Cisco router series software installation and upgrade steps

This article describes the upgrade steps for Cisco IOS software mirroring on the access router platform. The upgrade instance for the 2600 and 3600 series routers also applies to the router platforms listed below. Cisco IOS software filenames may vary according to Cisco IOS software versions, feature settings, and platforms. This article describes the following Cisco series routers:

CISCO 1000 Series Routers

CISCO 1400 Series Routers

Cisco 1600-r Series Routers

Cisco 1700 Series Routers

CISCO 2600 Series Routers

Cisco 3600 Series Routers

Cisco 3700 Series Routers

Cisco 4000 Series Routers

Cisco 4700 Series Routers

Cisco AS5300 Series Routers

Cisco MC3810 Series Routers

The information in this article is based on Cisco IOS software version 12.0 or later.

Before you start

Step 1: Install the TFTP server

A small FTP (TFTP) server or Remote replication Protocol (RCP) server application must be installed on a TCP/IP-ready workstation or PC. Once the application is installed, the minimum configuration must be performed.

First, the TFTP application must be configured to run as a TFTP server rather than a TFTP client.

The outbound file directory must be specified. A Cisco IOS software image is saved in this directory (see step 2 below). Most TFTP applications provide installation of general programs to assist these configuration tasks.

Note: The software features CD-ROM includes a TFTP server that can be used on PCs running Windows 95, Windows 98, NT4.0, and Windows 2000. For other operating systems, you can get many TFTP or RCP applications from independent software vendors or share software for TFTP or RCP applications from the World Wide Web public resources. Software features the TFTP server application on the CD can also be obtained on the CCO.

Download the TFTP server for Windows 95, Windows 98, NT4.0, and Windows 2000.

Step 2: Select Cisco IOS software mirroring

Verify that your downloaded Cisco IOS system software mirroring supports both your hardware and the required software features. You can find this information through Cisco Software Advisor. Before downloading the software version of your choice, make sure that your router has enough dynamic RAM (DRAM) and flash memory to hold the Cisco IOS software image. In the version description of each Cisco IOS software version and Cisco Software Center IOS Upgrade Planner, you can find the recommended minimum dram and flash memory.

For more information about how to choose the correct software version and feature settings, see "How to select the Cisco IOS software version."

Step 3: Download the Cisco IOS software image

Download the Cisco IOS software image from the Cisco IOS Upgrade Planner to your workstation or PC.

Upgrade steps for CISCO 2600 series routers

Establish a console session to the router

Verify that the TFTP server has an IP connection to the router

Copy the new mirror to the flash memory of the 2600 series router via the TFTP server