED AFTER RELOAD

CSCvp69629

Authentication sessions does not come up on configuring dot1x when there is active client traffic .

CSCvp72220

crash at sisf_show_counters after entering show device-tracking counters command

CSCvq27812

Sessmgr CPU is going high due to DB cursor is not disabled after switchover

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 9600 Series Switches is at this URL: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/switches/catalyst-9600-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

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