Modular IOS Install

I was going to do a great post on the modular IOS on the 6500 pre-SXI3 and post SXI3 but so far I am not sure exactly where Cisco is going with the newest modular IOS (12.2(33)SXI3 and later) because the hallmark of the old install process was the “install file” command. You can read all about it at http://www.cisco.com/en/US/docs/ios/swmod/configuration/guide/sw_mod_instl_cfg.html. But that process is now gone, look at the release notes for 12.2(33)SXI3: http://www.cisco.com/en/US/docs/ios/12_2sx/12_2sxi/12_2_33_sxi3_newfeatlist.html and you will se that process is deprecated.

So what now? Just install it like any old IOS upgrade and you have modular IOS. Pretty simple. Now make sure you read up on modular IOS before you chose it as it has some hardware limitation (some SIP modules for example.) Most people who have gone to modular IOS have been happy but not everyone. It has taken awhile to get fully stable which is funny because its supposed to be more stable. So read up on it and hopefully with SXI4 I will have something to add to this post.

About the author

Steve is a Network Engineer/Architect based in Dallas working in the financial services industry. He has worked for enterprises, non-profits, service providers, as a freelance consultant and even a short time at Cisco, deploying and maintaining networks. When not being a geek he is a avid supporter of Arsenal football club and makes regular trips to Europe to watch them play. The best way to interact with Steve is on Twitter, you can follow him as @steve.