cat9kv-prd-17.12.01prd9.qcow2 virtual disk image for the Cisco Catalyst 9000v (Cat9kv) virtual switch, running Cisco IOS XE version
. It is used for network simulation and testing in virtual labs such as Cisco Modeling Labs (CML) Image Specifications : cat9kv-prd-17.12.01prd9.qcow2 : Approximately MD5 Checksum e587e92186f42bdf69d7fa27f34425f7 Software Version : Cisco IOS-XE 17.12(1) Resource Requirements
To run this appliance effectively, your host environment should meet the following minimum requirements: Memory (RAM) : At least is required, though is recommended for stable performance. : A minimum of is required; however, 2 or more vCPUs are recommended to significantly speed up boot times. Usage Highlights Deployment
: This image can be used in three different boot modes depending on your specific lab requirements. Initial Configuration
: By default, there is no configuration present. Interfaces may take several minutes to become usable after the appliance boots. Feature Activation
: The image initially supports basic Layer 2 features. To enable advanced features like BGP or SD-Access, you must manually set the license level and reboot: cat9kv-prd-17.12.01prd9.qcow2
configure terminal license boot level network-advantage addon dna-advantage end write memory reload Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard Availability : This image is typically included with Cisco Modeling Labs packages or available via authorized download from the Cisco Software Central for EVE-NG or GNS3? Catalyst 9000v - - EVE-NG
The file cat9kv-prd-17.12.01prd9.qcow2 represents the virtualized Cisco Catalyst 9000 Series switch (Cat9kv)
running IOS XE Dublin 17.12.1. This specific image is designed for network engineers and architects to simulate high-end campus switching environments in virtual labs like Cisco Modeling Labs (CML), EVE-NG, or GNS3. Core Technical Specifications Operating System: Cisco IOS XE Dublin 17.12.1.
Release Type: Extended Maintenance Release (EMR), offering a 36-month support lifecycle.
Hardware Simulation: Simulates the Unified Access Data Plane (UADP) or Silicon One (Q200) ASICs. Resource Requirements: cat9kv-prd-17
RAM: Minimum 16GB–18GB for UADP mode; approximately 12GB for Q200 mode.
CPU: 2 or more vCPUs recommended for stable boot performance.
Format: QEMU Copy-On-Write 2 (.qcow2), optimized for KVM-based hypervisors. Key Features of IOS XE 17.12.1
As an EMR release, 17.12.1 introduces several enhancements to the virtual Catalyst portfolio:
EVPN Fabric Enhancements: Support for IPv4 Overlay Multicast over an IPv6 Underlay and increased VNI scaling up to 1,000 instances. Node Type: QEMU Name: Cat9kv-17
Programmability: Introduction of PROTO encoding for gNMI operations and new SNMP-to-YANG mappings for POE, LLDP, and CPU monitoring.
Security & Identity: Optimized RADIUS packet DSCP marking and changes to Secure Unique Device Identity (SUDI) certificate trustpoints.
VXLAN Support: DHCP Rogue Server Protection and ARP inspection within VXLAN environments. Lab Implementation (EVE-NG/GNS3)
To deploy this specific image in a lab environment like EVE-NG, follow these standard steps: What's New in Cisco IOS XE Dublin 17.12.x - Release Notes
Cat9kv-17.12.01cat9kv-17.12.01prd917.12.1 (IOS XE Version)IOS XE 17.12.1 is a relatively modern release in the 17.x long-lived train. Key aspects:
Why this version matters: If
17.12.01prd9is a pre-release, it could contain experimental features or fixes not yet in the general deployment (GD) release.
Why run this specific image over a standard IOSvL2 or a different Cat9kv version? The 17.12.01 train introduces crucial enhancements for hybrid cloud and campus fabric deployments.