Type to go straight to the user exec prompt. You can then access the privileged execution mode to verify the software version and state: Router> enable Router# show version Use code with caution. Look for lines confirming the software version: Cisco IOS XE Software, Version 17.12.01 Cisco Catalyst 8000V / Virtual Router Virtual Software Enabling Features and Evaluation Licensing
Once downloaded, it is highly recommended to verify the file integrity using MD5/SHA checksums. According to the GNS3 Marketplace entry , the expected MD5 for this specific version is: e587e92186f42bdf69d7fa27f34425f7 Deployment and Configuration Guide
| Boot Mode | Folder Name | vRAM | Number of Ports | |-----------|-------------|------|-----------------| | Regular UDAP | cat9kv-17.12.01-prd9 | 18 GB | 9 (8+1) | | Silicon 1 Q200 | cat9kvq200-17.12.01-prd9 | 12 GB | 25 (24+1) | | UADP | cat9kvuadp-17.12.01-prd9 | 18 GB | 25 (24+1) |
In CML 2.7, the Catalyst 9000v appears as two node types:
Search for (or look up the specific release under routers/virtual routers). download cat9kv-prd-17.12.01prd9.qcow2
Mount the ISO and copy the .qcow2 file to a convenient location on your lab server.
To obtain the image:
in the EVE‑NG web interface. The VM takes a few minutes to boot.
This public link is valid for 7 days and shares a thread, including any personal information you added. This link or copies made by others cannot be deleted. If you share with third parties, their policies apply. Can’t copy the link right now. Try again later. Catalyst 9000v - - EVE-NG Type to go straight to the user exec prompt
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 .
The 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
The cat9kv-prd-17.12.01prd9.qcow2 image is an invaluable tool for testing modern Cisco enterprise networks. By using the official CML resources and providing sufficient hardware resources in your virtual lab, you can create a powerful and accurate simulation environment.
This technical guide covers how to securely obtain this virtual image, its core specifications, and step-by-step deployment instructions for modern hypervisors. 1. What is the Cat9kv/C8000V 17.12.01 Image? According to the GNS3 Marketplace entry , the
If you own a personal or corporate license for Cisco Modeling Labs, this image is bundled within the official CML reference platform ISO. You can extract the QCOW2 directly from the CML refplat image file without needing an enterprise support contract. System and Resource Requirements
The .qcow2 format is native to , but you can convert it for other hypervisors (VMware, Hyper-V) using qemu-img . Here is a minimal KVM deployment:
Because this image emulates complex hardware ASICs, it is resource-intensive compared to older virtual routers. Cisco CAT IOS-XE 9000v - GNS3
: Log in with your valid Cisco Connection Online (CCO) account. Note that an active service contract (Smart Net Total Care) linked to your ID is required to unlock the download. Verification (MD5/SHA512 Checksums)
Next, the version string provides a precise timestamp in the software’s lifecycle. The number 17.12.01 follows semantic versioning commonly used in Cisco’s IOS-XE operating system, indicating a major release (17), a minor feature update (12), and a maintenance patch (01). The embedded prd9 is particularly telling; prd likely stands for “production” or a specific build train, while the 9 might denote an internal build number or a hardware compatibility marker. This level of detail is crucial for enterprise stability. A network engineer downloading this specific version knows exactly which features, bug fixes, and security patches are included. In a production environment, choosing the wrong version can mean the difference between millisecond failover and a catastrophic outage. Thus, the filename functions as a legally binding contract of behavior.
The 17.12.01prd9 image supports three distinct boot modes depending on your lab requirements: Interface Count 9 (8 data + 1 mgmt) Silicon 1 Q200 25 (24 data + 1 mgmt) UADP Mode 25 (24 data + 1 mgmt) 4. Important Considerations