Document Change History

The document change history outlines the updates and modifications made to this document for a release train.

Document Change History

Date

Release

Sections Updated

August 14, 2024

17.15.1

Introduction

Cisco Catalyst 9400 Series Switches are Cisco’s leading modular enterprise switching access platform and have been purpose-built to address emerging trends of Security, IoT, Mobility, and Cloud.

They deliver complete convergence with the rest of the Cisco Catalyst 9000 Series Switches in terms of ASIC architecture with Unified Access Data Plane (UADP) 2.0 and UADP 3.0. The platform runs an Open Cisco IOS XE that supports model driven programmability, has the capacity to host containers, and run 3rd party applications and scripts natively within the switch (by virtue of x86 CPU architecture, local storage, and a higher memory footprint). This series forms the foundational building block for SD-Access, which is Cisco’s lead enterprise architecture.

Cisco Catalyst 9400 Series Switches are enterprise optimized with a dual-serviceable fan tray design, side to side airflow, and are closet-friendly with a16-inch depth

Supported Cisco Catalyst 9400 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

Introductory Release

C9404R

Cisco Catalyst 9400 Series 4 slot chassis

  • Redundant supervisor module capability

  • Two switching module slots

  • Hot-swappable, front and rear serviceable, non-redundant fan tray assembly

  • Four power supply module slots

Cisco IOS XE Fuji 16.9.1

C9407R

Cisco Catalyst 9400 Series 7 slot chassis

  • Redundant supervisor module capability

  • Five switching module slots

  • Hot-swappable, front and rear serviceable fan tray assembly

  • Eight power supply module slots

Cisco IOS XE Everest 16.6.1

C9410R

Cisco Catalyst 9400 Series 10 slot chassis

  • Redundant supervisor module capability

  • Eight switching module slots

  • Hot-swappable, front and rear serviceable fan tray assembly

  • Eight power supply module slots

Cisco IOS XE Everest 16.6.1

Supported Hardware on Cisco Catalyst 9400 Series Switches

Product ID

(append with “=” for spares)

Description

Introductory Release

Supervisor Modules

C9400-SUP-1

Cisco Catalyst 9400 Series Supervisor 1 Module

This supervisor module is supported on the C9404R, C9407R, and C9410R chassis.

Cisco IOS XE Everest 16.6.1

C9400-SUP-1XL

Cisco Catalyst 9400 Series Supervisor 1XL Module

This supervisor module is supported on the C9404R, C9407R, and C9410R chassis.

Cisco IOS XE Everest 16.6.2

C9400-SUP-1XL-Y

Cisco Catalyst 9400 Series Supervisor 25XL Module

This supervisor module is supported on the C9404R, C9407R, and C9410R chassis.

Cisco IOS XE Fuji 16.9.1

C9400X-SUP-2

Cisco Catalyst 9400 Series Supervisor 2 Module

This supervisor module is supported on the C9404R, C9407R, and C9410R chassis.

Cisco IOS XE Cupertino 17.7.1

C9400X-SUP-2XL

Cisco Catalyst 9400 Series Supervisor 2XL Module

This supervisor module is supported on the C9404R, C9407R, and C9410R chassis.

Cisco IOS XE Cupertino 17.7.1

Line Cards

C9400-LC-12QC

12-port fiber optic Ethernet switching module that supports 10, 25, 40, and 100 Gbps connectivity.

Cisco IOS XE Dublin 17.12.1

C9400-LC-24S

24-port, 1 Gigabit Ethernet SFP module that supports 100/1000 BASET-T with Cu-SFP

Cisco IOS XE Fuji 16.8.1a

C9400-LC-24XS

24-port Gigabit Ethernet module that supports 1 and 10 Gbps connectivity.

Cisco IOS XE Everest 16.6.2

C9400-LC-24XY

24-port fiber optic Ethernet switching module that supports 1, 10, and 25 Gbps connectivity.

Cisco IOS XE Dublin 17.12.1

C9400-LC-48H

48-port Gigabit Ethernet UPOE+ module supporting up to 90W on each of its 48 RJ45 ports.

Cisco IOS XE Gibraltar 16.12.1

C9400-LC-48HN

48-port, UPOE+ 100 Mbps/1G/2.5G/5G Multigigabit Ethernet Module

Cisco IOS XE Bengaluru 17.5.1

C9400-LC-48HX

48-port UPOE+ 100 Mbps/1G/2.5G/5G/10G Multigigabit Module

Cisco IOS XE Cupertino 17.8.1

C9400-LC-48P

48-port, 1 Gigabit Ethernet POE/POE+ module supporting up to 30W per port.

Cisco IOS XE Fuji 16.8.1a

C9400-LC-48S

48-port, 1 Gigabit Ethernet SFP module that supports 100/1000 BASET-T with Cu-SFP.

Cisco IOS XE Fuji 16.8.1a

C9400-LC-48T

48-port, 10/100/1000 BASE-T Gigabit Ethernet module.

Cisco IOS XE Everest 16.6.1

C9400-LC-48TX

48-port, 100 Mbps/1G/2.5G/5G/10G Multigigabit Ethernet Module

Cisco IOS XE 17.13.1

C9400-LC-48U

48-port UPOE 10/100/1000 (RJ-45) module supporting up to 60W per port.

Cisco IOS XE Everest 16.6.1

C9400-LC-48UX

48-port, UPOE Multigigabit Ethernet Module with:

  • 24 ports (Ports 1 to 24) 1G UPOE 10/100/1000 (RJ-45)

  • 24 ports (Ports 25 to 48) MultiGigabit Ethernet 100/1000/2500/5000/10000 UPOE ports

Cisco IOS XE Everest 16.6.2

C9400-LC-48XS

Cisco Catalyst 9400 Series 48-Port SFP/SFP+ Module

Cisco IOS XE Cupertino 17.8.1

M.2 SATA SSD Modules1 (for the Supervisor)

C9400-SSD-240GB

Cisco Catalyst 9400 Series 240GB M2 SATA memory

Cisco IOS XE Everest 16.6.1

C9400-SSD-480GB

Cisco Catalyst 9400 Series 480GB M2 SATA memory

Cisco IOS XE Everest 16.6.1

C9400-SSD-960GB

Cisco Catalyst 9400 Series 960GB M2 SATA memory

Cisco IOS XE Everest 16.6.1

AC Power Supply Modules

C9400-PWR-2100AC

Cisco Catalyst 9400 Series 2100W AC Power Supply

Cisco IOS XE Fuji 16.8.1a

C9400-PWR-3200AC

Cisco Catalyst 9400 Series 3200W AC Power Supply

Cisco IOS XE Everest 16.6.1

C9400-PWR-3200ACT

Cisco Catalyst 9400 Series 3200W AC Titanium Power Supply

Cisco IOS XE 17.13.1

DC Power Supply Modules

C9400-PWR-3200DC

Cisco Catalyst 9400 Series 3200W DC Power Supply

Cisco IOS XE Fuji 16.9.1
1 M.2 Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) Solid State Drive (SSD) Module

What's New in Cisco IOS XE 17.15.x

Hardware Features in Cisco IOS XE 17.15.1

Feature Name

Description

Cisco SFP Modules for Gigabit Ethernet Applications

Supported transceiver module product numbers:

  • SFP-1G-LH

  • SFP-1G-SX

Compatible Supervisor modules:

  • C9400X-SUP-2

  • C9400X-SUP-2XL

 Note
These transceiver modules are only supported on uplink ports 1 to 4.

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

Software Features in Cisco IOS XE 17.15.1

Feature Name

Description

AAA PAC-less Authentication

In multi ISE node environment when the primary ISE node is unavailable, device can automatically switch to the secondary node without needing to re-establish a Provisioning Authentication Credential (PAC), ensuring minimal disruption.

AAA PAC-less authentication simplifies the authentication process by eliminating the need for a PAC, improves scalability, enhances the user experience, and enables more modern authentication methods while aligning with Zero Trust security principles.

See Cisco TrustSec → Cisco TrustSec Overview.

(Network Essentials)

AWS S3 and CloudWatch Support

Cisco Catalyst 9000 Series Switches support Amazon Web Services S3 and CloudWatch. With AWS S3, network administrators can mount an Amazon Simple Storage Service (S3) bucket to the bootflash. The S3 bucket enables easy distribution of software images, software maintenance upgrades (SMUs), and scripts to multiple devices without any disruptions. Network administrators can also create, edit, and delete the cloud storage instance using AWS S3 functionality, and make them accessible as part of the bootflash.

The AWS CloudWatch is a monitoring and logging service that provides data that enables you to understand, optimize, and enhance the performance of your applications, systems, and services running on the Cloud platform and on-premise servers.

Energy Consumption Visibility

This feature provides system energy consumption information in the output of the show power detail command, and Power over Ethernet (PoE) energy consumption information in the output of the newly introduced show power inline meter command. This information can be used to check the power efficiency of the setup.

See Interface and Hardware Components → Configuring Internal Power Supplies and Configuring Power over Ethernet.

(Network Essentials)

Port Settings Configuration for Interfaces

The port-settings command is introduced. The port-settings command can simultaneously or separately configure the speed, duplex, and auto negotiation for an interface, an interface range, or a port channel interface.

When using a single command to configure multiple parameters of the port-settings command, the order must be, speed, duplex, and autoneg. If you specify speed first, you can configure duplex and autoneg for the interface. If you specify duplex first, you can only configure autoneg. And, if you specify autoneg first, you cannot configure speed or duplex.

See Interface and Hardware Components → Configuring Interface Characteristics.

(Network Essentials)

Programmability:

  • YANG Data Models

The following programmability features are introduced in this release:

See Programmability.

(Network Essentials and Network Advantage)

Unique BGP Identifier for BGP-4

Enhancement to Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) IPv4 router-id, added support for RFC 6286, which allows configuring IPv4 multicast and local range addresses as BGP router-ID, in addition to allowing peers with the same BGP router-ID and different ASes to establish a BGP connection.

(Network Advantage)

New on the WebUI

There are no new WebUI features in this release.

Hardware and Software Behavior Changes in Cisco IOS XE 17.15.1

Behavior Change

Description

udld port Field Renamed

The udld port field name in the output of the show run yang interface has been renamed to udld port enable.

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.

Open Caveats in Cisco IOS XE 17.15.x

There are no open caveats in this release.

Resolved Caveats in Cisco IOS XE 17.15.1

There are no resolved caveats in this release.

Feature Support

This section lists the supported and unsupported features.

All Supported Features

For the complete list of features supported on a platform, see the Cisco Feature Navigator.

Differences in Feature Support Between Switch Models

For the most part, the list of supported software features is common across Cisco Catalyst 9400 Series Supervisor 1, 1XL, 1XL-Y, 2, and 2XL Modules. However, the differences in the hardware and software capabilities between these variants, means that there are exceptions to this. The following sections list these exceptions, that is, when a feature is introduced, but not supported on all available supervisor modules.

For the list of Cisco Catalyst 9400 Series Supervisor Module PIDs, see Supported Cisco Catalyst 9400 Series Switches Model Numbers.

Cisco TrustSec

Feature

Not Supported On These Variants

Cisco TrustSec Network Device Admission Control (NDAC) on Uplinks

All
High Availability

Feature

Not Supported On These Variants

Cisco StackWise Virtual solution does not support Resilient Ethernet Protocol (REP) and Remote Switched Port Analyzer (RSPAN).

All
Interface and Hardware

Feature

Not Supported On These Variants

Fast PoE

All
Layer 2

Feature

Not Supported On These Variants

Audio Video Bridging (including IEEE802.1AS, IEEE 802.1Qat, and IEEE 802.1Qav)

All
Security

Feature

Not Supported On These Variants

IPsec VPN

All

MACsec switch-to-switch connections on C9400-SUP-1XL-Y.

All

MACsec switch-to-host connections in an overlay network.

All
System Management

Feature

Not Supported On These Variants

Performance Monitoring (PerfMon)

All
VLAN

Feature

Not Supported On These Variants

Private VLAN (PVLAN) on Trunks and Portchannels

All

Limitations and Restrictions

  • Control Plane Policing (CoPP): The show running-config 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 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 (Optics): Multi-rate SFPs are not preferred for SVL or DAD links because auto-negotiation may lead to speed mismatches on some ports. If they are used, set both sides to the same speed; highest speed is recommended (example, 25G for SFP-10/25G and 100G for QSFP-40/100G). Also, both sides of the link should be multi-rate SFPs and all the other SVL or DAD link ports should use multi-rate SFPs. Use the show interfaces transceiver command to view the physical properties of SFPs used in the device.

  • Hardware limitations: 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.

  • 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)

    • Within a major release train (16.x or 17.x or 18.x ), ISSU is supported between any two EMs that are released not more than 3 years apart.

    • Within a major release train, ISSU is supported from:

      • Any EM (EM1, EM2, EM3) to another EM (EM1, EM2, EM3)

        Example: 16.9.x to 16.12.x, 17.3.x to 17.6.x, 17.6.x to 17.9.x

      • Any release within the same EM

        Example: 16.9.2 to 16.9.3 or 16.9.4 or 16.9.x, 16.12.1 to 16.12.2 or 16.12.3 or 16.12.x, 17.3.1 to 17.3.2 or 17.3.3 or 17.3.x

    • Between major release trains, ISSU is not supported from:

      • An EM of a major release train to an EM of another major release train

        Example: 16.x.x to 17.x.x or 17.x.x to 18.x.x is not supported

      • An SM to EM or EM to SM

        Example: 16.10.x or 16.11.x to 16.12.x is not supported

    • ISSU is not supported on engineering special releases and .s (or similar) images.

    • ISSU is not supported between Licensed Data Payload Encryption (LDPE) and No Payload Encryption (NPE) Cisco IOS XE software images.

    • ISSU downgrades are not supported.

    • While performing ISSU from Cisco IOS XE Fuji 16.9.x to Cisco IOS XE Gibraltar 16.12.x, if interface-id snmp-if-index command is not configured with OSPFv3, packet loss can occur. Configure the interface-id snmp-if-index command either during the maintenance window or after isolating the device (by using maintenance mode feature) from the network before doing the 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.

  • M.2 SATA SSD drive: With bootloader version 16.6.2r, you cannot access the M.2 SATA SSD drive at the ROMMON prompt (rommon> dir disk0). The system displays an error message indicating that the corresponding file system protocol is not found on the device. The only way to access the drive when on bootloader version 16.6.2r, is through the Cisco IOS prompt, after boot up.

  • No service password recovery: With ROMMON versions R16.6.1r and R16.6.2r, the 'no service password-recovery' feature is not available.

  • 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.

    • Stack Queuing and Scheduling (SQS) drops CPU bound packets exceeding 1.4 Gbps.

  • Redundancy: The supervisor module (hardware) supports redundancy. Software redundancy is supported starting with Cisco IOS XE Everest 16.6.2. However, the associated route processor redundancy (RPR) feature is not supported. Quad-supervisor with Route Processor Redundancy (RPR) with Cisco StackWise Virtual is also not supported.

    Before performing a switchover, use the show redundancy , show platform , and show platform software iomd redundancy commands to ensure that both the SSOs have formed and that the IOMD process is completed.

    In the following sample output for the show redundancy , note that both the SSOs have formed.
    Switch# show redundancy
Redundant System Information :
------------------------------
Available system uptime = 3 hours, 30 minutes
Switchovers system experienced = 2
Standby failures = 0
Last switchover reason = active unit removed

Hardware Mode = Duplex
Configured Redundancy Mode = sso
Operating Redundancy Mode = sso
Maintenance Mode = Disabled
Communications = Up

Current Processor Information :
-------------------------------
Active Location = slot 3
Current Software state = ACTIVE
Uptime in current state = 2 hours, 57 minutes
Image Version = Cisco IOS Software [Fuji], Catalyst L3 Switch Software (CAT9K_IOSXE), Version 16.8.1, RELEASE SOFTWARE (fc3)
Technical Support: http://www.cisco.com/techsupport
Copyright (c) 1986-2018 by Cisco Systems, Inc.
Compiled Tue 27-Mar-18 13:43 by mcpre
BOOT = bootflash:packages.conf;
CONFIG_FILE =
Configuration register = 0x1822

Peer Processor Information :
----------------------------
Standby Location = slot 4
Current Software state = STANDBY HOT
Uptime in current state = 2 hours, 47 minutes
Image Version = Cisco IOS Software [Fuji], Catalyst L3 Switch Software (CAT9K_IOSXE), Version 16.8.1, RELEASE SOFTWARE (fc3)
Technical Support: http://www.cisco.com/techsupport
Copyright (c) 1986-2018 by Cisco Systems, Inc.
Compiled Tue 27-Mar-18 13:43 by mcpre
BOOT = bootflash:packages.conf;
CONFIG_FILE =
Configuration register = 0x1822
    In the following sample output for the show platform software iomd redundancy command, note that both SSOs have formed and the HA_STATE field is ready.
    Switch# show platform software iomd redundancy
Configured Redundancy Mode = sso
Operating Redundancy Mode = sso
Local RF state = ACTIVE
Peer RF state = STANDBY HOT
 
slot  PSM STATE   SPA INTF   HA_STATE HA_ACTIVE
   1     ready   started     ready    00:01:16
   2     ready   started     ready    00:01:22
   3     ready   started     ready    00:01:27 ***active RP
   4     ready   started     ready    00:01:27
<output truncated>
    In the following sample output for the show platform command, note that the State for all the linecards and supervisor modules is ok. This indicates that the IOMD processes are completed.
    Switch# show platform
Chassis type: C9407R             
 
Slot      Type                State                 Insert time (ago)
--------- ------------------- --------------------- -----------------
1         C9400-LC-24XS       ok                    3d09h        
2         C9400-LC-48U        ok                    3d09h        
R0        C9400-SUP-1         ok, active            3d09h        
R1        C9400-SUP-1         ok, standby           3d09h        
P1        C9400-PWR-3200AC    ok                    3d08h        
P2        C9400-PWR-3200AC    ok                    3d08h        
P17       C9407-FAN           ok                    3d08h  
<output truncated>

  • 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.

  • Smart Licensing Using Policy: Starting with Cisco IOS XE Amsterdam 17.3.2a, with the introduction of Smart Licensing Using Policy, even if you configure a hostname for a product instance or device, only the Unique Device Identifier (UDI) is displayed. This change in the display can be observed in all licensing utilities and user interfaces where the hostname was displayed in earlier releases. It does not affect any licensing functionality. There is no workaround for this limitation.

    The licensing utilities and user interfaces that are affected by this limitation include only the following: Cisco Smart Software Manager (CSSM), Cisco Smart License Utility (CSLU), and Smart Software Manager On-Prem (SSM On-Prem).

    This limitation is removed from Cisco IOS XE Cupertino 17.9.1. If you configure a hostname and disable hostname privacy (no license smart privacy hostname global configuration command), hostname information is sent from the product instance and displayed on the applicable user interfaces (CSSM, CSLU, SSM On-Prem). For more information, see the command reference for this release.

  • 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.

  • Uplink Symmetry: When a redundant supervisor module is inserted, we recommend that you have symmetric uplinks, to minimize packet loss during a switchover.

    Uplinks are said to be in symmetry when the same interface on both supervisor modules have the same type of transceiver module. For example, a TenGigabitEthernet interface with no transceiver installed operates at a default 10G mode; if the matching interface of the other supervisor has a 10G transceiver, then they are in symmetry. Symmetry provides the best SWO packet loss and user experience.

    Asymmetric uplinks have at least one or more pairs of interfaces in one supervisor not matching the transceiver speed of the other supervisor.

  • 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

  • Catatyst 9000 Series Switches support MACsec switch-to-switch connections. We do not recommend configuring MACsec switch-to-host connections in an overlay network. For assistance with an existing switch-to-host MACsec implementation or a design review, contact your Cisco Sales Representative or Channel Partner.

  • 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.

  • The command service-routing mdns-sd is being deprecated. Use the mdns-sd gateway command instead.

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 9400 Series Switches 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 Catalyst 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.

Usage Guidelines

This section provides the guidelines for license levels.

  • The duration or term for which a purchased license is valid:

    Smart Licensing Using Policy

    Smart Licensing

    • Perpetual: There is no expiration date for such a license.

    • Subscription: The license is valid only until a certain date (for a three, five, or seven year period).

    • 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.

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

  • Add-on licenses (DNA Essentials and DNA Advantage) are ordered and fulfilled only with a subscription or 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:

    Permitted Combinations

    DNA Essentials

    DNA Advantage

    Network Essentials

    Yes

    No

    Network Advantage

    Yes2

    Yes
    2 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.

Available Licensing Models and Configuration Information

  • Cisco IOS XE Fuji 16.8.x and earlier: RTU Licensing is the default and the only supported method to manage licenses.

  • Cisco IOS XE Fuji 16.9.1 to Cisco IOS XE Amsterdam 17.3.1: Smart Licensing is the default and the only supported method to manage licenses.

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

  • Cisco IOS XE Amsterdam 17.3.2a and later: Smart Licensing Using Policy, which is an enhanced version of Smart Licensing, is the default and the only supported method to manage licenses.

    In the software configuration guide of the required release (17.3.x onwards), see System Management → Smart Licensing Using Policy.

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

Switch Software Version Information

This section provides information about software, images, and ROMMON, and Field-Programmable Gate Array (FGPA) versions.

This section provides information about software, images, and Field-Programmable Gate Array (FGPA) versions.

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.

Finding the Software Images

Release

Image Type

File Name

Cisco IOS XE 17.15.1

CAT9K_IOSXE

cat9k_iosxe.17.15.01.SPA.bin

No Payload Encryption (NPE)

cat9k_iosxe_npe.17.15.01.SPA.bin

To download software images, visit the software downloads page: Cisco Catalyst 9400 Series Switches.

ROMMON Versions

ROM Monitor (ROMMON)

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.

Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD)

CPLD refers to hardware-programmable firmware. CPLD upgrades may be required to resolve firmware defects, or to support new features, but there may not be new versions with every release. CPLD version upgrade process must be completed after upgrading the software image.

The following table provides ROMMON and CPLD version information for the Cisco Catalyst 9400 Series Supervisor Modules. For ROMMON and CPLD 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 (C9400-SUP-1, C9400-SUP-1XL, C9400-SUP-1XL-Y)

CPLD Version (C9400-SUP-1, C9400-SUP-1XL, C9400-SUP-1XL-Y)

ROMMON Version (C9400X-SUP-2, C9400X-SUP-2XL)

CPLD Version (C9400X-SUP-2, C9400X-SUP-2XL)

17.15.1

17.10.1r

20062105

17.12.1r[FC1]

21080305

17.14.1

17.10.1r

20062105

17.12.1r[FC1]

21080305

17.13.1

17.10.1r

20062105

17.12.1r[FC1]

21080305

Dublin 17.12.4

17.10.1r

20062105

17.12.1r[FC1]

21080305

Dublin 17.12.3

17.10.1r

20062105

17.12.1r[FC1]

21080305

Dublin 17.12.2

17.10.1r

20062105

17.12.1r[FC1]

21080305

Dublin 17.12.1

17.10.1r

20062105

17.12.1r[FC1]

21080305

Dublin 17.11.1

17.10.1r

20062105

17.11.1r

21080305

Dublin 17.10.1

17.10.1r

20062105

17.9.1r[FC1]

21080305

Cupertino 17.9.6

17.8.1r[FC1]

20062105

17.9.3r

21080305

Cupertino 17.9.4

17.8.1r[FC1]

20062105

17.9.3r

21080305

Cupertino 17.9.3

17.8.1r[FC1]

20062105

17.9.3r

21080305

Cupertino 17.9.2

17.8.1r[FC1]

20062105

17.9.2r

21080305

Cupertino 17.9.1

17.8.1r[FC1]

20062105

17.9.1r[FC1]

21080305

Cupertino 17.8.1

17.8.1r[FC1]

20062105

17.8.1r[FC1]

21080305

Cupertino 17.7.1

17.6.1r[FC2]

20062105

17.7.1r[FC3]

21080305

Bengaluru 17.6.7

17.6.1r[FC2]

20062105

-

-

Bengaluru 17.6.6a

17.6.1r[FC2]

20062105

-

-

Bengaluru 17.6.6

17.6.1r[FC2]

20062105

-

-

Bengaluru 17.6.5

17.6.1r[FC2]

20062105

-

-

Bengaluru 17.6.4

17.6.1r[FC2]

20062105

-

-

Bengaluru 17.6.3

17.6.1r[FC2]

20062105

-

-

Bengaluru 17.6.2

17.6.1r[FC2]

20062105

-

-

Bengaluru 17.6.1

17.6.1r[FC2]

20062105

-

-

Bengaluru 17.5.1

17.5.1r

20062105

-

-

Bengaluru 17.4.1

17.3.1r[FC2]

20062105

-

-

Amsterdam 17.3.8a

17.3.1r[FC2]

19082605

-

-

Amsterdam 17.3.8

17.3.1r[FC2]

19082605

-

-

Amsterdam 17.3.7

17.3.1r[FC2]

19082605

-

-

Amsterdam 17.3.6

17.3.1r[FC2]

19082605

-

-

Amsterdam 17.3.5

17.3.1r[FC2]

19082605

-

-

Amsterdam 17.3.4

17.3.1r[FC2]

19082605

-

-

Amsterdam 17.3.3

17.3.1r[FC2]

19082605

-

-

Amsterdam 17.3.2a

17.3.1r[FC2]

19082605

-

-

Amsterdam 17.3.1

17.3.1r[FC2]

19082605

-

-

Amsterdam 17.2.1

17.1.1r

19082605

-

-

Amsterdam 17.1.1

17.1.1r

19032905

-

-

Upgrading and Downgrading 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.

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 via boot flash:packages.conf .

Before you begin

 Caution

You must comply with these cautionary guidelines during an upgrade:

  • Do not power cycle the 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.

 Note

Disconnecting and reconnecting power to a Cisco Catalyst 9400 Series Supervisor 1 Module within a 5-second window, can corrupt the boot SPI.

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

When upgrading from ...

Permitted Supervisor Setup

(Applies to the release you are upgrading from)

First upgrade to...

To upgrade to ...

Cisco IOS XE Everest 16.6.13

Upgrade a single supervisor, and complete the boot loader and CPLD upgrade. After completing the first supervisor upgrade, remove and swap in the second supervisor. After both supervisors are upgraded, they can be inserted and booted in a high availability setup.

 Note
Do not simultaneously upgrade dual supervisors from Cisco IOS XE Everest 16.6.1 to a later release. Doing so may cause hardware damage.

Cisco IOS XE Everest 16.6.3

Follow the upgrade steps as in the Release Notes for Cisco Catalyst 9400 Series Switches, Cisco IOS XE Everest 16.6.x → Upgrading the Switch Software → Upgrading in Install Mode

Cisco IOS XE 17.15.x

Cisco IOS XE Everest 16.6.2 and later releases

This procedure automatically copies the images to both active and standby supervisor modules. Both supervisor modules are simultaneously upgraded.

Not applicable

3

When upgrading from Cisco IOS XE Everest 16.6.1 to a later release, the upgrade may take a long time, and the system will reset three times due to rommon and complex programmable logic device (CPLD) upgrade. Stateful switchover is supported from Cisco IOS XE Everest 16.6.2

This procedure shows the steps to upgrade the Cisco IOS XE software on a switch, from Cisco IOS XE 17.14.1 to Cisco IOS XE 17.15.1 using install commands, followed by sample output.

Procedure

Step 1

Clean-up

install remove inactive

Use this command to clean-up old installation files in case of insufficient space and to ensure that you have at least 1GB of space in flash, to expand a new image.

Step 2

Copy new image to flash

  1. copy tftp:[[//location]/directory]/filenameflash:

    Use this command to copy the new image from a TFTP server to flash memory. The location is either an IP address or a host name. The filename is specified relative to the directory used for file transfers. Skip this step if you want to use the new image from a TFTP server.

  2. dir flash:

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

Step 3

Set boot variable

  1. boot system flash:packages.conf

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

  2. no boot manual

    Use this command to configure the switch to auto-boot. Settings are synchronized with the standby switch, if applicable.

  3. write memory

    Use this command to save boot settings.

  4. show bootvar

    Use this command to verify the boot variable (packages.conf) and manual boot setting (no):

Step 4

Install image to flash

install add file activate commit

Use this command to install the image.

 Note
Old files listed in the logs will not be removed from flash.

Step 5

Verify installation

After the software has been successfully installed, check that the ten new .pkg files and two .conf are in the flash partition, and also check the version installed on the switch.

  1. dir flash:*.pkg

  2. dir flash:*.conf

  3. show install summary

  4. show version

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

Example

The following sample output displays the cleaning up of unused files, by using the install remove inactive command:
Switch# install remove inactive

install_remove: START Mon Jul 22 14:14:40 UTC 2024
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.17.14.01.SPA.pkg
File is in use, will not delete.
cat9k-espbase.17.14.01.SPA.pkg
File is in use, will not delete.
cat9k-rpbase.17.14.01.SPA.pkg
File is in use, will not delete.
cat9k-rpboot.17.14.01.SPA.pkg
File is in use, will not delete.
cat9k-sipbase.17.14.01.SPA.pkg
File is in use, will not delete.
cat9k-sipspa.17.14.01.SPA.pkg
File is in use, will not delete.
cat9k-srdriver.17.14.01.SPA.pkg
File is in use, will not delete.
cat9k-webui.17.14.01.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:
[R0]:
/flash/cat9k-cc_srdriver.17.14.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-espbase.17.14.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-guestshell.17.14.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-rpbase.17.14.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-rpboot.17.14.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-sipbase.17.14.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-sipspa.17.14.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-srdriver.17.14.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-webui.17.14.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-wlc.17.14.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/packages.conf
/flash/cat9k_iosxe.17.14.01.SPA.bin
 
Do you want to remove the above files? [y/n]y
[R0]:
Deleting file flash:cat9k-cc_srdriver.17.14.01.SPA.pkg ... done.
Deleting file flash:cat9k-espbase.17.14.01.SPA.pkg ... done.
Deleting file flash:cat9k-guestshell.17.14.01.SPA.pkg ... done.
Deleting file flash:cat9k-rpbase.17.14.01.SPA.pkg ... done.
Deleting file flash:cat9k-rpboot.17.14.01.SPA.pkg ... done.
Deleting file flash:cat9k-sipbase.17.14.01.SPA.pkg ... done.
Deleting file flash:cat9k-sipspa.17.14.01.SPA.pkg ... done.
Deleting file flash:cat9k-srdriver.17.14.01.SPA.pkg ... done.
Deleting file flash:cat9k-webui.17.14.01.SPA.pkg ... done.
Deleting file flash:cat9k-wlc.17.14.01.SPA.pkg ... done.
Deleting file flash:packages.conf ... done.
SUCCESS: Files deleted.
SUCCESS: Files deleted.
--- Starting Post_Remove_Cleanup ---
Performing Post_Remove_Cleanup on Active/Standby
[R0] Post_Remove_Cleanup package(s) on R0
[R0] Finished Post_Remove_Cleanup on R0
Checking status of Post_Remove_Cleanup on [R0]
Post_Remove_Cleanup: Passed on [R0]
Finished Post_Remove_Cleanup
 
SUCCESS: install_remove Mon Jul 22 14:16:29 UTC 2024
Switch#


Switch# copy tftp://10.8.0.6/image/cat9k_iosxe.17.15.01.SPA.bin flash:
destination filename [cat9k_iosxe.17.15.01.SPA.bin]?
Accessing tftp://10.8.0.6/image/cat9k_iosxe.17.15.01.SPA.bin...
Loading /cat9k_iosxe.17.15.01.SPA.bin from 10.8.0.6 (via GigabitEthernet0/0): 
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
[OK - 601216545 bytes]
 
601216545 bytes copied in 50.649 secs (11870255 bytes/sec)
 

Switch# dir flash:*.bin
Directory of flash:/*.bin
 
Directory of flash:/
 
434184 -rw- 601216545    Jul 22 2024 10:18:11 -07:00 cat9k_iosxe.17.15.01.SPA.bin
11353194496 bytes total (8976625664 bytes free)


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

Switch(config)# no boot manual
Switch(config)# exit
Switch# write memory
Switch# show bootvar
BOOT variable = bootflash:packages.conf
MANUAL_BOOT variable = no
BAUD variable = 9600
ENABLE_BREAK variable = yes
BOOTMODE variable does not exist
IPXE_TIMEOUT variable does not exist
CONFIG_FILE variable = 

Standby BOOT variable = bootflash:packages.conf
Standby MANUAL_BOOT variable = no
Standby BAUD variable = 9600
Standby ENABLE_BREAK variable = yes
Standby BOOTMODE variable does not exist
Standby IPXE_TIMEOUT variable does not exist
Standby CONFIG_FILE variable =
The following sample output displays installation of the Cisco IOS XE 17.15.1 software image in the flash memory: 
Switch# install add file flash:cat9k_iosxe.17.15.01.SPA.bin
 activate commit

install_add_activate_commit: START Mon Jul 22 22:49:41 UTC 2024
 
*Jul 22 22:49:42.772: %IOSXE-5-PLATFORM: Switch 1 R0/0: Jul 22 22:49:42 install_engine.sh:
 %INSTALL-5-INSTALL_START_INFO: Started install one-shot flash:cat9k_iosxe.17.15.01.SPA.bin

install_add_activate_commit: Adding PACKAGE
 
--- Starting initial file syncing ---
Info: Finished copying flash:cat9k_iosxe.17.15.01.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
 
/flash/cat9k-webui.17.15.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-srdriver.17.15.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-sipspa.17.15.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-sipbase.17.15.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-rpboot.17.15.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-rpbase.17.15.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-guestshell.17.15.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-espbase.17.15.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-cc_srdriver.17.15.01.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
[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!
 
Chassis 1 reloading, reason - Reload command
SUCCESS: install_add_activate_commit
/flash/cat9k-webui.17.15.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-srdriver.17.15.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-sipspa.17.15.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-sipbase.17.15.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-rpboot.17.15.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-rpbase.17.15.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-guestshell.17.15.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-espbase.17.15.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-cc_srdriver.17.15.01.SPA.pkg
Jul 22 11 22:53:58 UTC 2024
Switch#
The following is sample output of the dir flash:*.pkg command: 
Switch# dir flash:*.pkg
Directory of flash:/*.pkg
Directory of flash:/
475140 -rw- 2012104     Mar 20 2024 09:52:41 -07:00 cat9k-cc_srdriver.17.14.01.SPA.pkg
475141 -rw- 70333380    Mar 20 2024 09:52:44 -07:00 cat9k-espbase.17.14.01.SPA.pkg
475142 -rw- 13256       Mar 20 2024 09:52:44 -07:00 cat9k-guestshell.17.14.01.SPA.pkg
475143 -rw- 349635524   Mar 20 2024 09:52:54 -07:00 cat9k-rpbase.17.14.01.SPA.pkg
475149 -rw- 24248187    Mar 20 2024 09:53:02 -07:00 cat9k-rpboot.17.14.01.SPA.pkg
475144 -rw- 25285572    Mar 20 2024 09:52:55 -07:00 cat9k-sipbase.17.14.01.SPA.pkg
475145 -rw- 20947908    Mar 20 2024 09:52:55 -07:00 cat9k-sipspa.17.14.01.SPA.pkg
475146 -rw- 2962372     Mar 20 2024 09:52:56 -07:00 cat9k-srdriver.17.14.01.SPA.pkg
475147 -rw- 13284288    Mar 20 2024 09:52:56 -07:00 cat9k-webui.17.14.01.SPA.pkg
475148 -rw- 13248       Mar 20 2024 09:52:56 -07:00 cat9k-wlc.17.14.01.SPA.pkg

491524 -rw- 25711568    Jul 22 2024 11:49:33 -07:00  cat9k-cc_srdriver.17.15.01.SPA.pkg
491525 -rw- 78484428    Jul 22 2024 11:49:35 -07:00  cat9k-espbase.17.15.01.SPA.pkg
491526 -rw- 1598412     Jul 22 2024 11:49:35 -07:00  cat9k-guestshell.17.15.01.SPA.pkg
491527 -rw- 404153288   Jul 22 2024 11:49:47 -07:00  cat9k-rpbase.17.15.01.SPA.pkg
491533 -rw- 31657374    Jul 22 2024 11:50:09 -07:00  cat9k-rpboot.17.15.01.SPA.pkg
491528 -rw- 27681740    Jul 22 2024 11:49:48 -07:00  cat9k-sipbase.17.15.01.SPA.pkg
491529 -rw- 52224968    Jul 22 2024 11:49:49 -07:00  cat9k-sipspa.17.15.01.SPA.pkg
491530 -rw- 31130572    Jul 22 2024 11:49:50 -07:00  cat9k-srdriver.17.15.01.SPA.pkg
491531 -rw- 14783432    Jul 22 2024 11:49:51 -07:00  cat9k-webui.17.15.01.SPA.pkg
491532 -rw- 9160        Jul 22 2024 11:49:51 -07:00  cat9k-wlc.17.15.01.SPA.pkg
11353194496 bytes total (8963174400 bytes free)
The following is sample output of the dir flash:*.conf command. It displays the .conf files in the flash partition; note the two .conf files:
Switch# dir flash:*.conf
 
Directory of flash:/*.conf
Directory of flash:/

16631  -rw- 4882 Jul 22 2024 05:39:42 +00:00  packages.conf
16634  -rw- 4882 Jul 22 2024 05:34:06 +00:00  cat9k_iosxe.17.15.01.SPA.conf

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

  • cat9k_iosxe.17.15.01.SPA.conf—a backup copy of the newly installed packages.conf file

The following is sample output of the show install summary command:
Switch# show install summary

[ R0 ] Installed Package(s) Information:
State (St): I - Inactive, U - Activated & Uncommitted,
C - Activated & Committed, D - Deactivated & Uncommitted
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Type St Filename/Version
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
IMG C 17.15.01.0.58

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Auto abort timer: inactive
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The following sample output of the show version command displays the Cisco IOS XE 17.15.1 image on the device:
Switch# show version

Cisco IOS XE Software, Version 17.15.01
Cisco IOS Software, Catalyst L3 Switch Software (CAT9K_IOSXE), Version 17.15.1, RELEASE SOFTWARE (fc1)
Technical Support: http://www.cisco.com/techsupport
Copyright (c) 1986-2024 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 17.15.x

Either install commands or request platform software command4.

Cisco IOS XE 17.14.x or earlier releases.

4 The request platform software commands are deprecated. So although they are still visible on the CLI, we recommend that you use install commands.
 Note
New switch models that are introduced in a release cannot be downgraded. The release in which a switch model is introduced is the minimum software version for that model.

This procedure shows the steps to downgrade the Cisco IOS XE software on a switch, from Cisco IOS XE 17.15.1 to Cisco IOS XE 17.14.1 using install commands, followed by sample output.

Microcode Downgrade Prerequisite:

Starting from Cisco IOS XE Gibraltar 16.12.1, a new microcode is introduced to support IEEE 802.3bt Type 3 standard for UPOE switches in the series (C9300-24U, C9300-48U, C9300-24UX, C9300-48UXM, C9300-48UN). The new microcode is not backward-compatible with some releases, because of which you must also downgrade the microcode when you downgrade to one of these releases. If the microcode is not downgraded, PoE features will be impacted after the downgrade.

Depending on the release you are downgrading to and the commands you use to downgrade, review the table below for the action you may have to take:

When downgrading from ...

To one of These Releases

by Using...

Action For Microcode Downgrade

Cisco IOS XE Gibraltar 16.12.1 or a later release

Cisco IOS XE Everest 16.6.1 through Cisco IOS XE Everest 16.6.6

Cisco IOS XE Fuji 16.9.1 through Cisco IOS XE Fuji 16.9.2

install commands

Microcode will roll back automatically as part of the software installation. No further action is required.

request platform software commands or or bundle boot

Manually downgrade the microcode before downgrading the software image.

Enter the hw-module mcu rollback command in global configuration mode, to downgrade microcode.

Procedure

Step 1

Clean-up

install remove inactive

Use this command to clean-up old installation files in case of insufficient space and to ensure that you have at least 1GB of space in flash, to expand a new image.

Step 2

Copy new image to flash

  1. copy tftp:[[//location]/directory]/filenameflash:

    Use this command to copy the new image from a TFTP server to flash memory. The location is either an IP address or a host name. The filename is specified relative to the directory used for file transfers. Skip this step if you want to use the new image from a TFTP server.

  2. dir flash:

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

Step 3

Set boot variable

  1. boot system flash:packages.conf

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

  2. no boot manual

    Use this command to configure the switch to auto-boot.

  3. write memory

    Use this command to save boot settings.

  4. show boot

    Use this command to verify the boot variable (packages.conf) and manual boot setting (no):

Step 4

Downgrade software image

install add file activate commit

Use this command to install the image.

We recommend that you point to the source image on your TFTP server or the flash drive of the active switch, if you have copied the image to flash memory. 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# install add file flash-3:cat9k_iosxe.17.14.01.SPA.bin activate commit.

 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

Verify version

show version

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

 Note
When you downgrade the software image, the ROMMON version does not downgrade. It remains updated.

Example

The following sample output displays the cleaning up of unused files, by using the install remove inactive command:
Switch# install remove inactive
 
install_remove: START Mon Jul 22 10:34:24 PDT 2024
install_remove: Removing IMG
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 ...
[R0]: /flash/packages.conf File is in use, will not delete.
[R1]: /flash/packages.conf File is in use, will not delete.
[R0]: /flash/cat9k-cc_srdriver.17.15.01.SPA.pkg File is in use, will not delete.
[R1]: /flash/cat9k-cc_srdriver.17.15.01.SPA.pkg File is in use, will not delete.
[R0]: /flash/cat9k-espbase.17.15.01.SPA.pkg File is in use, will not delete.
[R1]: /flash/cat9k-espbase.17.15.01.SPA.pkg File is in use, will not delete.
[R0]: /flash/cat9k-guestshell.17.15.01.SPA.pkg File is in use, will not delete.
[R1]: /flash/cat9k-guestshell.17.15.01.SPA.pkg File is in use, will not delete.
[R0]: /flash/cat9k-lni.17.15.01.SPA.pkg File is in use, will not delete.
[R1]: /flash/cat9k-lni.17.15.01.SPA.pkg File is in use, will not delete.
[R0]: /flash/cat9k-rpbase.17.15.01.SPA.pkg File is in use, will not delete.
[R1]: /flash/cat9k-rpbase.17.15.01.SPA.pkg File is in use, will not delete.
[R0]: /flash/cat9k-sipbase.17.15.01.SPA.pkg File is in use, will not delete.
[R1]: /flash/cat9k-sipbase.17.15.01.SPA.pkg File is in use, will not delete.
[R0]: /flash/cat9k-sipspa.17.15.01.SPA.pkg File is in use, will not delete.
[R1]: /flash/cat9k-sipspa.17.15.01.SPA.pkg File is in use, will not delete.
[R0]: /flash/cat9k-srdriver.17.15.01.SPA.pkg File is in use, will not delete.
[R1]: /flash/cat9k-srdriver.17.15.01.SPA.pkg File is in use, will not delete.
[R0]: /flash/cat9k-webui.17.15.01.SPA.pkg File is in use, will not delete.
[R1]: /flash/cat9k-webui.17.15.01.SPA.pkg File is in use, will not delete.
[R0]: /flash/cat9k-wlc.17.15.01.SPA.pkg File is in use, will not delete.
[R1]: /flash/cat9k-wlc.17.15.01.SPA.pkg File is in use, will not delete.
[R0]: /flash/cat9k_iosxe.17.15.01.SPA.conf File is in use, will not delete.
[R1]: /flash/cat9k_iosxe.17.15.01.SPA.conf File is in use, will not delete.
[R0]: /flash/cat9k-rpboot.17.15.01.SPA.pkg File is in use, will not delete.
[R1]: /flash/cat9k-rpboot.17.15.01.SPA.pkg File is in use, will not delete.

The following files will be deleted:
[R0]: /flash/cat9k_iosxe.17.15.01.SPA.bin
[R1]: /flash/cat9k_iosxe.17.15.01.SPA.bin
[R0]: /flash/cat9k-cc_srdriver.17.09.02.SPA.pkg
[R1]: /flash/cat9k-cc_srdriver.17.09.02.SPA.pkg
[R0]: /flash/cat9k-espbase.17.09.02.SPA.pkg
[R1]: /flash/cat9k-espbase.17.09.02.SPA.pkg
[R0]: /flash/cat9k-guestshell.17.09.02.SPA.pkg
[R1]: /flash/cat9k-guestshell.17.09.02.SPA.pkg
[R0]: /flash/cat9k-lni.17.09.02.SPA.pkg
[R1]: /flash/cat9k-lni.17.09.02.SPA.pkg
[R0]: /flash/cat9k-rpbase.17.09.02.SPA.pkg
[R1]: /flash/cat9k-rpbase.17.09.02.SPA.pkg
[R0]: /flash/cat9k-sipbase.17.09.02.SPA.pkg
[R1]: /flash/cat9k-sipbase.17.09.02.SPA.pkg
[R0]: /flash/cat9k-sipspa.17.09.02.SPA.pkg
[R1]: /flash/cat9k-sipspa.17.09.02.SPA.pkg
[R0]: /flash/cat9k-srdriver.17.09.02.SPA.pkg
[R1]: /flash/cat9k-srdriver.17.09.02.SPA.pkg
[R0]: /flash/cat9k-webui.17.09.02.SPA.pkg
[R1]: /flash/cat9k-webui.17.09.02.SPA.pkg
[R0]: /flash/cat9k-wlc.17.09.02.SPA.pkg
[R1]: /flash/cat9k-wlc.17.09.02.SPA.pkg
[R0]: /flash/cat9k_iosxe.17.09.02.SPA.conf
[R1]: /flash/cat9k_iosxe.17.09.02.SPA.conf
[R0]: /flash/cat9k-rpboot.17.09.02.SPA.pkg
[R1]: /flash/cat9k-rpboot.17.09.02.SPA.pkg

Do you want to remove the above files? [y/n]y

Deleting file /flash/cat9k_iosxe.17.15.01.SPA.bin ... done.
Deleting file /flash/cat9k-cc_srdriver.17.09.02.SPA.pkg ... done.
Deleting file /flash/cat9k-espbase.17.09.02.SPA.pkg ... done.
Deleting file /flash/cat9k-guestshell.17.09.02.SPA.pkg ... done.
Deleting file /flash/cat9k-lni.17.09.02.SPA.pkg ... done.
Deleting file /flash/cat9k-rpbase.17.09.02.SPA.pkg ... done.
Deleting file /flash/cat9k-sipbase.17.09.02.SPA.pkg ... done.
Deleting file /flash/cat9k-sipspa.17.09.02.SPA.pkg ... done.
Deleting file /flash/cat9k-srdriver.17.09.02.SPA.pkg ... done.
Deleting file /flash/cat9k-webui.17.09.02.SPA.pkg ... done.
Deleting file /flash/cat9k-wlc.17.09.02.SPA.pkg ... done.
Deleting file /flash/cat9k_iosxe.17.09.02.SPA.conf ... done.
Deleting file /flash/cat9k-rpboot.17.09.02.SPA.pkg ... done.
Deleting /flash/.images/17.15.01.0.172764.1674613814 ... done.
SUCCESS: Files deleted.

--- Starting Post_Remove_Cleanup ---
Performing REMOVE_POSTCHECK on all members
Finished Post_Remove_Cleanup
SUCCESS: install_remove Mon Jul 22 10:34:32 PDT 2024

Switch# copy tftp://10.8.0.6/image/cat9k_iosxe.17.14.01.SPA.bin flash:
Destination filename [cat9k_iosxe.17.14.01.SPA.bin]?
Accessing tftp://10.8.0.6//cat9k_iosxe.17.14.01.SPA.bin...
Loading /cat9k_iosxe.17.14.01.SPA.bin from 10.8.0.6 (via GigabitEthernet0/0): 
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
[OK - 508584771 bytes]
508584771 bytes copied in 101.005 secs (5035244 bytes/sec)
 

Switch# dir flash:*.bin

Directory of flash:/*.bin
 
Directory of flash:/
 
434184 -rw- 508584771 Jul 22 2024 13:35:16 -07:00 cat9k_iosxe.17.14.01.SPA.bin
11353194496 bytes total (9055866880 bytes free)


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

Switch(config)# no boot manual
Switch(config)# exit
Switch# write memory
Switch# show boot  
          
Current Boot Variables:
BOOT variable = flash:packages.conf;

Boot Variables on next reload:
BOOT variable = flash:packages.conf;
Manual Boot = no
Enable Break = yes
Boot Mode = DEVICE
iPXE Timeout = 0
The following example displays the installation of the Cisco IOS XE 17.14.1 software image to flash, by using the install add file activate commit command.
Switch# install add file flash:cat9k_iosxe.17.14.01.SPA.bin activate commit

install_add_activate_commit: START Mon Jul 22 10:55:53 PDT 2024
install_add: START Mon Jul 22 10:55:53 PDT 2024
install_add: Adding IMG
 [2] Switch 2 Warning!!! Image is being downgraded from 17.15.01.0.1186 to 17.14.01.0.1444.
--- Starting initial file syncing ---
Copying flash:cat9k_iosxe.17.14.01.SPA.bin from Switch 1 to Switch 1 2
Info: Finished copying to the selected Switch
Finished initial file syncing

--- Starting Add ---
Performing Add on all members
Checking status of Add on [1 2]
Add: Passed on [1 2]
Image added. Version: 17.14.01.0.1444

Finished Add

install_activate: START Mon Jul 22 10:57:32 PDT 2024
install_activate: Activating IMG
Following packages shall be activated:
/flash/cat9k-cc_srdriver.17.14.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-espbase.17.14.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-guestshell.17.14.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-lni.17.14.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-rpbase.17.14.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-sipbase.17.14.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-sipspa.17.14.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-srdriver.17.14.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-webui.17.14.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-wlc.17.14.01.SPA.pkg
/flash/cat9k-rpboot.17.14.01.SPA.pkg

This operation may require a reload of the system. Do you want to proceed? [y/n]y

--- Starting Activate ---
Performing Activate on all members
 [1] Activate package(s) on Switch 1
 [2] Activate package(s) on Switch 2
 [2] Finished Activate on Switch 2
 [1] Finished Activate on Switch 1
Checking status of Activate on [1 2]
Activate: Passed on [1 2]
Finished Activate

--- Starting Commit ---
Performing Commit on all members
 [1] Commit package(s) on Switch 1
 [2] Commit package(s) on Switch 2
 [2] Finished Commit on Switch 2
 [1] Finished Commit on Switch 1
Checking status of Commit on [1 2]
Commit: Passed on [1 2]
Finished Commit operation

SUCCESS: install_add_activate_commit Mon Jul 22 11:00:19 PDT 2024
stack-nyqcr3#
Chassis 1 reloading, reason - Reload command
Jul 22 11:00:25.253: %PMAN-5-EXITACTION: F0/0: pvp: Process manager is exiting: reload fp action requested
Jul 22 11:00:26.878: %PMAN-5-EXITACTION: R0/0: pvp: Process manager is exiting: rp processes exit with reload switch code



Initializing Hardware......

System Bootstrap, Version 17.15.1r[FC1], RELEASE SOFTWARE (P)
Compiled Wed 02/08/2024 14:36:07.63 by rel

Current ROMMON image : Primary
Last reset cause     : SoftwareReload
C9300-48UXM platform with 8388608 Kbytes of main memory

Preparing to autoboot. [Press Ctrl-C to interrupt]  0     
boot: attempting to boot from [flash:packages.conf]
boot: reading file packages.conf
#
########################################################################################################################################################################
########################################################################################################################################################################
########################################################################################################################################################################


Waiting for 120 seconds for other switches to boot

Switch number is 1
All switches in the stack have been discovered. Accelerating discovery
The following sample output of the show version command displays the Cisco IOS XE 17.14.1 image on the device: 
Switch# show version

Cisco IOS XE Software, Version 17.14.01
Cisco IOS Software [Dublin], Catalyst L3 Switch Software (CAT9K_IOSXE), Version 17.14.1, RELEASE SOFTWARE (fc1)
Technical Support: http://www.cisco.com/techsupport
Copyright (c) 1986-2024 by Cisco Systems, Inc.
<output truncated>

Upgrading the ROMMON

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

    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.

  • Upgrading the ROMMON in the golden SPI flash device

    You must manually upgrade this ROMMON. Enter the upgrade rom-monitor capsule golden switch command in privileged EXEC mode.

     Note

    • Golden ROMMON upgrade is only applicable to Cisco IOS XE Amsterdam 17.3.5 and later releases.

    • Golden ROMMON upgrade will fail if the FPGA version is 17101705 or older. To upgrade the FPGA version, see Upgrading the Complex Programmable Logic Device Version.

    • In case of a Cisco StackWise Virtual setup, upgrade the active and standby supervisor modules.

    • In case of a High Availability set up, upgrade the active and standby supervisor modules.

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.

Upgrading the Complex Programmable Logic Device Version

CPLD version upgrade process must be completed after upgrading the software image. During CPLD upgrade, the supervisor module automatically power cycles. This completes the CPLD upgrade process for the supervisor module but also causes traffic disruption. Therefore, auto-upgrade of CPLD is not supported. You must manually perform CPLD upgrade.

Upgrading the CPLD Version: High Availability Setup

Beginning in the privileged EXEC mode, complete the following steps:

Before you begin

When performing the CPLD version upgrade as shown, the show platform command can be used to confirm the CPLD version after the upgrade. This command output shows the CPLD version on all modules. However, the CPLD upgrade only applies to the supervisors, not the line cards. The line cards CPLD version is a cosmetic display. After the upgrade is completed in a high availability setup, the supervisors will be upgraded, but the line cards will still show the old CPLD version. The version mismatch between the supervisors and line cards is expected until a chassis reload.

Procedure

Step 1

Upgrade the CPLD Version of the standby supervisor module

Enter the following commands on the active supervisor:

  1. Device# configure terminal

  2. Device(config)# service internal

  3. Device(config)# exit

  4. Device# upgrade hw-programmable cpld filename bootflash: rp standby

The standby supervisor module reloads automatically and the upgrade occurs in ROMMON. During the upgrade, the supervisor module automatically power cycles and remains inactive for approximately 5 minutes.

Wait until the standby supervisor module boots up and the SSO has formed (HOT) before you proceed to the next step; this takes approximately 17 minutes.

Step 2

Perform a switch over

  1. Device# redundancy force-switchover

This causes the standby supervisor (on which you have completed the CPLD upgrade in Step 1) to become the active supervisor module

Step 3

Upgrade the CPLD Version of the new standby supervisor module

Repeat Step 1 and all its substeps.

 Note

Do not operate an HA system with mismatched FPGA versions. FPGA version should be upgraded on both the supervisors one at a time.

Upgrading the CPLD Version: Cisco StackWise Virtual Setup

Beginning in the privileged EXEC mode, complete the following steps:

Procedure

Step 1

Upgrade the CPLD version of the standby supervisor module

Enter the following commands on the active supervisor:

  1. Device# configure terminal

  2. Device(config)# service internal

  3. Device(config)# exit

  4. Device# upgrade hw-programmable cpld filename bootflash: switch standby r1

     Note

    For the upgrade hw-programmable cpld filename bootflash command, configure with the switch keyword only. The other available keywords are not applicable when upgrading with Cisco StackWise Virtual.

Step 2

Reload the standby supervisor module

  1. Device# redundancy reload peer

The upgrade occurs in ROMMON. During the upgrade, the supervisor module automatically power cycles and remains inactive for approximately 5 minutes.

Wait until the standby supervisor module boots up and the SSO has formed (HOT) before you proceed to the next step; this takes approximately 17 minutes.

Step 3

Perform a switch over

  1. Device# redundancy force-switchover

This causes the standby supervisor (on which you have completed the CPLD upgrade in step 1) to become the active supervisor module

Step 4

Upgrade the CPLD version of the new standby supervisor module

Perfom Steps 1 and 2, including all substeps, on the new standby supervisor module

Upgrading the CPLD Version: Single Supervisor Module Setup

Beginning in the privileged EXEC mode, complete the following steps:

Procedure

Upgrade the CPLD version of the active supervisor module

Enter the following commands on the active supervisor:

  1. Device# configure terminal

  2. Device(config)# service internal

  3. Device(config)# exit

  4. Device# upgrade hw-programmable cpld filename bootflash: rp active

The supervisor module reloads automatically and the upgrade occurs in ROMMON. During the upgrade, the supervisor module automatically power cycles and remains inactive for approximately 5 minutes.

In-Service Software Upgrade with Cisco Stackwise Virtual

In-Service Software Upgrade (ISSU) is a process that upgrades an image to another image on a device while the network continues to forward packets. ISSU helps network administrators avoid a network outage when performing a software upgrade. ISSU is supported in install mode.

ISSU is supported in dual SUP HA and StackWise Virtual system. In-Service Software Upgrade is performed either in a single step or in three-steps.

ISSU Support between Releases

  • Within a major release train (16.x or 17.x or 18.x ), ISSU is supported between any two Extended Maintenance (EM) releases that are released not more than 3 years apart.

  • Within a major release train, ISSU is supported from:

    • Any EM (EM1, EM2, EM3) release to another EM (EM1, EM2, EM3) release

      Example:

      16.9.x to 16.12,

      17.3.x to 17.6.x, 17.3.x to 17.9.x, 17.3.x to 17.12.x and so on

      17.6.x to 17.9.x, 17.6.x to 17.12.x, 17.6.x to 17.15.x and so on

      17.9.x to 17.12.x, 17.9.x to 17.15.x and so on

    • Any release within the same EM release

      Example:

      16.9.2 to 16.9.3 or 16.9.4 or 16.9.x

      16.12.1 to 16.12.2 or 16.12.3 or 16.12.x

      17.3.1 to 17.3.2 or 17.3.3 or 17.3.x

  • ISSU Recommendation: From any EM recommended release on CCO to current EM Recommended release on CCO.

See In-Service Software Upgrade (ISSU) for information on ISSU support for Catalyst platforms and Software Lifecycle Support Statement for information extended and standard maintenance releases.

Scaling Information

For information about feature scaling guidelines, see these datasheets for Cisco Catalyst 9400 Series Switches:

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/collateral/switches/catalyst-9400-series-switches/nb-06-cat9400-ser-data-sheet-cte-en.html

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/collateral/switches/catalyst-9400-series-switches/nb-06-cat9600-series-line-data-sheet-cte-en.html

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/collateral/switches/catalyst-9400-series-switches/nb-06-cat9400-ser-sup-eng-data-sheet-cte-en.html

Related Content

This section provides links to the product documentation and troubleshooting information.

Troubleshooting

For the most up-to-date, detailed troubleshooting information, see the Cisco TAC website at Support & Downloads.

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.

Accessing Hidden Commands

Starting with 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. These commands were only meant to assist Cisco TAC in advanced troubleshooting and were not documented either.

Starting with Cisco IOS XE Fuji 16.8.1a, 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. Enter 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. 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.

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  • 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.