Cisco ios 2

 

1. What are the different types of Cisco IOS software versions?

1) IOS software is divided into three types by system release: major release version (MR), early development release version (ED), and general deployment version (GD ). The ED version is also known as Technology Release ).

2) Major IOS versions (MR)

The major version is the IOS version managed and released by the IOS Technical Department (ITD). These versions are inherited from earlier R & D versions and have more reliable features, platform support, functions, and technologies. Therefore, ios mr has better reliability and performance, and it is important that MR does not accept support for new features or new platforms, changes made to each version during upgrade and maintenance are only corrections to known software errors. The original ios mr maintenance version became a limited R & D version (LD), and the subsequent versions continuously corrected Software defects. After most software errors have been corrected and strict tests have been passed, Cisco will announce the upgrade of this major version to the general deployment version (GD ). Once a released version is announced as GD, subsequent MR versions will be GD. The ITD will ensure that all subsequent system changes must be strictly tested to ensure that the GD version is rigorous. After the first commercial release (FCS) of an ios mr, it generally enters the GD period after 9 to 14 months of LD. After the version is announced as GD, after 10 to 18 months of careful error correction, it enters the maturity stage. After 24 months to 36 months from the release of the software version, the version is in the final period and the service will be suspended.

3) Early ios r & D version (ED)

IOSED is an IOS version developed by Cisco to support new technologies and platforms. That is to say, in addition to correcting known software errors, the release of each updated ED version will continuously bring more new features to customers. In addition, one to two years after each version of ED is released, it will be promoted to become the next major version of IOS.

4) General IOS deployment version (GD)

This is a major version that has been deployed and developed in a wide range of network environments. In addition, it has been proven to be a qualified version after extensive and in-depth reliability analysis, defect trend analysis, and customer satisfaction surveys.

 

2. What is an early development version?

1) based on a major version, the ED version is a way to quickly provide new features and meet customers' early availability requirements.

2) the same test process must be performed for both the ED version and the major version, and regular maintenance is available. Each updated maintenance version includes new features, additional platform support, and bug fixes. If a defect occurs in a "parent" major version, the defect must be fixed in this major version and Its ED version at the same time. When we find a defect in an ED version, we will analyze the defect and determine whether it is generated in the ED version or in the base major version. The ED version cannot obtain GD certification because the purpose of the ED version is to launch new features.

3) There are two types of ED:

? T version: The T (technology) version uses the current major version as the basis for providing new functions and platform support. These versions can be easily identified based on their names. Their names always end with "T", such as Cisco IOS 12.1 T.

? Version X: Generally, Version X is based on version T (such as 12.1 T). Version X can only support a limited number of platforms. The X version usually has an "X" letter in its name, for example, 12.1 (1) XB. Version X is usually not maintained. However, the new features in Version X are generally integrated with the subsequent update versions of its "parent" technology version to provide continuous maintenance versions. For example, 12.1 (1) XB has introduced some new platforms and features. Therefore, continuous support for these platforms and functions can be provided in subsequent maintenance versions 12.1 (3) T and 12.1T.

In addition to version T and Version X, Cisco Systems also provides other target ED versions:

? Technology or market area: These versions are released under the supervision of a specific platform and a division (BU) of Cisco Systems Corporation, it can be identified by two letters appended to the major version number. For example, Cisco IOS software version 12.1 (1) DC can support Cisco 6400 Universal Access Concentrator (Unified Access Concentrator) and should only be used for customers that are using Cisco 6400.

? Market fields (ISP, telecommunications companies, enterprises, etc.): These versions can go beyond specific technical barriers or obstacles to provide commercial solutions for a specific market area. In addition, these versions are created specifically for specific platforms related to the target market. These versions can be identified by a letter appended to the major version number. For example, Cisco IOS 12.0 S (for the ISP market) provides a series of technical solutions covering multiple business units, and telecom service providers are very interested in these solutions. Cisco IOS version 12.1E focuses on adding new features and features to the enterprise market.

 

3. What is the major version?

1) The main version is the main way to deploy Cisco IOS software products. The main version integrates functions, platforms, features, technologies, and host diversity of the previous ED version. The main version aims to provide stable and high-quality software for general deployment in the customer's production network. To ensure stability, Cisco Systems will not add any new features or platform support to a major version after it completes its first commercial delivery (FCS. (FCS refers to the date of the first delivery to the customer through any channel .)

2) Cisco Systems regularly maintains and updates major versions, also known as maintenance versions. these updated versions are completely regression tested and adopt the latest release of defect patches without support for any other new platforms or functions.

3) How are major versions identified?

The version number of a major version can identify the major version and its maintenance level. In Figure 7 below, 12.1 is the major version number and 7 is its maintenance level. The full version number is 12.1 (7 ).

 

4. What is a general deployment version?

1) at a certain stage of the version life cycle, Cisco Systems will announce a major version that has been prepared for General Deployment (GD) certification. Only major versions can be eligible for GD. When Cisco Systems considers that the version meets the following conditions and is satisfied with this, it can be deemed that the version has met the GD certification milestone:

A) This version has been widely used in different networks and proved to be reliable.

B) the benchmark parameters obtained from the stability and defect trend analysis prove that the version is qualified.

C) The customer satisfaction survey proves that the version is qualified.

2) GD qualification is obtained through a specific maintenance version. Later versions of this version are maintained and updated by the GD version. For example, version 12.0 received GD certification in stage 12.0 (8. Therefore, 12.0 (9), 12.0 (10) and all subsequent versions are also GD versions.

3) Cisco Systems Inc from Customer Advocacy, TAC, Global Support, and Network Support (Accounts) system Test Engineering, Cisco IOS Engineering team (Cisco IOS Engineering) and other departments have drawn key personnel to form cross-professional teams, these teams are responsible for evaluating each unresolved defect in the major version. Only such a team has the right to authenticate GD.

 

5. What are the main differences between the ED version and the main version?

1) We only need to take a look at the name to distinguish the main version from the ED version. The main version uses digital names such as 12.0, while the ED version uses names ending with one or more letters, such as 12.0T or 12.0XE.

Example:

12.0 (5) T version ED

Major 12.0 versions

12.0 tb ed version

 

6. How do I explain the ED version number?

1) In addition to the information specific to the ED version, the ED version can also identify the main version of the "parent" and its maintenance level.

12.0 (5) T indicates the following information:

A) The base of ED version 12.0 (5) T is the main version 12.0.

B) version 12.0 (5) T is a maintenance version. It combines all defect fixes compiled for version 12.0 until its fifth maintenance version 12.0 (5.

C) version 12.0 (5) T is a maintenance version, which includes any additional features and defect fixes introduced in earlier maintenance versions of version 12.0T.

D) version 12.0 (5) T is a maintenance version, which may include new features not introduced in earlier maintenance versions of version 12.0T.

 

7. What is the development process of major Cisco IOS and T versions?

1) Major versions: fixed function sets, General Deployment qualifications, and comprehensive defect patches for the ED version.

2) during the development of Cisco IOS software, major versions and ED versions are closely related. For example, the function content of major version 12.0 is fixed on its FCS. Major version 12.0 is the integration of early versions of ED.

3) CISCO systems usually provides maintenance updates every eight weeks until the GD qualification is reached. For example, Cisco IOS 12.0 is qualified for gd in the 12.0 (8) phase.

At the same time as the major version was released, Cisco Systems also launched an ED version of 12.0 TB. This ED version includes the same features as the main version, plus some new features that are continuously added to various maintenance versions.

The bug fix in version 12.0 can also be applied to version 12.0T.

The final maintenance version of 12.0T can be used as the basis for the next major version, that is, version 12.1. Cisco Systems has also created a new technology version, namely, 12.1 TB.

4) in this way, this process will start again.

 

8. What are the life cycle milestones of major and T versions?

1) Cisco IOS software adopts a time-based release strategy, so that Cisco Systems can quickly provide new functional or defect fixes in a predictable manner. The customer can track the release of version Life Cycle milestones and version upgrade paths, and better plan upgrade tasks with active support for versions.

2) FCS corresponds to the first maintenance update version of a major version. In the early stages of the life cycle, each major version receives regular maintenance every eight star period, and in the later stages of the life cycle, each major version receives regular maintenance every 13 weeks. Remember: Cisco Systems does not add any features during the lifetime of major versions.

3) The sales cutoff date (EOS) refers to the final date on which the customer can order the product through the customer service or manufacturing department. The customer or project (CSE) support department that has signed the maintenance contract can still pass the on-site support Office (FSO) until the version reaches the end of life (EOL) and CCO.

4) The Customer Service Regular Maintenance deadline or engineering design deadline (EOE) refers to the engineering maintenance version released on the previous regular basis. The Engineering Design Department no longer actively applies any defect fixes on this version, regardless of the source or severity of the defect (this does not include security and Millennium Bug ). Customers can continue to order products through FSO and CCO.

5) EOL is the support of this version and the final stage of the project. After that date, Cisco system staff will no longer provide formal support for the software version and will delete the software version from CCO.

 

9. Which version should the customer use?

1) The Cisco ios ed version can provide new functions once it is available. It is suitable for customers who are developing and creating strategic network architectures, developing cutting-edge applications, or simply seeking for competitive advantages.

2) Major Cisco IOS versions are suitable for networks that need to adopt new technologies and continuously improve quality and maturity. It is more suitable for customers who want to get advanced integration technologies introduced in earlier versions of ED and benefit from better maturity of major versions.

3) the GD version is suitable for networks that require the most reliable and mature technologies. It is suitable for customers who are running important, business-critical applications.

4) In short, Cisco IOS software is the industry's leading and most widely deployed network system software. It can provide intelligent network services on flexible network infrastructure, it can quickly deploy Internet applications.

 

10. When selecting a version, we recommend that you use the GD version whenever possible. The ED version is used only when your hardware and software features make you unable to make other choices.