The image cat9kv-prd-17.12.01prd9.qcow2 is a reliable, production-grade virtual switch that bridges the gap between software emulation and physical hardware. Whether you are preparing for a CCIE lab, validating a SD-Access fabric design, or testing IOS XE automation scripts, this image will serve as a solid foundation.
Remember: always download directly from Cisco, respect licensing terms, and never use unvalidated images in a production network.
Have you deployed Cat9kv in your lab? Share your experiences or ask questions in the comments below.
cat9kv-prd-17.12.01prd9.qcow2 is the virtual disk image for the Cisco Catalyst 9000v
, the virtualized version of Cisco's flagship Catalyst 9000 series switch running IOS-XE. 🟢 How to Download
Legitimate access to this image is restricted to users with a valid Cisco entitlement. Cisco Modeling Labs (CML): This image is included in the reference platforms . If you have a CML subscription download cat9kv-prd-17.12.01prd9.qcow2
, you can download the "refplat" ISO which contains this specific Cisco Software Central:
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)
The Catalyst 9000v allows engineers to simulate advanced Layer 2 and Layer 3 features without physical hardware. Version 17.12.01 (Dublin)
is a Long-Lived Release (LLR) known for its stability and expanded feature set in virtual environments 1. Core Technical Specifications Virtualization Platform:
Optimized for QEMU/KVM (standard for EVE-NG, GNS3, and PNETLab) Resource Requirements: Minimum 12 GB (Standard/Q200 mode) to 18 GB (UADP mode) 4 vCPUs recommended Disk Format: (Copy-on-Write), which is thin-provisioned to save space. 2. Boot Modes (Deployment Options) cat9kv-prd-17.12.01prd9.qcow2 The image cat9kv-prd-17
image can operate in different modes depending on the folder name used in emulators like Regular Mode: 9 total ports (8 Data + 1 Management). Silicon 1 (Q200) Mode: 25 total ports; emulates high-density ASIC behavior UADP Mode:
25 total ports; emulates the Unified Access Data Plane used in physical Cat9k switches 3. Key Capabilities Advanced Switching: Support for VXLAN, EVPN, and SD-Access (SDA) fabrics Programmability: Full support for NETCONF, RESTCONF, and YANG data models. High Throughput:
Unlike older CSR1000v images, the Cat9kv is better optimized for simulating modern IOS-XE workflows, though it is still limited by the host CPU's virtualization performance 4. Setup Tip (EVE-NG/GNS3) After uploading the file to your server, you rename it to virtioa.qcow2 for the emulator to recognize it
. Additionally, you may need to run a permissions fix command: /opt/unetlab/wrappers/unl_wrapper -a fixpermissions CLI commands
to enable the Network Advantage license features once it's booted? Have you deployed Cat9kv in your lab
Downloading the file is only half the battle. Here is how to deploy it.
The .qcow2 format is native to KVM/QEMU, but you can convert it for other hypervisors (VMware, Hyper-V) using qemu-img. Here is a minimal KVM deployment:
The prd9 suffix suggests it includes cumulative fixes over earlier prd builds of the same minor version. Always prefer the highest build number for a given release.
Security Advisory:
The file cat9kv-prd-17.12.01prd9.qcow2 contains Cisco proprietary intellectual property.
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).
The .qcow2 extension dictates the virtualization platform.