Web Hosting Talk : Web Hosting Main Forums : Colocation and Data Centers : Upgrading OS Software on Used Cisco and Juniper Routers

[KyleLC23]

Hello,
We are in the market to buy a used Cisco router/switch such as a 6509 or a Juniper like an M10i. Most of these routers that I have seen on eBay have older versions of IOS or JunOS installed, so I was wondering how do you upgrade these routers to the latest stable version of their software? I am assuming the legal way to do it is to get the hardware recertified with Cisco or Juniper, but I am assuming this will cost an arm and a leg. Is there a do it yourself method, or do they have blocks in place to prevent this? Are there any resellers that will automatically load the latest version on the unit?

[Ryan G - Limestone]

The big difference between Juniper and Cisco with regards to the OS is that all of Juniper's switch and router products use the same JunOS firmware. All you need to do to obtain it is register on their website. With Cisco there is a different IOS for each model and you will most likely need a current support contract with them to obtain the latest version. There are some eBay auctions out there that do load the latest firmware on the device. There are no roadblocks preventing you from doing it yourself on Cisco devices. I do think some vendors will load the latest firmware as well on used or refurb devices.

[KyleLC23]

So you are saying I can just register on Juniper.com and download the latest and greatest JunOS software version for a Juniper M10i router without having to pay a dime or support contract? This seems too good to be true.

[sjhwilkes]

One option with some Cisco products is to dig through their security vulnerabilities lists for the product concerned - if you can find an applicable one you can raise a TAC case to be given free access to fixed software - not current, but newer at least...

[Ryan G - Limestone]

Originally Posted by KyleLC23

So you are saying I can just register on Juniper.com and download the latest and greatest JunOS software version for a Juniper M10i router without having to pay a dime or support contract? This seems too good to be true.

As long as you have a valid serial number for the device you can register an account to download the software. Thats why Juniper and JunOS rocks, let alone 1 single package for all of their devices that run JunOS.

[Techee]

If going with Cisco, the right way to do it is to purchase from a reputable reseller, and then purchase SmartNet for that product.

[voipcarrier]

Note that while JunOS is a common platform, the downloads are separated into the various individual switching platforms and one for the M, MX, a T-series routers. You can't download the JunOS install bundle for an EX3200 and install it on a M10i.

[Spudstr]

Originally Posted by Ryan G - Limestone

The big difference between Juniper and Cisco with regards to the OS is that all of Juniper's switch and router products use the same JunOS firmware. All you need to do to obtain it is register on their website. With Cisco there is a different IOS for each model and you will most likely need a current support contract with them to obtain the latest version. There are some eBay auctions out there that do load the latest firmware on the device. There are no roadblocks preventing you from doing it yourself on Cisco devices. I do think some vendors will load the latest firmware as well on used or refurb devices.

you do not need a registration code to run new cisco IOS code on a 6500, i.e a sup2/32/sup720 processors. If you get your hands on an adv ios you can run it, no codes required.

But yes you need a current smartnet to get the latest code, or a CCIE thats willing to break ciscos rules to give it to you.

[KyleLC23]

I talked to a large Juniper reseller yesterday. They said most of their routers had version 8 on it, but they couldn't upgrade me to the latest version of 10 because they didn't have version 9 which is required to go from 8 to 10?

Basically what I am hearing from most of you is if I go by any M10i of ebay or the like, then I can go on Juniper.com, register with the serial number on the back of the unit, and then download the latest version for free?

What is all this talk on the forums about you must get Juniper recertified and it cost a ton to do it? What does recertification get me if I can download the software for free as it is?

[voipcarrier]

Originally Posted by KyleLC23

I talked to a large Juniper reseller yesterday. They said most of their routers had version 8 on it, but they couldn't upgrade me to the latest version of 10 because they didn't have version 9 which is required to go from 8 to 10?

Basically what I am hearing from most of you is if I go by any M10i of ebay or the like, then I can go on Juniper.com, register with the serial number on the back of the unit, and then download the latest version for free?

What is all this talk on the forums about you must get Juniper recertified and it cost a ton to do it? What does recertification get me if I can download the software for free as it is?

That's bad information. You can't just register the serial and download JunOS. It has to be under a support contract. You can certainly register the serial, but it will by no means give you access to JunOS downloads.

[SvenB]

Originally Posted by Ryan G - Limestone

The big difference between Juniper and Cisco with regards to the OS is that all of Juniper's switch and router products use the same JunOS firmware. All you need to do to obtain it is register on their website.

Are you sure? I bought a new J-series router and they said to me that I was not allowed to obtain new software, even for a new router that was delivered with old firmware.

[RyanD]

You need an active support contract from both vendors in order to *LEGALLY* obtain new firmware.

Any other method is not legit.

[KyleLC23]

Originally Posted by RyanD

You need an active support contract from both vendors in order to *LEGALLY* obtain new firmware.

Any other method is not legit.

If you had a CCIE consultant, then they could legally download the software from Cisco right?

What about Juniper? Is the reseller correct that you must upgrade to 9 from 8 before jumping to 10 which is the latest according to them?

[Spudstr]

Originally Posted by KyleLC23

I talked to a large Juniper reseller yesterday. They said most of their routers had version 8 on it, but they couldn't upgrade me to the latest version of 10 because they didn't have version 9 which is required to go from 8 to 10?

Basically what I am hearing from most of you is if I go by any M10i of ebay or the like, then I can go on Juniper.com, register with the serial number on the back of the unit, and then download the latest version for free?

What is all this talk on the forums about you must get Juniper recertified and it cost a ton to do it? What does recertification get me if I can download the software for free as it is?

Its not uncommon to have to step up in versions unlike ios which doesn't matter. I dont know if juniper is like this though.

[Spudstr]

Originally Posted by KyleLC23

If you had a CCIE consultant, then they could legally download the software from Cisco right?

What about Juniper? Is the reseller correct that you must upgrade to 9 from 8 before jumping to 10 which is the latest according to them?

a CCIE can not legally give you IOS updates, unless you have a valid smartnet contract on your chassis.