Upgrades and Backups

Abstract

This chapter gives detailed procedures to the important and delicate process of router IOS upgrade. The chapter starts with general hints and tips before upgrading the router and a detailed explanation of the IOS naming convention. This gives the reader a clear idea what IOS file is required for the assigned job. The router introduces procedures for backing up the router configuration and IOS before the upgrade. Then, a detailed procedure of upgrading the router’s IOS using TFTP server in given. In the case of the lack of TFTP server, a procedure is given for the update process through HyperTerminal using the console line. For routers with corrupted IOS, or accidentally deleted IOS, a procedure for installing a new IOS using ROMmon mode is introduced in this chapter also. Another procedure for copying IOS files from one router to another is also included in this chapter. The chapter is concluded with a simplified procedure for partitioning the flash of the router for routers with external flash.