The cisco cml refplat iso download new process is straightforward if you have a valid Cisco account, but it demands patience (the file is large) and adequate hardware. Once you have it installed, you unlock an enterprise-grade network simulation environment that scales from a student’s laptop to a data center server.
Key takeaways:
The new REFPLAT ISO is more than just an update; it is the foundation for modern network automation learning, CCIE lab preparation, and SD-WAN/SDA prototyping. Get the download started today, and take your networking skills to the next level.
If you already have CML running, you can download RefPlat directly from the UI:
You cannot legally download the new Cisco CML REFPLAT ISO without a support contract or active subscription. Here is the breakdown:
Do not share your downloaded ISO – the REFPLAT image is watermarked with your Smart Account ID. Sharing it breaches the EULA and can lead to license revocation.
Note: Do not download critical Cisco software from unverified third-party sources; always use Cisco’s official distribution channels to ensure integrity and licensing compliance.
If you are setting up a "new" environment, the process depends on your platform (Bare Metal Ubuntu or VMware ESXi).
If you need the content expanded (e.g., adding CLI examples, automation scripts for REFPLAT deployment, or comparison with older VIRL images), let me know and I’ll write those sections.
To download the latest Cisco Modeling Labs (CML) Reference Platform (Refplat) ISO, you must access it through your official license portal rather than a general support page. 📥 How to Download the Latest Refplat ISO
Log in: Access the Cisco Learning Network Store using your CCO (Cisco Connect Online) ID.
Locate Your Purchase: Navigate to My Account > My Orders and find your active CML subscription (Personal, Personal Plus, or Free).
Access Software Downloads: Click the Download button next to your order. This redirects you to the specific software portal.
Select the File: Look for the latest release (e.g., CML 2.9) and find the Reference Platform .iso file (e.g., refplat-20241016-fcs.iso).
Note: New CML versions do not always require a new Refplat ISO; always check the release notes to see if a newer image set is available. 🛠️ Key Files for New Installations For a fresh deployment, you typically need two main files: Controller OVA: The base server virtual machine. cisco cml refplat iso download new
Refplat ISO: Contains the virtual OS images (IOSv, NX-OS, etc.) required to run lab nodes. 🔄 Post-Download: Copying ISO to Disk
Once you have the ISO, you must "register" the images within CML to use them in labs: Copy Refplat ISO to Disk - Cisco Modeling Labs v2.9
The most significant new helpful feature related to the Cisco Modeling Labs (CML) "refplat" (Reference Platform) ISO is the introduction of native IOS on Linux (IOL) images. This allows you to run routers and switches as lightweight processes rather than full virtual machines (VMs), drastically reducing CPU and memory consumption while enabling faster boot times. Key Features of New Refplat ISO Releases
Recent updates to the refplat ISO (versions 2.7 through 2.9) have introduced several critical images and capabilities:
Expanded Image Library: The latest supplemental refplat ISOs now include: Catalyst 9800-CL Cloud Wireless Controller. Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) and Splunk Enterprise. FTDv and FMCv (Firepower) images. Catalyst SD-WAN images (Manager, Controller, and Edge).
Performance Improvements: Version 2.8 and later feature improved performance when copying reference platform images from a mounted ISO to the local disk.
Docker Container Support: CML 2.9 introduced a separate container ISO containing lightweight nodes like Chrome, Firefox, Nginx, and a WAN emulator.
IOL Node Support: IOL (IOS on Linux) images now support serial interfaces, allowing for classic serial-based lab scenarios with minimal resource overhead. Important Download & Installation Tips
Where to Download: Files are available via the Cisco Learning Network Store under your active order or through the Cisco Software Central site.
Local Disk Requirement: Starting with CML 2.5+, you must copy images from the ISO to the local disk; CML no longer runs images directly from a mounted ISO file. Use the "Copy Refplat ISO to Disk" button in the System Administration Cockpit to do this.
Verify Integrity: Because refplat ISO files are large, always verify the checksum before installation to avoid corrupted image deployments.
Free Tier Access: The CML-Free version provides a limited refplat ISO including IOL, IOL-L2, ASAv, and basic Linux hosts. Copy Refplat ISO to Disk - Cisco Modeling Labs v2.9
Downloading the latest Cisco Modeling Labs (CML) Reference Platforms (Refplat) ISO is essential for accessing the virtual images (like IOSv, Cat8000V, and ASAv) needed to run your lab simulations. Whether you are using the new CML-Free tier or a paid subscription, the process follows specific paths through the Cisco ecosystem. Where to Download
Depending on your license type, use one of the following official portals: CML-Free Tier (New): First, register at the CML-Free Sign-up Page. After install, reboot into the installed RefPlat system
Navigate to Cisco Software Central and log in with your CCO ID.
Select Modeling Labs > CML-Free 2.8+ to find files like refplat-20241016-fcs-iso.zip. CML-Personal / Personal Plus: Log in to the Cisco Learning Network Store.
Go to My Account > My Orders and click the Download button next to your active order.
This redirects you to a specific Software Central page where no additional service contract is required. Enterprise / Education:
Access via Cisco Software Central directly by searching for "Modeling Labs". Key Files to Look For
Always download both the controller and the platform images:
CML Controller (OVA/ISO): The server software itself (e.g., cml2_2.8.0-6_amd64-32.ova).
Refplat ISO: The library of node images (e.g., refplat-20241016-fcs-iso.zip).
Note: There is a "normal" Refplat (standard images) and a "supplemental" Refplat (SD-WAN, FMCv, FTDv). Most users need the normal version first. Quick Setup Checklist
Verify Checksum: Refplat files are large; always verify the checksum after downloading to avoid corruption.
Unzip: If the Refplat is a .zip file, extract it before trying to mount it in your hypervisor.
Copy to Disk: Modern CML versions (v2.5+) require you to copy images from the mounted ISO to the local disk via the System Administration Cockpit under the CML2 > Maintenance section.
License Check: CML-Free supports up to 5 nodes without a paid license. Paid versions require a Registration Token found in your Cisco account. Cisco Modeling Labs - Free - Cisco DevNet
Download the files for CML-Free from Cisco's Software Central (SWC) site. You do not need to download all of the files from a CML- Cisco DevNet Copy Refplat ISO to Disk - Cisco Modeling Labs v2.9 From the CML management UI (or API), create
Here are three concise headline/description options you can use for web copy, a download page, or a forum post about obtaining the Cisco CML RefPlat ISO (new release). Pick one or combine elements.
Would you like these rewritten for a specific audience (sysadmin, sales page, or support ticket)?
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The latest version of Cisco Modeling Labs (CML) is , released in mid-2025. To get your lab environment running, you must download two separate components: the CML Controller (OVA) Reference Platforms (refplat ISO) Cisco DevNet Where to Download the Latest Files
Depending on your license type, the download location varies: Cisco Modeling Labs - Free - Cisco DevNet
Download the files for CML-Free from Cisco's Software Central (SWC) site. You do not need to download all of the files from a CML- Cisco DevNet How to Install the Cisco CML FREE Tier (Step-by-Step)
What is Cisco CML RefPlat ISO?
Cisco Modeling Labs (CML) is a network simulation platform that allows you to design, configure, and test network topologies. The RefPlat ISO is a reference platform image used in CML to simulate various network devices.
Prerequisites
Downloading the Cisco CML RefPlat ISO
Post-download steps
Additional resources
Here’s a structured, solid report on the topic: Downloading Cisco CML (Cisco Modeling Labs) Reference Platform (RefPlat) ISO – New Version.