By using Cisco IOS upgrade automation tools, there’s no reason to skip Cisco firmware updates, meaning stronger security and better performance.
This is particularly true when it seems like there are far more pressing security risks that should be addressed first. If systems are running smoothly, network metrics are showing positive results, auditors aren’t causing any kind of stir, and nothing is failing, it can be hard to convince yourself you have anything to look into at all.
We may know we should always perform Cisco IOS updates, but when the time comes to do it, the risk of network downtime that could accompany the update or be caused by introducing changes into a network infrastructure that appears to be running smoothly can make us more hesitant to roll out upgrades. Unfortunately, important Cisco firmware updates often go ignored. These firmware updates improve and enhance the user experience and help protect you from vulnerabilities and fix existing bugs. Firmware updates-both in general and Cisco firmware updates specifically-offer instant improvements to the functionality of the devices they apply to. When vendors develop new versions of the operating system for devices, it’s called a firmware upgrade or update. It consists of sets of commands that control the behavior of your network devices.
The Cisco IOS operating system is a versatile resource for a variety of types of networking, thus making it the world’s leading network infrastructure solution.Ĭisco incorporates an easy syntax, so you don’t have to be an experienced network admin to run commands. It uses a simple command-line interface to govern a series of tools, called “trains,” that deliver Cisco software to specified platforms. Cisco IOS software is designed for use on a wide range of hardware devices including switches and networking routers.