Often distributed as a beta image within Cisco Modeling Labs (CML) with no formal official support. How to Obtain the Image
: Typically requires 16GB-24GB RAM and 4 vCPUs per node. download cat9kv-prd-17.12.01prd9.qcow2
Risks and cautions
format cannot be overstated. Unlike the proprietary boxes of a decade ago, this format allows the Catalyst 9000v to thrive on open-source hypervisors like KVM and QEMU. It democratizes the learning curve. A student in a dorm room or an architect in a high-rise can spin up a multi-node topology that mimics a multi-million dollar campus network, all within the confines of a modest server. It turns complex concepts like SD-Access and VXLAN from abstract whiteboard drawings into interactive, programmable realities. Downloading and Utilizing the Cat9kv-prd-17
Users with a service contract can sometimes find virtual appliance images under the Catalyst 9000v software section on the Cisco site 📝 Write-Up: Catalyst 9000v (17.12.01) cat9kv : This stands for Catalyst 9000v
cat9kv : This stands for Catalyst 9000v. It is the virtual version of Cisco’s Catalyst 9000 series switches (like the 9300, 9400, or 9500), running IOS XE software.prd : This denotes a "production" release or an approved software train. It indicates stability and readiness for enterprise simulation.17.12.01prd9 : This is the specific software version. Cisco IOS XE Release 17.12.x is a long-lived (standard) release. The 01prd9 typically indicates the 9th maintenance rebuild of the 17.12.01 release, containing critical bug fixes and security patches..qcow2 : This is the file format. QEMU Copy-On-Write version 2 is the native disk image format for KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine) and QEMU. This tells you the image is optimized for Linux-based virtualization.While physical Cat9k switches require specific hardware for features like UADP ASICs, the virtual edition supports most Layer 2/3 protocols, VXLAN, segment routing, and programmability (NETCONF/RESTCONF).
Here’s what you need to know: