Cisco 10000 Series Routers

Introduction

There are many freeware Trivial File Transfer Protocol (TFTP) servers on the Internet which are able to perform maintenance activities on Cisco products, such as upgrades to Cisco IOS® software on Cisco routers. This document provides tips on how to select and use a TFTP server.

Note: The Microsoft Windows-based TFTP server previously provided by Cisco Systems has been discontinued and is no longer supported by Cisco Systems. For more information on this, refer to Cisco TFTP Server.

Prerequisites

Requirements

There are no specific requirements for this document.

Components Used

This document is not restricted to specific software and hardware versions.

The information in this document was created from the devices in a specific lab environment. All of the devices used in this document started with a cleared (default) configuration. If your network is live, make sure that you understand the potential impact of any command.

Conventions

For more information on document conventions, refer to the Cisco Technical Tips Conventions.

TFTP Server Software Selection and Use

Locate TFTP Server Software

There are many freeware TFTP servers on the internet. Click here to see a list. Additionally, there are excellent TFTP server packages offered for sale.

Note: The Microsoft Windows-based TFTP server previously provided by Cisco Systems has been discontinued and is no longer supported by Cisco Systems. For more information on this, refer to Cisco TFTP Server.

Choose Between the Alternatives

When you choose between packages, consider these features:

• Security features—Security features may be an important consideration based on the location of the TFTP server in your network.

• Support for transfers over 16 MB in size—Some Cisco devices require images that are over 16 MB in size. Check the size of your image and verify that the TFTP server you have in mind supports large transfers, if needed.

Troubleshoot Common Problems with TFTP

There are a variety of problems which may occur when you use TFTP for maintenance. The TAC Case Collection Tool (registered customers only) provides interactive troubleshooting; simply choose the product area (LAN Switching, Router and IOS Architecture, and so on) for your device. Technical Support - Cisco Systems provides platform-specific information on how to troubleshoot.

Related Information

• Technical Support - Cisco Systems