How to Upgrade Cisco Catalyst 4500 Switches

Last updated: 21-12-2025

How to Upgrade Cisco Catalyst 4500 Switches

Upgrading Cisco Catalyst 4500 switches ensures access to the latest IOS features, security patches, and improved stability. This guide outlines how to safely upgrade your 4500 series switches, including preparation, image transfer, verification, and post-upgrade checks.

Prerequisites and Preparation

System Requirements

  • Ensure sufficient bootflash memory on the supervisor module
  • Console or SSH access to the switch
  • Backup of current running configuration
  • Download the correct IOS image for your switch model from Cisco
  • Scheduled maintenance window for downtime

Pre-Upgrade Checklist

1. Document current system information:

show version
show running-config
show boot

2. Backup configuration:

copy running-config startup-config
copy startup-config tftp://your-tftp-server/backup-config.txt

3. Verify available bootflash space:

dir bootflash:
show bootflash:

Step-by-Step Upgrade Process

Step 1: Download the IOS Image

Download the appropriate Cisco IOS image for your Catalyst 4500 supervisor module from Cisco Software Download.

cat4500-ipbasek9-mz.16.12.05.SPA.bin

Step 2: Transfer the Image

You can transfer the image using TFTP, FTP, or USB (if supported).

# Using TFTP
copy tftp://192.168.10.10/cat4500-ipbasek9-mz.16.12.05.SPA.bin bootflash:

# Using USB
copy usbflash0:cat4500-ipbasek9-mz.16.12.05.SPA.bin bootflash:

Step 3: Verify the Image

dir bootflash: | include cat4500-ipbasek9-mz.16.12.05.SPA.bin
verify /md5 bootflash:cat4500-ipbasek9-mz.16.12.05.SPA.bin

Step 4: Set the Boot Variable

show boot
configure terminal
boot system bootflash:cat4500-ipbasek9-mz.16.12.05.SPA.bin
exit
copy running-config startup-config
show boot

Step 5: Reload the Switch

reload

Post-Upgrade Verification

show version | include Version
show boot
show running-config

Connectivity Test

ping 
show ip interface brief

Performance Monitoring

show processes cpu
show memory statistics
show logging | include ERROR|WARN

Rollback Procedures

Using Backup Image

configure terminal
boot system bootflash:backup-image.bin
exit
copy running-config startup-config
reload

Best Practices

  • Always verify the IOS image checksum before installation
  • Keep backup configurations and a known working image
  • Perform upgrades during maintenance windows
  • Monitor switch health post-upgrade

Conclusion

Upgrading Cisco Catalyst 4500 switches using the proper procedure ensures your network remains secure, stable, and optimized. By carefully preparing, transferring the correct IOS image to bootflash, verifying integrity, and setting the boot variables correctly, you minimize the risk of downtime or boot issues.

Always maintain a backup of the previous configuration and IOS image to allow quick rollback if needed. Post-upgrade verification, connectivity tests, and performance monitoring help confirm the upgrade was successful and that the switch is fully operational.

Following these best practices ensures reliable operation of your Catalyst 4500 switches and allows you to take advantage of the latest IOS features, security patches, and improvements.