Cisco IOS XE Software Bundles: Upgrade and Management Guide

About Software Bundles and Packages

Cisco IOS XE software bundles are collections of package files (.pkg) that can be installed on a switch or used to boot the switch directly. The show software package command in privileged EXEC mode provides information about bundle contents.

Bundle and Package File Location

Package files (.pkg) and the provisioning file (packages.conf) are stored in the switch's system board flash memory (flash:) when running in installed mode. In bundle mode, the booted bundle file (.bin) is stored in flash: or usbflash0:. The show version command helps identify the currently running bundle or provisioning file.

Upgrading Cisco IOS XE Software

The upgrade process for Cisco IOS XE software depends on whether the switch operates in installed mode or bundle mode.

Install Mode Upgrades

To upgrade in installed mode, use the software install privileged EXEC command. This command installs packages from a new software bundle, either from local storage or over the network (TFTP/FTP). The command expands the bundle, copies packages to flash:, updates packages.conf, and prompts for a reload. This command is not supported in bundle mode; use software expand to convert to installed mode.

Bundle Mode Upgrades

For bundle mode upgrades, download the bundle file to local storage, configure the boot system global configuration command to point to the bundle file, and then reload the switch.

Converting Modes

To convert from bundle mode to installed mode, use the software expand running to flash: privileged EXEC command. After expansion, configure boot system to point to flash:packages.conf and reload.

Stack Member Operations

For switches in a stack running in installed mode, the software install source switch command can install software packages from one stack member to another. For switches in bundle mode, use the copy command to transfer the bundle file between members, configure boot system, and reload.

Handling Incompatible Software

The software auto-upgrade command helps manage switches with incompatible software versions or running modes within a stack. It can upgrade or convert switches to match the stack's configuration, followed by a reload.

Additional References

For detailed command references and error message decoding, consult Cisco's official documentation. Key resources include the Cisco IOS Configuration Fundamentals Command Reference and the Cisco Support website.

For MIBs, use the Cisco MIB Locator: http://www.cisco.com/go/mibs

For technical assistance and product support, visit: http://www.cisco.com/cisco/web/support/index.html

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