The objective of this document is to go through the auto-image update feature for the SG350XG and SG550XG switches.
If you are unfamiliar with terms in this document, check out Cisco Business: Glossary of New Terms.
In order for a stack to remain operational, all switches in the stack must have the same firmware image as the active. The auto-image update feature automatically changes the firmware of any newly inserted device, so that it can work with the rest of the units in the stack. During this process a firmware image check is performed.
The check is done by referring to the stack active’s currently installed image, and comparing it to the new device. If the firmware does not match, the image from the active is copied over to the new switch and saved.
To demonstrate auto-image update, we will insert a switch into a stack, designate the appropriate stack ports, and reboot the switch. Upon reboot the software version check will be performed. If differences in the software versions are detected, the auto-image update process will begin. When this process is initiated, notifications will appear on the right side of the configuration page.
Once the image transfer is complete, the switch will reboot. Upon reboot, the device will be listed in the new stack, along with its updated software version.
The auto-image update feature provides a simple and automated process for keeping all switches in a stack up to date. It does this by replacing the firmware of any new switch with the firmware version currently installed on the active.