Chapter 7 Managing Firmware and Configurations

Working with Software Images

Cisco 3200 WMIC Image Upload Procedure

This section provides the procedures for configuring a Cisco 3200 Series router (referred to as the Mobile Access Router Card (MARC)) as a TFTP server and uploading a Cisco IOS image to the router and two WMICs enclosed with the router. The major advantage of this procedure is that all the cards in the router receive the same version of the Cisco IOS image to avoid conflicts when the devices communicate.

Overview

The Cisco 3200 Series router is actually a stack of devices contained in an enclosure that can include multiple devices that process data from the network independently. For example, a Cisco 3200 Series router with two WMICs is actually three devices in one enclosure; one router, consisting of a MARC and possibly a Fast Ethernet Switch Mobile Interface Card (FESMIC) and/or a Serial Mobile Interface Card (SMIC), and two WMICS.

The MARC communicates with a FESMIC or a SMIC through the internal PCI bus. The FESMIC and the SMIC depend on the MARC to process the data that the FESMIC or SMIC send and receive. As a result, FESMIC and SMIC cards are seen by the MARC as expansion cards, similar to the way in which a modular Cisco router increases functionality with the addition of expansion modules. The cards physically and logically become part of the router.

Each WMIC has an on-board CPU that processes data it sends and receives independent of the MARC. The WMICs draw power from the internal bus; they do not use the bus to communicate with the other devices in the stack. The WMICs communicate with the router by using the switched Fast Ethernet ports and the routed Fast Ethernet port to create a small, internal Ethernet network. As a result, each WMIC must store a copy of the Cisco IOS image in its memory and be configured independently.

To avoid conflicts, we recommend that you upload the same image to all of the devices (CPUs) in the enclosure by configuring the router as a TFTP server that can serve the Cisco IOS image to the WMICs.

The following major steps are required to upload the Cisco IOS image to all the devices in a Cisco 3200 Series router stack.

Step 1 Configure the router as shown in the “Configuration Example for the MARC” section and verify connectivity to a TFTP server.

Step 2 To copy the image to the MARC, use the copy tftp flash:tarfilename command.

Step 3 Enter the tftp-server flash:tarfilename command to configure the MARC as a TFTP server, making the image available to the WMICs.

Step 4 Configure router for IP connectivity to all of the WMICs. Examples are provided in the “Fast Ethernet 0/0 WMIC Configuration Example Configuration” section on page 7-33, the “Configuration Example for the WMIC Attached to Switch Port 4” section on page 7-34, and the “Configuration Example for the WMIC Attached to Switch Port 3” section on page 7-35.

Step 5 Upload the new image to the WMICs, for example:

Enter the archive download-software /overwrite tftp://20.20.20.1/c3202-k9w7-tar command

Enter the archive download-software /overwrite tftp://10.10.10.1/c3202-k9w7-tar command

Enter the archive download-software /overwrite tftp://10.10.10.2/c3202-k9w7-tar command

Step 6 To verify that the new image is in place, use the show version command.

Cisco 3200 Series Router Hardware Reference

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Cisco Systems manual Cisco 3200 Wmic Image Upload Procedure, Overview

3200 specifications

Cisco Systems 3200 Series routers are designed to deliver high-performance, reliable networking solutions for enterprise and service provider environments. They are part of Cisco's extensive portfolio that addresses the challenges of modern networking, particularly in connecting remote offices and branch locations efficiently and securely.

One of the standout features of the Cisco 3200 Series is its scalability. The routers support a variety of modular interfaces, allowing organizations to tailor their network infrastructure according to specific needs. This modularity ensures that as businesses grow and their networking requirements evolve, the Cisco 3200 can adapt without necessitating a complete overhaul of existing hardware.

Security is another critical characteristic of the Cisco 3200 routers. They incorporate robust security features such as integrated firewall capabilities, advanced encryption standards, and Virtual Private Network (VPN) support. This ensures that sensitive data transmitted over the network is protected from potential threats, making them ideal for businesses that prioritize security, especially in regulated industries.

Performance-wise, the Cisco 3200 is equipped with advanced processing capabilities, enabling it to handle high data throughput even in demanding environments. This performance is bolstered by the use of Cisco's proprietary technologies, such as Quality of Service (QoS) and traffic shaping, which allow the prioritization of critical applications to ensure seamless connectivity.

The router series also benefits from Cisco's extensive software ecosystem, which includes Cisco IOS (Internetwork Operating System). IOS provides a familiar interface for network administrators, alongside a wealth of features for configuration and management. Furthermore, the Cisco 3200 Series is designed to integrate with Cisco's Application Policy Infrastructure Controller (APIC) and Software-Defined Networking (SDN) solutions, offering enhanced flexibility in managing network resources.

Connectivity options for the Cisco 3200 Series are extensive, offering support for various WAN technologies, including MPLS, LTE, and broadband internet. This versatility enables organizations to choose the best connectivity solutions according to their geographic and operational requirements.

Finally, the Cisco 3200 Series routers are built with reliability in mind. They are designed for high availability and redundancy, ensuring that network services remain uninterrupted in the event of hardware failures or maintenance activities.

In conclusion, Cisco Systems 3200 routers represent a comprehensive networking solution, combining scalability, security, performance, and reliability, making them a preferred choice for organizations looking to enhance their networking infrastructure in a dynamic digital landscape.