Working with System Software Images

Note For complete syntax and usage information for the commands used in this chapter, refer to the Catalyst 6000 Family Command Reference publication.

This chapter consists of these sections:

Downloading System Software Images to the Switch Using TFTP

These sections describe how to download system software images to the switch supervisor engine and to intelligent modules:

Understanding How TFTP Software Image Downloads Work

You can download system software images to the switch using the Trivial File Transfer Protocol (TFTP). TFTP allows you to download system image files over the network from a TFTP server.

Some modules, such as ATM modules, have their own onboard Flash. When you download a software image file, the switch checks the header of the image file to determine the type of software image.

Depending on the type of software image you are downloading, one of the following occurs:

Supervisor engine software image---The image file is downloaded to the supervisor engine Flash memory. You can store multiple image files on the Flash memory system devices (such as boot Flash and Flash PC cards).

Caution Some supervisor engine software releases update the supervisor engine erasable programmable logic devices (EPLDs). The EPLDs can be updated only a limited number of times. You should avoid loading a new software release and then backing out unnecessarily. The supervisor engine software release notes indicate which software releases have code that updates the EPLDs.

Intelligent module software images---If you specified a module number, the image file is downloaded to the specified module only (provided the image file is designed for the specified module type). If you do not specify a module number, the image file is downloaded to every module of the appropriate type. The file is relayed packet by packet to the appropriate modules using the Inter-Process Communications protocol internal to the system, with communication taking place across the switching bus. Downloading a software image to multiple modules significantly speeds up the process of updating the software on multiple modules of the same type.

Note For more information on working with system software image files on the Flash file system, see "Working With the Flash File System."

Preparing to Download an Image Using TFTP

Before you begin downloading a software image using TFTP, make sure of the following:

Ensure that the workstation acting as the TFTP server is configured properly. On a Sun workstation, make sure that the /etc/inetd.conf file contains the following line:

tftp dgram udp wait root /usr/etc/in.tftpd in.tftpd -p -s /tftpboot

: Make sure that the /etc/services file contains this line:

tftp 69/udp

Note You must restart the inetd daemon after modifying the /etc/inetd.conf and /etc/services files. To restart the daemon, either stop the inetd process and restart it, or enter a fastboot command (on the SunOS 4.x) or a reboot command (on Solaris 2.x or SunOS 5.x). Refer to the documentation for your workstation for more information on using the TFTP daemon.

Ensure that the switch has a route to the TFTP server. The switch and the TFTP server must be in the same subnetwork if you do not have a router to route traffic between subnets. Check connectivity to the TFTP server using the ping command.
Ensure that the software image to be downloaded is in the correct directory on the TFTP server (usually /tftpboot on a UNIX workstation).
Ensure that the permissions on the file are set correctly. Permissions on the file should be world-read.
A power interruption (or other problem) during the download procedure can corrupt the Flash code. If the Flash code is corrupted, you can connect to the switch through the console port and boot from an uncorrupted system image on a Flash PC card.

Downloading Supervisor Engine Images Using TFTP

Note If you have a redundant supervisor engine, you cannot download a system image directly from a TFTP server to the Flash memory on the standby supervisor engine. When you download the image to the active supervisor engine, the standby supervisor engine sychronizes automatically with the new image. In addition, you cannot copy an image from the standby supervisor engine to the active supervisor engine.

Use the following procedure to download a supervisor engine software image to the switch from a TFTP server:

Step 1 Copy the software image file to the appropriate TFTP directory on the workstation.

Step 2 Log into the switch through the console port or through a Telnet session. If you log in using Telnet, your Telnet session disconnects when you reset the switch to run the new software.

Step 3 Use the copy tftp flash command. When prompted, enter the IP address or host name of the TFTP server and the name of the file to download. On those platforms that support the Flash file system, you are also prompted for the Flash device to which to copy the file and the destination filename.

The switch downloads the image file from the TFTP server to the specified Flash device.

Note The switch remains operational while the image downloads.

Step 4 Modify the BOOT environment variable using the set boot system flash device:filename prepend command, so that the new image boots when you reset the switch. Specify the Flash device (device:) and the filename of the downloaded image (filename).

Step 5 Reset the switch using the reset system command. If you are connected to the switch through Telnet, your Telnet session disconnects.

During startup, the Flash memory on the supervisor engine is reprogrammed with the new Flash code.

Step 6 When the switch reboots, enter the show version command to check the version of the code on the switch.

Note For examples that show complete TFTP download procedures for the various supervisor engine and switch types, see the "TFTP Download Procedures Example" section.

Downloading Switching Module Images Using TFTP

Use this procedure to download a software image to an intelligent module:

Step 1 Copy the software image file to the appropriate TFTP directory on the workstation.

Step 2 Log into the switch through the console port or a Telnet session. If you log in using Telnet, your Telnet session might disconnect when you reset modules to run the new software.

Step 3 If there is only one module of the type appropriate for the image, or if there are multiple modules of the same type and you want to update the image on all of them, use the copy tftp flash command. When prompted, enter the IP address or host name of the TFTP server, the name of the file to download, the Flash device to which to copy the file, and the destination filename.

Step 4 If there are multiple modules of the type appropriate for the image but you only want to update a single module, use the copy tftp m/bootflash: command, where m is the number of the module to which to download the software image.

Note If you do not specify a module number, the switch examines the header of the image file to determine to which modules the software is downloaded. The image is then downloaded to all the modules of that type.

The switch downloads the image file, erases the Flash memory on the appropriate modules, and reprograms the Flash memory with the downloaded Flash code.

Note All modules in the switch remain operational while the image downloads.

Step 5 Reset the appropriate modules using the reset mod_num command. If you are connected through Telnet, your Telnet session disconnects if you reset the module through which your connection was made.

Step 6 When the upgraded modules come online, enter the show version [mod_num] command to check the version of the code on the switch.

Note For examples that show complete procedures for TFTP downloads to intelligent modules, see the "Single Module Image TFTP Download Example" section and the "Multiple Module Image TFTP Download Example" section.

TFTP Download Procedures Example

These sections show example TFTP download procedures:

Supervisor Image TFTP Download Example

Note For a step-by-step procedure for downloading a supervisor engine software image from a TFTP server, see the "Downloading Supervisor Engine Images Using TFTP" section.

This example shows a complete TFTP download procedure of a supervisor engine software image to a Catalyst 6000 family switch:

Console> (enable) copy tftp flash
IP address or name of remote host []? 172.20.52.3
Name of file to copy from []? cat6000-sup.5-2-1-CSX.bin
Flash device [bootflash]?
Name of file to copy to [cat6000-sup.5-2-1-CSX.bin]?
 
4369664 bytes available on device bootflash, proceed (y/n) [n]? y
CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
File has been copied successfully.
 
Console> (enable) set boot system flash bootflash:cat6000-sup.5-2-1-CSX.bin
BOOT variable = bootflash:cat6000-sup.5-2-1-CSX.bin,1;
Console> (enable) reset system
This command will reset the system.
Do you want to continue (y/n) [n]? y
Console> (enable) 07/21/1998,13:51:39:SYS-5:System reset from Console//
 
System Bootstrap, Version 4.2
Copyright (c) 1994-1998 by cisco Systems, Inc.
c6k_sup1 processor with 32768 Kbytes of main memory
 
Autoboot executing command: "boot bootflash:cat6000-sup.5-2-1-CSX.bin"
CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
Uncompressing file:  ###########################################################
################################################################################
################################################################################
################################################################################
################################################################################
################################################################################
################################################################################
################################################################################
################################################################################
################################################################################
#############
 
System Power On Diagnostics
DRAM Size ....................32 MB
Testing DRAM..................Passed
Verifying Text segment .......Passed
NVRAM Size ...................512 KB
Saving NVRAM .................
Testing NVRAM ................Passed
Restoring NVRAM...............
Level2 Cache ..................Present
Level2 Cache test..............Passed
 
Leaving power_on_diags
 
Cafe Daughter Present.
 
EOBC link up
 
Boot image: bootflash:cat6000-sup.5-2-1-CSX.bin
Flash Size = 0X1000000, num_flash_sectors = 64
readCafe2Version: 0x00000001
RIn Local Test Mode, Pinnacle Synch Retries: 2
Running System Diagnostics from this Supervisor (Module 1)
This may take up to 2 minutes....please wait
 
Cisco Systems Console
 
 
 
Enter password:
07/21/1998,13:52:51:SYS-5:Module 1 is online
07/21/1998,13:53:11:SYS-5:Module 4 is online
07/21/1998,13:53:11:SYS-5:Module 5 is online
07/21/1998,13:53:14:PAGP-5:Port 1/1 joined bridge port 1/1.
07/21/1998,13:53:14:PAGP-5:Port 1/2 joined bridge port 1/2.
07/21/1998,13:53:40:SYS-5:Module 2 is online
07/21/1998,13:53:45:SYS-5:Module 3 is online
 
Console>

Single Module Image TFTP Download Example

Note For a step-by-step procedure for downloading software images to intelligent modules, see the "Downloading Switching Module Images Using TFTP" section.

This example shows a complete TFTP download procedure of an ATM software image to a single ATM module:

Console> (enable) show version 4
Mod Port Model      Serial #  Versions
--- ---- ---------- --------- ----------------------------------------
4   1    WS-X6101   003414855 Hw : 1.2
                              Fw : 1.3
                              Sw : 3.2(6)
 
Console> (enable) copy tftp 4/flash
IP address or name of remote host []? 172.20.52.3
Name of file to copy from []? cat6000-atm.3-2-7.bin
Download image tftp:cat6000-atm.3-2-7.bin to Module 4 FLASH (y/n) [n]? y
This command will reset Download Module(s) you selected.
 
Do you wish to continue download flash (y/n) [n]? y
-
Download done for module 4, please wait for it to come online
 
File has been copied successfully.
Console> (enable) 07/21/1998,13:13:54:SYS-5:Module 4 is online
 
Console> (enable) show version 4
Mod Port Model      Serial #  Versions
--- ---- ---------- --------- ----------------------------------------
4   1    WS-X6101   003414855 Hw : 1.2
                              Fw : 1.3
                              Sw : 3.2(7)
Console> (enable)

Multiple Module Image TFTP Download Example

Note For a step-by-step procedure for downloading software images to intelligent modules, see the "Downloading Switching Module Images Using TFTP" section.

This example shows a complete TFTP download procedure of an ATM software image to multiple ATM modules:

Console> (enable) show version 4
Mod Port Model      Serial #  Versions
--- ---- ---------- --------- ----------------------------------------
4   1    WS-X6101   003414855 Hw : 1.2
                              Fw : 1.3
                              Sw : 3.2(6)
Console> (enable) show version 5
Mod Port Model      Serial #  Versions
--- ---- ---------- --------- ----------------------------------------
5   1    WS-X6101   003414463 Hw : 1.2
                              Fw : 1.3
                              Sw : 3.2(6)
Console> (enable) copy tftp flash
IP address or name of remote host []? 172.20.52.3
Name of file to copy from []? cat6000-atm.3-2-7.bin
Download image tftp:cat6000-atm.3-2-7.bin to Module 4 FLASH (y/n) [n]? y
Download image tftp:cat6000-atm.3-2-7.bin to Module 5 FLASH (y/n) [n]? y
This command will reset Download Module(s) you selected.
 
Do you wish to continue download flash (y/n) [n]? y
-
Download done for module 4, please wait for it to come online
 
Download done for module 5, please wait for it to come online
 
File has been copied successfully.
Console> (enable) 07/21/1998,12:25:10:SYS-5:Module 4 is online
07/21/1998,12:25:10:SYS-5:Module 5 is online
 
Console> (enable) show version 4
Mod Port Model      Serial #  Versions
--- ---- ---------- --------- ----------------------------------------
4   1    WS-X6101   003414855 Hw : 1.2
                              Fw : 1.3
                              Sw : 3.2(7)
Console> (enable) show version 5
Mod Port Model      Serial #  Versions
--- ---- ---------- --------- ----------------------------------------
5   1    WS-X6101   003414463 Hw : 1.2
                              Fw : 1.3
                              Sw : 3.2(7)
Console> (enable)

Uploading System Software Images to a TFTP Server

These sections describe how to upload system software images from a switch to a TFTP server:

Note For more information on working with system software image files on the Flash file system, see "Working With the Flash File System."

Preparing to Upload an Image to a TFTP Server

Before you attempt to upload a software image to a TFTP server, do the following:

Ensure that the workstation acting as the TFTP server is configured properly. On a Sun workstation, make sure that the /etc/inetd.conf file contains this line:

tftp dgram udp wait root /usr/etc/in.tftpd in.tftpd -p -s /tftpboot

: Make sure that the /etc/services file contains this line:

tftp 69/udp

Ensure that the switch has a route to the TFTP server. The switch and the TFTP server must be in the same subnetwork if you do not have a router to route traffic between subnets. Check connectivity to the TFTP server using the ping command.
You might need to create an empty file on the TFTP server before uploading the image. To create an empty file, enter the touch filename command, where filename is the name of the file you will use when uploading the image to the server.
If you are overwriting an existing file (including an empty file, if you had to create one), ensure that the permissions on the file are set correctly. Permissions on the file should be world-write.

Uploading Software Images to a TFTP Server

Use this procedure to upload a software image on a switch to a TFTP server for storage:

Step 1 Log into the switch through the console port or a Telnet session.

Step 2 Upload the software image to the TFTP server with the copy flash tftp command. When prompted, specify the TFTP server address and destination filename. On platforms that support the Flash file systems, you are first prompted for the Flash device and source filename. If desired, you can use the copy file-id tftp command on these platforms.

The software image is uploaded to the TFTP server.

This example shows how to upload the supervisor engine software image:

Console> (enable) copy flash tftp
Flash device [bootflash]? slot0:
Name of file to copy from []? cat6000-sup.5-4-1.bin
IP address or name of remote host [172.20.52.3]? 172.20.52.10
Name of file to copy to [cat6000-sup.5-4-1.bin]? 
CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC|
File has been copied successfully.
Console> (enable)

Downloading System Software Images Using rcp

These sections describe how to download system software images to the switch supervisor engine and to intelligent modules:

Preparing to Download an Image Using rcp

Before you begin downloading a software image using rcp, make sure of the following:

Ensure that the workstation acting as the rcp server supports the remote shell (rsh).
Ensure that the switch has a route to the rcp server. The switch and the rcp server must be in the same subnetwork if you do not have a router to route traffic between subnets. Check connectivity to the rcp server using the ping command.
If you are accessing the switch through the console or a Telnet session without a valid username, make sure that the current rcp username is the one you want to use for the rcp download. You can enter the show users command to view the current valid username. If you do not want to use the current username, create a new rcp username using the set rcp username command. The new username will be stored in NVRAM. If you are accessing the switch through a Telnet session with a valid username, this username will be used and there is no need to set the rcp username.
A power interruption (or other problem) during the download procedure can corrupt the Flash code. If the Flash code is corrupted, you can connect to the switch through the console port and boot from an uncorrupted system image on a Flash PC card.

Downloading Supervisor Engine Images Using rcp

Use this procedure to download a supervisor engine software image to the switch from an rcp server:

Step 1 Copy the software image file to the appropriate rcp directory on the workstation.

Step 2 Log into the switch through the console port or through a Telnet session. If you log in using Telnet, your Telnet session disconnects when you reset the switch to run the new software.

Step 3 Download the software image from the rcp server by entering the copy rcp flash command. When prompted, enter the IP address or host name of the rcp server and the name of the file to download. On those platforms that support the Flash file system, you are also prompted for the Flash device to which to copy the file and the destination filename.

The switch downloads the image file from the rcp server.

Note The switch remains operational while the image downloads.

Step 5 Reset the switch using the reset system command. If you are connected to the switch through Telnet, your Telnet session disconnects.

During startup, the Flash memory on the supervisor engine is reprogrammed with the new Flash code.

Step 6 When the switch reboots, enter the show version command to check the version of the code on the switch.

Downloading Switching Module Images Using rcp

Use this procedure to download a software image to an intelligent module on a Catalyst 6000 family switch:

Step 1 Copy the software image file to the appropriate rcp directory on the workstation.

Step 2 Log into the switch through the console port or a Telnet session. If you log in using Telnet, your Telnet session might disconnect when you reset modules to run the new software.

Step 3 Use the command appropriate for your switch and supervisor engine to download the software image from the rcp server:

If there is only one module of the type appropriate for the image, or if there are multiple modules of the same type and you want to update the image on all of them, use the copy rcp flash command. When prompted, enter the IP address or host name of the rcp server, the name of the file to download, the Flash device to which to copy the file, and the destination filename.
If there are multiple modules of the type appropriate for the image but you only want to update a single module, use the copy rcp | m/bootflash: command, where m is the number of the module to which to download the software image. If you do not specify the module, all modules of the same type will be updated.

The switch downloads the image file, erases the Flash memory on the appropriate modules, and reprograms the Flash memory with the downloaded Flash code.

Note All modules in the switch remain operational while the image downloads.

Step 4 Reset the appropriate modules using the reset mod_num command. If you are connected through Telnet, your Telnet session disconnects if you reset the module through which your connection was made.

Step 5 When the upgraded modules come online, enter the show version [mod_num] command to check the version of the code on the switch.

Example rcp Download Procedures

These sections show example rcp download procedures.

Supervisor Image rcp Download Example

Note For a step-by-step procedure for downloading a supervisor engine software image from an rcp server, see the "Downloading Supervisor Engine Images Using rcp" section.

This example shows a complete rcp download procedure of a supervisor engine software image to a Catalyst 6000 family switch:

Console> (enable) copy rcp flash
IP address or name of remote host []? 172.20.52.3
Name of file to copy from []? cat6000-sup.5-2-1-csx.bin
Flash device [bootflash]?
Name of file to copy to [cat6000-sup.5-2-1-csx.bin]?
 
4369664 bytes available on device bootflash, proceed (y/n) [n]? y
CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
File has been copied successfully.
Console> (enable) set boot system flash bootflash:cat6000-sup.5-2-1-csx.bin prepend
BOOT variable = bootflash:cat6000-sup.5-2-1-csx.bin,1;bootflash:cat6000-sup.5-2-
1-csx.bin,1;
Console> (enable) reset system
This command will reset the system.
Do you want to continue (y/n) [n]? y
Console> (enable) 09/2/1999,13:51:39:SYS-5:System reset from Console//
 
System Bootstrap, Version 4.2
Copyright (c) 1994-1999 by cisco Systems, Inc.
Presto processor with 32768 Kbytes of main memory
 
Autoboot executing command: "boot bootflash:cat6000-sup.5-2-1-csx.bin"
CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
Uncompressing file:  ###########################################################
################################################################################
################################################################################
################################################################################
################################################################################
################################################################################
################################################################################
################################################################################
################################################################################
################################################################################
#############
 
 
System Power On Diagnostics
DRAM Size ....................32 MB
Testing DRAM..................Passed
Verifying Text segment .......Passed
NVRAM Size ...................512 KB
Saving NVRAM .................
Testing NVRAM ................Passed
Restoring NVRAM...............
Level2 Cache ..................Present
Level2 Cache test..............Passed
 
Leaving power_on_diags
 
Cafe Daughter Present.
 
EOBC link up
 
Boot image: bootflash:cat6000-sup.5-2-1-CSX.bin
Flash Size = 0X1000000, num_flash_sectors = 64
readCafe2Version: 0x00000001
RIn Local Test Mode, Pinnacle Synch Retries: 2
Running System Diagnostics from this Supervisor (Module 1)
This may take up to 2 minutes....please wait
 
Cisco Systems Console
 
 
 
 
Enter password:
09/2/1999,13:52:51:SYS-5:Module 1 is online
09/2/1999,13:53:11:SYS-5:Module 4 is online
09/2/1999,13:53:11:SYS-5:Module 5 is online
09/2/1999,13:53:14:PAGP-5:Port 1/1 joined bridge port 1/1.
09/2/1999,13:53:14:PAGP-5:Port 1/2 joined bridge port 1/2.
09/2/1999,13:53:40:SYS-5:Module 2 is online
09/2/1999,13:53:45:SYS-5:Module 3 is online
Console> (enable)

Single Module Image rcp Download Example

Note For a step-by-step procedure for downloading software images to intelligent modules, see the "Downloading Switching Module Images Using rcp" section.

This example shows a complete rcp download procedure of an ATM software image to a single ATM module:

Console> (enable) show version 4
Mod Port Model      Serial #  Versions
--- ---- ---------- --------- ----------------------------------------
4   1    WS-X6101   003414855 Hw : 1.2
                              Fw : 1.3
                              Sw : 3.2(6)
Console> (enable) copy rcp 4/flash
IP address or name of remote host []? 172.20.52.3
Name of file to copy from []? cat6000-atm.3-2-7.bin
Download image rcp:cat6000-atm.3-2-7.bin to Module 4 FLASH (y/n) [n]? y
This command will reset Download Module(s) you selected.
 
Do you wish to continue download flash (y/n) [n]? y
 
Download done for module 4, please wait for it to come online
 
File has been copied successfully.
Console> (enable) 09/2/1999,13:13:54:SYS-5:Module 4 is online
 
Console> (enable) show version 4
Mod Port Model      Serial #  Versions
--- ---- ---------- --------- ----------------------------------------
4   1    WS-X6101   003414855 Hw : 1.2
                              Fw : 1.3
                              Sw : 3.2(7)
Console> (enable)

Multiple Module Image rcp Download Example

Note For a step-by-step procedure for downloading software images to intelligent modules, see the "Downloading Switching Module Images Using rcp" section.

This example shows a complete rcp download procedure of an ATM software image to multiple ATM modules:

Console> (enable) show version 4
Mod Port Model      Serial #  Versions
--- ---- ---------- --------- ----------------------------------------
4   1    WS-X6101   003414855 Hw : 1.2
                              Fw : 1.3
                              Sw : 3.2(6)
Console> (enable) show version 5
Mod Port Model      Serial #  Versions
--- ---- ---------- --------- ----------------------------------------
5   1    WS-X6101   003414463 Hw : 1.2
                              Fw : 1.3
                              Sw : 3.2(6)
Console> (enable) copy rcp flash
IP address or name of remote host []? 172.20.52.3
Name of file to copy from []? cat6000-atm.3-2-7.bin
Download image rcp:cat6000-atm.3-2-7.bin to Module 4 FLASH (y/n) [n]? y
Download image rcp:cat6000-atm.3-2-7.bin to Module 5 FLASH (y/n) [n]? y
This command will reset Download Module(s) you selected.
 
Do you wish to continue download flash (y/n) [n]? y
-
Download done for module 4, please wait for it to come online
Download done for module 5, please wait for it to come online
 
File has been copied successfully.
Console> (enable) 09/2/1999,12:25:10:SYS-5:Module 4 is online
09/2/1999,12:25:10:SYS-5:Module 5 is online
 
Console> (enable) show version 4
Mod Port Model      Serial #  Versions
--- ---- ---------- --------- ----------------------------------------
4   1    WS-X6101   003414855 Hw : 1.2
                              Fw : 1.3
                              Sw : 3.2(7)
Console> (enable) show version 5
Mod Port Model      Serial #  Versions
--- ---- ---------- --------- ----------------------------------------
5   1    WS-X6101   003414463 Hw : 1.2
                              Fw : 1.3
                              Sw : 3.2(7)
Console> (enable)

Uploading System Software Images to an rcp Server

These sections describe how to upload system software images from a switch to an rcp server:

Note For more information on working with system software image files on the Flash file system, see "Working With the Flash File System."

Preparing to Upload an Image to an rcp Server

Before you attempt to upload a software image to an rcp server, do the following:

Ensure that the workstation acting as the rcp server is configured properly.
Ensure that the switch has a route to the rcp server. The switch and the rcp server must be in the same subnetwork if you do not have a router to route traffic between subnets. Check connectivity to the rcp server using the ping command.
If you are overwriting an existing file (including an empty file, if you had to create one), ensure that the permissions on the file are set correctly. Permissions on the file should be write for the specific username.

Uploading Software Images to an rcp Server

Use this procedure to upload a software image on a switch to an rcp server for storage:

Step 1 Log into the switch through the console port or a Telnet session.

Step 2 Upload the software image to the rcp server using the copy flash rcp command. When prompted, specify the rcp server address and destination filename. On platforms that support the Flash file systems, you are first prompted for the Flash device and source filename. If desired, you can use the copy file-id rcp command on these platforms.

The software image is uploaded to the rcp server.

This example shows how to upload the supervisor engine software image to an rcp server:

Console> (enable) copy flash rcp
Flash device [bootflash]? slot0:
Name of file to copy from []? cat6000-sup.5-3-1.bin
IP address or name of remote host [172.20.52.3]? 172.20.52.10
Name of file to copy to [cat6000-sup.5-3-1.bin]? 
CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC|
File has been copied successfully.
Console> (enable)

Downloading Software Images Over a Serial Connection on the Console Port

These sections describe how to perform a serial download of software images over the supervisor engine console port using Kermit, a popular file-transfer and terminal-emulation software program:

Preparing to Download an Image Using Kermit

Before you begin a serial download of a software image using Kermit, make sure of the following:

On a UNIX workstation, make sure your shell window is local (not an rlogin window to a different workstation).
Ensure that the supervisor engine console port is connected to a serial port on your PC or workstation with a serial cable.
Ensure that the Kermit software is installed on your PC or workstation.
Ensure that the line speed settings are the same on the PC or workstation and on the switch:
- On the switch, you can change the console port speed by entering the set system baud rate command. The default baud rate is 9600 baud.
- On the PC or workstation, you can change the baud rate of the serial port by entering the set speed rate command at the Kermit> prompt.

Caution To prevent communication problems, do not use a speed greater than 19,200 baud.

Ensure that Kermit is using the proper serial port.
- On a PC, specify the serial port using the set port comx command, where x is the PC serial port number (1 through 8) that you connected to the switch.
- On a UNIX workstation, specify the serial port using the set port /dev/ttyx command, where x is the serial port (a or b) that you connected to the switch.

Downloading Software Images Using Kermit (PC Procedure)

Note This procedure applies to PC serial downloads only. For information on performing a serial download on a UNIX workstation, see the "Downloading Software Images Using Kermit (UNIX Procedure)" section.

Use this procedure to perform a serial download of a software image over the supervisor engine console port:

Step 1 Copy the software image file to the directory where Kermit is loaded.

Step 2 Start Kermit on the PC.

Note Before continuing, ensure that the line speed is correct and that you have selected the proper serial line, as described in the "Preparing to Download an Image Using Kermit" section.

Step 3 At the Kermit> prompt, enter the connect command to connect to the switch. If your line and speed are set correctly, the switch Console> prompt appears.

Step 4 Enter the enable command to enter privileged mode.

Step 5 Enter the download serial command. The file is downloaded to module 1 by default.

Step 6 When prompted, confirm the download.

Step 7 Enter the escape sequence Ctrl-]-c by holding down the Ctrl key while you press ], and then press c.

Step 8 At the Kermit> prompt, enter the send filename command to send the file to the switch.

The switch downloads the image file, erases the Flash memory on the supervisor engine or the appropriate module, and reprograms the Flash memory with the downloaded Flash code.

Note The switch remains operational while the image downloads.

Step 9 When the Kermit> prompt reappears, enter the connect command to return to the switch Console> prompt. You will see status information as the switch erases and reprograms the Flash memory.

Note If you enter the connect command more than two minutes after the Kermit> prompt reappears, you might see only a Console> prompt instead of the status information about erasing and programming Flash code.

Step 10 Reset the switch using the reset system command.

Step 11 When the switch reboots, enter the show version [mod_num] command to check the version of the code on the switch.

Note For an example that shows a complete serial download procedure using Kermit on a PC, see the "PC Serial Download Procedure Example" section.

Downloading Software Images Using Kermit (UNIX Procedure)

Note This procedure applies to UNIX serial downloads only. For information on performing a serial download on a PC, see the "Downloading Software Images Using Kermit (PC Procedure)" section.

Use this procedure to perform a serial download of a software image over the supervisor engine console port.

To copy the software to the workstation, log in as root, and perform these steps:

Step 1 Copy the software image file to your home directory.

Step 2 At the UNIX command prompt, start Kermit by entering the kermit command (make sure the directory where Kermit is installed is included in the $PATH environment variable on the workstation).

Note Before continuing, ensure that the line speed is correct and that you have selected the proper serial line, as described in the "Preparing to Download an Image Using Kermit" section.

Step 3 At the C-Kermit> prompt, enter the connect command to connect to the switch. If your line and speed are set correctly, the switch Console> prompt appears.

Step 4 Enter the enable command to enter privileged mode.

Step 5 Enter the download serial command. The file downloads to module 1 by default.

Step 6 When prompted, confirm the download.

Step 7 Enter the escape sequence Ctrl-\-c by holding down the Ctrl key while you press \, and then press c.

Step 8 At the Kermit> prompt, enter the send filename command to send the file to the switch.

You can monitor the progress of the download by pressing the a key at any time during the Kermit download. A dot appears onscreen for every four packets transferred. If there is a problem transferring the file, one or more of the following letter codes appear:

T---Kermit timed out.
N---Kermit is not acknowledging the switch download process.
E---Kermit detected an error in the progress of the transaction.

The switch downloads the image file, erases the Flash memory on the supervisor engine or the appropriate module, and reprograms the Flash memory with the downloaded Flash code.

Note The switch remains operational while the image downloads.

Step 9 Press Return to return to the C-Kermit> prompt. When the Kermit> prompt reappears, enter the connect command to return to the switch Console> prompt. You will see status information as the switch erases and reprograms the Flash memory.

Step 10 Reset the switch using the reset system command.

Step 11 When the switch reboots, enter the show version [mod_num] command to check the version of the code on the switch.

Note For an example that shows a complete serial download procedure using Kermit on a
UNIX workstation, see the "UNIX Workstation Serial Download Procedure Example" section.

Example Serial Software Image Download Procedures

These sections show example serial download procedures over the supervisor engine console port using Kermit:

PC Serial Download Procedure Example

This screen output shows an example of a complete serial download procedure on a PC:

C:\ copy A:\*.*
copying c6509_xx.bin
C:\ kermit
Kermit, 4C(057) 06 Apr 98, 4.2 BSD
Type ? for help
Kermit> set port com1
Kermit> set speed 9600
Kermit> connect
Connecting to com1,speed 9600.
The escape character is ^] (ASCII 29).
Type the escape character followed by C to get back,
or followed by ? to see other options
 
Console> enable
Console> (enable) download serial
Download CBI image via console port (y/n) [n]? y
 
Waiting for DOWNLOAD!
Return to your local Machine by typing its escape sequence
Issue Kermit send command from there[ Send \QFilename\Q]
 
<CONTROL-] c to return to Local Machine>
 
Kermit> send c6509_xx.bin
 
 
          File name: c6509_xx.bin
 KBytes transferred: xxxx
Percent transferred: 100%
            Sending: Complete
 
  Number of Packets: xxxx
  Number of retries: None
         Last error: None
       Last warning: None
Kermit> connect
 
Finished network download.  (1136844 bytes)
Flash erase in progress ... Erase done
Programming Flash:  Flash Programming Complete
Flash erase in progress ... Erase done
Programming Flash:  Flash Programming Complete
Flash erase in progress ... Erase done
Programming Flash:  Flash Programming Complete
Flash erase in progress ... Erase done
Programming Flash:  Flash Programming Complete
Flash erase in progress ... Erase done
Programming Flash:  Flash Programming Complete
Flash erase in progress ... Erase done
Programming Flash:  Flash Programming Complete
Flash erase in progress ... Erase done
Programming Flash:  Flash Programming Complete
The system needs to be reset to run the new image.
 
Cisco Systems Console
Enter password:
Mon Apr 06, 1998, 14:35:08
Console>

UNIX Workstation Serial Download Procedure Example

This screen output shows an example of a complete serial download procedure on a UNIX workstation:

workstation% cd /tmp
workstation% tar -xvfp /dev/rfd0
c5009_xx.bin, 1156046 bytes, 2258 tape blocks
workstation% ls -la
total 1150
drwxrwsrwt  5 bin           512 Sep 28 04:15 .
drwxr-xr-x 18 root         1536 Sep 27 15:41 ..
-r--r--r--  1 60000     1156046 Jul 18 10:32 c5009_xx.bin
workstation% kermit
C-Kermit, 4E(072) 06 Apr 98, SUNOS 4.x
Type ? for help
C-Kermit> set line /dev/ttya
C-Kermit> set speed 9600
/dev/ttya: 9600 baud
C-Kermit> connect
Connecting thru /dev/ttya, speed 9600.
The escape character is CTRL-\ (28).
 
Type the escape character followed by C to get back,
or followed by ? to see other options.
 
Console> enable
Console> (enable) download serial c5009_xx.bin
 
Download CBI image via console port (y/n) [n]? y
 
Waiting for DOWNLOAD!
Return to your local Machine by typing its escape sequence
Issue Kermit send command from there[ Send \QFilename\Q]
[Back at Local System]
C-Kermit> send c5009_xx.bin
SF
c5009_xx.bin => c5009_xx.bin, Size: 1156046
 
CTRL-F to cancel file,  CTRL-R to resend current packet
CTRL-B to cancel batch, CTRL-A for status report: ..............................................................................................................................
*** Display Truncated ***
...............................................................
.................................... [OK]
ZB?
C-Kermit> connect
Connecting thru /dev/ttya, speed 9600.
The escape character is CTRL-\ (28).
Type the escape character followed by C to get back,
or followed by ? to see other options.
 
Download OK
Initializing Flash
Programming Flash
Base....Code....Length....Time....Done
 
Cisco Systems Console
Enter password:
Mon Apr 06, 1998, 17:35:08
Console>

Uploading a Syst em Image Using Xmodem or Ymodem

When you need a system image on the switch, but the switch does not have network access and you do not have a software image on a Flash PC card, you can upload an image from a local or remote computer (such as a PC, UNIX workstation, or Macintosh) through the console port using the Xmodem or Ymodem protocol.

Xmodem and Ymodem are common protocols used to transfer files and are included in applications such as Windows 3.1 (TERMINAL.EXE), Windows 95 (HyperTerminal), Windows NT 3.5x (TERMINAL.EXE), Windows NT 4.0 (HyperTerminal), and Linux UNIX freeware (minicom).

Xmodem and Ymodem uploads are slow: use them only when the switch does not have network access. You can speed up the transfer by setting the console port speed to 38400 bps.

Xmodem and Ymodem file transfers are performed from the ROM monitor with the following command:

xmodem [-y] [-c] [-s data-rate]

In the example, the -y option uses the Ymodem protocol; -c provides CRC-16 checksumming; and -s sets the console port data rate.

Note See the "ROM Monitor Command-Line Interface" section in the "Command-Line Interfaces" chapter for more information about the ROM monitor.

The computer from which you transfer the supervisor engine software image must be running terminal emulation software that supports the Xmodem or Ymodem protocol.

The following procedure shows a file transfer using the Xmodem protocol. To use the Ymodem protocol, include the -y option with the xmodem command.

Caution A modem connection from the telephone network to your console port introduces security issues that you should consider before enabling the connection. For example, remote users can dial into your modem and access the switch configuration settings.

Step 1 Place a supervisor engine software image on the computer's hard drive. You can download an image from Cisco Connection Online (see the "Preface" section for details).

Step 2 To upload from a local computer, connect the console port (port mode switch in the in position) to a serial port on the computer, using a null-modem cable. The console port speed must match the speed configured on the local computer.

Note If you are transferring from a local computer, you may need to configure the terminal emulation program to ignore RTS/DTR signals.

Step 3 To upload from a remote computer:

a. Connect a modem to the console port and to the telephone network.

b. The modem and console port must communicate at the same speed, which can be from 1200 to 38400 bps, depending on the speed supported by your modem. Use the confreg ROM monitor command to configure the console port transmission speed.

c. Connect a modem to the remote computer and to the telephone network and configure it for the same speed as the supervisor engine.

d. Dial the number of the supervisor engine modem from the remote computer.

Step 4 Enter the xmodem command at the ROM monitor prompt in the terminal emulation window:

rommon > xmodem -s 38400 -c

Step 5 Start an Xmodem or Ymodem send operation with the computer's terminal emulation software. The computer uploads the system image to the supervisor engine. See your terminal emulation software application manual for instructions on how to execute a Xmodem or Ymodem file transfer.

Step 6 After the new image is completely uploaded, the ROM monitor boots it.

Note Uploading an image through the console port does not create an image file on any of the Flash devices. The uploaded image resides only in memory. The image in memory cannot be saved as a file.

Step 7 After the upload, the console port returns to the default baud rate: 9600. If the upload took place at other than 9600 baud, the remote computer's baud rate must be changed back to 9600 baud.

Note Establish network connectivity to the switch to copy an image file from a TFTP server to one of the flash devices.

Table of Contents

Working with System Software Images