Cisco | 3750x Firmware [hot]
For new deployments: avoid. For existing networks: run 15.2(4)E8, document your license levels, and prepare for hardware refresh by 2025.
Switch# copy flash:/new-image.bin flash2:/ (member 2) Switch# copy flash:/new-image.bin flash3:/ (member 3) The 3750X uses RTU licensing (no external license server). 6.1 Activating IP Services (example) Switch# license right-to-use activate ipservices acceptEULA Switch# reload 6.2 Checking license level Switch# show license right-to-use Critical : Upgrading firmware from LAN Base to IP Services image requires a new license purchase unless you already own it. 7. Disaster Recovery (ROMMON Mode) When the firmware is corrupted or missing: 7.1 Enter ROMMON During boot, press Break (Ctrl+Break via console) within 3 seconds. cisco 3750x firmware
Switch(config)# no switch auto-upgrade Manually copy to each member: For new deployments: avoid
| Task | Command | |------|---------| | View flash contents | dir flash: | | Delete old image | delete flash:/old.bin | | Copy from USB | copy usb0:/image.bin flash: | | Change boot var | boot system flash:/image.bin | | Recover in ROMMON | tftpdnld | | License activation | license right-to-use activate ipservices | Switch(config)# no switch auto-upgrade Manually copy to each
This write-up provides an in-depth exploration of the 3750X firmware ecosystem: from image types and feature sets to version selection, step-by-step upgrade procedures, post-upgrade validation, and disaster recovery via ROMMON. 2.1 IOS vs. IOS-Like (Not IOS-XE) The 3750X runs classic Cisco IOS , not IOS-XE (which debuted on the 3850). This is critical: no install mode , no packages.conf . The firmware is a monolithic .bin file. 2.2 Feature Sets Three primary feature licenses exist, each with a corresponding image:
1. Introduction The Cisco Catalyst 3750-X series represents a significant milestone in campus access and distribution layer switching. Unlike its predecessor (the 3750G), the 3750X introduced StackPower, removable network modules (4x1G, 2x10G, etc.), and a more resilient hardware architecture. However, the true "brain" of the switch is its firmware—officially termed Cisco IOS Software or, in later versions, Cisco IOS LAN Base / IP Base / IP Services .
| Version | Release Date | Stability | Notes | |---------------|--------------|-----------|-------| | 15.2(4)E8 | 2018 | Gold Star | Latest for security fixes | | 15.0(2)SE11 | 2017 | Very Stable | Most widely deployed | | 12.2(55)SE12 | 2016 | Legacy | No StackPower enhancements |