Upgrading the IOS on Your Cisco Stacked Switch: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cisco Stacked Switch Upgrade:

Keeping your Cisco stacked switches updated with the latest IOS is essential for maintaining network security, stability, and performance. This guide will walk you through the process of upgrading the IOS on a Cisco 3850 switch from version 16.03.03 to 16.06.08. Whether you prefer using TFTP or a USB drive, we'll provide detailed, step-by-step instructions to help you complete the upgrade smoothly and efficiently.

Current IOS: cat3k_caa-universalk9.16.03.03.SPA.bin
Suggested IOS: cat3k_caa-universalk9.16.06.08.SPA.bin

ACTION PLAN:

STEP 1: Download the ISO 16.6.8(.bin file) from cisco software download page and make sure the device have enough space on flash of all 3 switches.
STEP 2: Take the backup of switch
STEP 3: Copy the ISO (.bin file) to flash of all Three switches using TFTP server

Copy tftp:cat3k_caa-universalk9.16.06.08.SPA.bin flash-1:

Copy tftp:cat3k_caa-universalk9.16.06.08.SPA.bin flash-2:

STEP 4: Verify the md5 checksum for the image. MD5 checksum value is present on the cisco software download page.

Verify /md5 flash-1:cat3k_caa-universalk9.16.06.08.SPA.bin

MD5 value will be (f288b24dbecdce481ea3578b0430b66e)

STEP 5: Run the below command to expand and install the package

request platform software package install switch all file flash:cat3k_caa-universalk9.16.06.08.SPA.bin

STEP 6: Verify the boot variable which should be pointing to packages.conf

show boot system

STEP 7: Verify the packages.conf. The content of this file should represent target version

more flash:packages.conf

STEP 8: Save the config

wr mem

STEP 9: Reload the stack

reload

STEP 10: Check the version after reload.
STEP 11: You can remove the old IOS pkg file from the switch with command below.

request platform software package clean switch all file flash:

For USB Use

STEP 1: Download the ISO 16.6.8(.bin file) from cisco software download page and make sure the device have enough space on flash of all 3 switches.
STEP 2: Take the backup of switch
STEP 3: Copy the ISO (.bin file) to flash of all Three switches using USB(2/4/8GB only)

dir flash:

dir usbflash0:

copy usbflash0:cat3k_caa-universalk9.16.06.08.SPA.bin flash-1:

copy usbflash0:cat3k_caa-universalk9.16.06.08.SPA.bin flash-2:

STEP 4: Verify the md5 checksum for the image. MD5 checksum value is present on the cisco software download page.

Verify /md5 usbflash0:cat3k_caa-universalk9.16.06.08.SPA.bin

MD5 value will be (f288b24dbecdce481ea3578b0430b66e)

STEP 5: Run the below command to expand and install the package

request platform software package install switch all file flash:cat3k_caa-universalk9.16.06.08.SPA.bin

STEP 6: Verify the boot variable which should be pointing to packages.conf

show boot system

STEP 7: Verify the packages.conf. The content of this file should represent target version

more flash:packages.conf

STEP 8: Save the config

wr mem

STEP 9: Reload the stack

reload

STEP 10: Check the version after reload.
STEP 11: You can remove the old IOS pkg file from the switch with command below.

request platform software package clean switch all file flash:

If you are planning to upgrade then just make sure you have console connection and USB drive of 2/4/8GB , just in case if something goes off-script.

ROLLBACK PLAN:

In case the IOS upgradation fails. Step 1 We will revert the switch to boot from the OLD image which would be present in the flash and follow STEP 5 and proceed.

request platform software package install switch all file flash:cat3k_caa-universalk9.16.03.03.SPA.bin

Step 2 Verify the Old image

show version

Conclusion

Upgrading the IOS on a Cisco stacked switch involves careful planning and execution. Following this guide step-by-step will help ensure a smooth upgrade process. Whether using TFTP or USB methods, it is crucial to verify all steps, especially checksums and boot variables, to prevent any issues. Always have a rollback plan in place to swiftly revert to the previous version if something goes wrong. Keeping your network equipment updated is essential for optimal performance and security.