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Copying iOS Image to Cisco Switch via TFTP

Objective

This SOP outlines the procedure for copying an iOS image to a Cisco switch using the Trivial File Transfer Protocol (TFTP).

Equipment Needed

  • Cisco switch
  • TFTP server
  • Console cable
  • Ethernet cable
  • Computer with TFTP client software installed

Procedure

  1. Prepare the Environment:

  2. Connect your computer to the Cisco switch using the console cable.

  3. Connect the Cisco switch to the network using an Ethernet cable.

  4. Configure IP Address on Cisco Switch:

  5. Access the switch console using terminal emulation software (e.g., PuTTY, HyperTerminal).

  6. Enter privileged EXEC mode by typing enable and providing the enable password if prompted.
  7. Configure the IP address of the switch's management interface using the following commands:
  configure terminal
  interface vlan 1
  ip address <IP_address> <subnet_mask>
  no shutdown
  exit

  1. Verify Connectivity:

    • Ping the TFTP server from the switch to ensure connectivity using the command: 
      ping <TFTP_server_IP_address>
    • Ensure that you receive replies indicating successful communication.

  2. Initiate TFTP Transfer:

    • Enter privileged EXEC mode on the switch.
    • Copy the iOS image file from the TFTP server to the switch's flash memory using the following command: 
      copy tftp flash
    • Follow the prompts to specify the IP address of the TFTP server and the filename of the iOS image.

  3. Verify Image Copy:

    • Once the copy process completes, verify that the iOS image file is present in the flash memory of the switch using the command: 
      show flash

  4. Optional: Set Boot Image:

    • If necessary, set the newly copied iOS image as the boot image using the following command: 
      boot system flash:<iOS_image_filename>
    • Save the configuration changes using the command: 
      write memory

  5. Reload the Switch:

    • Reload the switch to apply any configuration changes and ensure the new iOS image is loaded during the boot process: 
      reload

Conclusion

This SOP provides a step-by-step guide for copying an iOS image to a Cisco switch via TFTP. Following these instructions will ensure the successful transfer and deployment of the iOS image, thereby maintaining the integrity and functionality of the network infrastructure.