Download Cat9kv-prd-17.12.01prd9.qcow2

While physical Cat9k switches require specific hardware for features like UADP ASICs, the virtual edition supports most Layer 2/3 protocols, VXLAN, segment routing, and programmability (NETCONF/RESTCONF).

The acquisition of cat9kv-prd-17.12.01prd9.qcow2 provides a robust, enterprise-grade virtual switching solution for KVM environments. Proper adherence to licensing requirements and resource allocation is mandatory to maintain stability in a production network topology.

Action Item:

The cat9kv-prd-17.12.01prd9.qcow2 file is a virtual disk image for the Cisco Catalyst 9000v (Cat9Kv)

, a virtualized version of the Catalyst 9000 series switch running IOS-XE software. Image Details File Name: cat9kv-prd-17.12.01prd9.qcow2 Software Version: IOS-XE 17.12.01 Platform: Catalyst 9000v (Virtual Switch)

Format: QCOW2 (QEMU Copy-On-Write), standard for KVM-based hypervisors like GNS3, EVE-NG, and Cisco CML. Where to Download

Cisco Modeling Labs (CML): This image is primarily distributed as part of the Cisco Modeling Labs (CML) package. If you have a CML license, the file is included in the reference platform ISO.

Cisco Software Central: Authorized users with specific service contracts may find virtual images under the Cisco Software Download portal, though Catalyst 9000v

specific qcow2 files are often bundled with CML rather than standalone downloads. download cat9kv-prd-17.12.01prd9.qcow2

Third-Party Repositories: Community members often host these for lab use on sites like GitHub, but these are unofficial and should be used with caution for security and licensing reasons. Implementation and Requirements

Resource Requirements: This virtual switch is resource-intensive, requiring approximately 24 GB of RAM to boot successfully in most emulators. Installation on EVE-NG:

Create a directory: /opt/unetlab/addons/qemu/cat9kv-17.12.01-prd9.

Upload the .qcow2 file and rename it to virtioa.qcow2 if necessary for the emulator to recognize it. Fix permissions using the EVE-NG wrapper script.

Known Issues: Some users report high bandwidth traffic limitations or slow boot times (several minutes) before interfaces become usable. Catalyst 9000v - - EVE-NG

The cat9kv-prd-17.12.01prd9.qcow2 is the virtual disk image for the Cisco Catalyst 9000v (IOS-XE) virtual switch. This specific version is primarily bundled with Cisco Modeling Labs (CML) 2.7 and is used for network emulation in environments like CML, EVE-NG, and GNS3. 1. Official Download Methods

Because the Catalyst 9000v is a licensed product, you cannot typically download the .qcow2 file as a standalone free item from the standard Cisco software portal.

Cisco Modeling Labs (CML): The most reliable way to obtain this image is by purchasing a CML subscription. The image is included in the Reference Platform (refplat) ISO (specifically version rrefplat-20240225-fcs.iso or later). While physical Cat9k switches require specific hardware for

Cisco Software Central: If you have a valid service contract for Cisco virtual products, check the Cisco Software Download page. However, many users find that the virtual image is only accessible through the CML entitlement. 2. Using the Image in EVE-NG

Once you have obtained the file, you must follow specific naming conventions to use it in EVE-NG:

Directory Naming: Create a folder in /opt/unetlab/addons/qemu/ starting with the prefix cat9kv-. For example: mkdir /opt/unetlab/addons/qemu/cat9kv-17.12.01-prd9.

Filename Requirement: Move the file into that directory and rename it exactly to virtioa.qcow2.

Fix Permissions: Run the EVE-NG permission fix command: /opt/unetlab/wrappers/unl_wrapper -a fixpermissions. 3. Key Specifications for Deployment

The 17.12.01prd9 image supports three distinct boot modes depending on your lab requirements: Interface Count Regular UDAP 9 (8 data + 1 mgmt) Silicon 1 Q200 25 (24 data + 1 mgmt) UADP Mode 25 (24 data + 1 mgmt) 4. Important Considerations

Resource Requirements: These switches are resource-intensive. Ensure your host machine has at least 18GB of RAM available per instance if using UADP mode.

Licensing: While the image may boot without a license, advanced features (like certain BGP or DNA Center integrations) may require a Smart License through Cisco. Action Item:

Third-Party Sites: While various "lab image" sites host these files, use them at your own risk. Always validate the file integrity (MD5/SHA checksums) against official Cisco documentation if possible. Catalyst 9000v - - EVE-NG

Downloading the file is only half the battle. Here is how to deploy it.

Once the virtual machine boots:

These community platforms heavily use QCOW2 images.

You will see a list of major releases. Click on the folder titled 17.12.1 . Inside, you will find a sub-folder or file list that includes the rebuild identifiers. Look for the one ending in prd9 .

After the download completes, verify the SHA-512 checksum to ensure file integrity. Cisco provides the checksum on the download page.

If the hash does not match, do not use the file – redownload it.

The .qcow2 format is native to KVM/QEMU, but you can convert it for other hypervisors (VMware, Hyper-V) using qemu-img. Here is a minimal KVM deployment: