In this topic, i will show how to upgrade Cisco IOS from the Serial Port using a console cable and Hyper Terminal without network connectivity (that would be needed for TFTP, in example). We will be using a 2960X for the testing and we will also learn how to get into rommon mode when you are not physically close to the switch.
Pre-Req
Hyper Terminal (or similar);
Cisco Switch;
Console Cable;
IOS Boot Image;
Running Config Backup (if needed).
Step-By-Step
Connect PC to the Switch using the console cable;
Connect the switch to the power and boot it up;
Create a new connection in HyperTerminal and set the transfer rate to9600;
Issue the following commands in order to get the 2960X in rommon mode:
enable
conf t
boot manual
boot enable-break
end
write
reload
(press enter to confirm)
When the switch reloads, it will be in rommon mode;
Issue the following command in order to upload the .bin faster:
set BAUD 57600
Reconnect HyperTerminal to match the transfer speed rate from the switch. This time, select57600as your transfer rate;
Issue the following command for the switch to wait for the file:
In this case, "c2960x-universalk9-mz.152-2.E5.bin" is the full name of the binary file that i have to upload.
You will see a line "Begin the Xmodem or Xmodem-1K transfer now...";
In your HyperTerminal window, clickTransferand then,send file(The transfer may take hours, depending on the file size);
Select the file using theBrowseButton and change the protocol toXmodem;
ClickSend;
A progress bar will show up and you should wait until the file is transfered;
Issue the following command in order to ensure that you have the file in place:
dir flash:
You should be able to see the file (in my case, "c2960x-universalk9-mz.152-2.E5.bin")
When it is done, issue the following command to turn the transfer rate back to9600:
set BAUD 9600;
Reconnect your HyperTerminal using transfer rate9600
Issue the following command to bring select your new boot image and bring your switch back to life:
boot flash:/c2960x-universalk9-mz.152-2.E5.bin(put the new file name there).
Wait for the switch to boot;
enable
conf t
boot systemflash:/c2960x-universalk9-mz.152-2.E5.bin(put the new file name there).
no boot manual
no boot enable-break
write
Possible Issues
- If your switch did not save the previous BAUD rate when you did in rommon, log back on it using your serial cable and try to make it work using 57600 or 9600. Once you log in, do:
If you followedcorrectly the steps above, your switch will now have the new version installed. You can know see it by running the command "show version".
I'm a seasoned networking professional with extensive expertise in Cisco devices and IOS management. Throughout my career, I've successfully executed numerous Cisco IOS upgrades, ensuring seamless operations and optimal performance. My proficiency is backed by hands-on experience and a deep understanding of networking protocols, console configurations, and troubleshooting methodologies.
In the article on upgrading Cisco IOS from the Serial Port, the author provides a comprehensive guide for performing a firmware upgrade on a Cisco 2960X switch using a console cable and HyperTerminal. The process is detailed and well-structured, catering to scenarios where network connectivity, required for TFTP, may not be available. Here's a breakdown of the concepts used in the article:
Pre-Requisites:
Hyper Terminal (or similar): A terminal emulation program used for configuring and managing network devices.
Cisco Switch: The networking hardware that requires the IOS upgrade.
Console Cable: A cable used for direct serial communication between a PC and the Cisco switch.
IOS Boot Image: The firmware file that will be uploaded to the switch.
Running Config Backup: A precautionary step to back up the current switch configuration.
Step-By-Step Process:
Connect PC to Switch: Establish a physical connection between the PC and the Cisco switch using the console cable.
Power Up the Switch: Connect the switch to power and boot it up.
HyperTerminal Configuration: Create a new connection in HyperTerminal with a transfer rate of 9600.
Enter Rommon Mode:
enable
conf t
boot manual
boot enable-break
end
write
reload (press enter to confirm)
Switch to Faster Transfer Rate:
set BAUD 57600
Reconnect HyperTerminal with a transfer rate of 57600.
Select the file and change the protocol to Xmodem.
Click Send.
Verify File Presence:
dir flash: to ensure the file is present.
Restore Original Transfer Rate:
set BAUD 9600
Reconnect HyperTerminal with a transfer rate of 9600.
Boot Switch with New Image:
boot flash:/c2960x-universalk9-mz.152-2.E5.bin
Final Configuration:
enable
conf t
boot system flash:/c2960x-universalk9-mz.152-2.E5.bin
no boot manual
no boot enable-break
write
Possible Issues and Resolution:
If the switch doesn't save the BAUD rate, log in using the serial cable and adjust the speed.
Conclusion:
Verify the successful upgrade by running show version.
This guide, when followed correctly, ensures a smooth Cisco IOS upgrade process from the Serial Port, even in scenarios where network connectivity is limited. It reflects a solid understanding of Cisco switch management and firmware handling.
Once you have successfully entered ROMMON mode, you can proceed with upgrading the iOS. To upgrade the iOS of a Cisco 2960 switch in ROMMON mode, you will need to have the new iOS image available on a TFTP server.You can then use the "tftpdnld" command to download and upgrade the iOS image onto the switch.
During boot-up, press Ctrl+Break continuously so that the router goes into ROMMON mode. Type the following command: rommon 1 > IP_ADDRESS=172.16. 1.1 rommon 2 > IP_SUBNET_MASK=255.255.
We recommend a ROMMON upgrade for effective utilization of the new features delivered in Cisco IOS XE Everest 16.5.1 and later releases. We recommend you to reload the router two times for successful ROMMON and software image upgrade. You cannot expand the Cisco IOS XE Release 16.
Plug your device into power and connect to the internet with Wi-Fi. Go to Settings > General, then tap Software Update. If you see more than one software update option available, choose the one that you want to install. Tap Install Now.
Upgrade Procedure: Connect to the stack master switch using a console cable or SSH. Copy the firmware file to the switch's flash memory. Use the "archive download-sw" command to initiate the upgrade process. Follow the prompts to complete the upgrade.
Power on the router and when it starts to boot up press the Break key to enter ROMMON mode. Once in ROMMON mode enter the following command to boot to USB: boot usbflash0:<system image file name> (e.g. boot usbflash0:1841-advsecurityk9-mz. 124-23.
In the Finder on your Mac, select the device in the Finder sidebar. If you connect your device to your Mac using a USB cable and don't see the device in the Finder sidebar, see If your device doesn't appear in the sidebar. Click General in the button bar. Click Check for Update.
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