Cloud-Native IOS XE
Explore Cloud Operating Mode and Hybrid Operating Mode on Cloud-native IOS XE 17.15.3 for Cloud-managed Catalyst switches. Learn more about each mode, including supported models, to determine the best fit for your needs.
The new onboarding process for hybrid and cloud operating mode rollout will occur in phases, and availability may vary. If you don't see the hybrid operating mode option when adding switches to a network, please note that it will be available soon. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to bring this feature to all eligible organizations. Learn more about this onboarding experience here.
Cloud-native IOS XE 17.15.3 is the latest version of IOS XE with native support for Meraki cloud connectivity and management. With this release 17.15.3, we are beginning an exciting transition from a container-based architecture to a native (container-less) IOS XE architecture with support for Meraki cloud management.
We are introducing a brand new onboarding experience for Catalyst switches as they transition to the cloud. This enhances how the Meraki dashboard manages Catalyst switches, offering increased flexibility in switch management that enables customers to onboard their Catalyst switches in one of two operating modes - Cloud operating mode and Hybrid operating mode:
Cloud Operating Mode
Cloud Operating Mode is the new version for fully cloud-managed Catalyst switches, adding Cloud CLI and native IOS XE to the previous generation of cloud management. In cloud operating mode, configurations are managed via the dashboard and delivered entirely from the cloud. This capability also offers a read-only Cloud CLI terminal you can use to view the entire running-configuration or perform advanced troubleshooting using IOS XE show commands. Learn more about this mode and its supported switch models here.
Cloud operating mode is moving to a stable release candidate with IOS XE 17.15.3, providing the full cloud-native management experience for select Catalyst 9000 devices from the Meraki dashboard.
Hybrid Operating Mode
Hybrid operating mode represents a significant evolution of Cloud Monitoring for Catalyst, which has enabled users to integrate their Catalyst 9000 series switches into the Meraki dashboard to view switch statistics, configuration details and troubleshooting tools. Building on this foundation, hybrid operating mode for cloud-native IOS XE brings configuration access to the Cloud CLI from dashboard, empowering users to leverage the benefits of cloud management, while maintaining access to all of the capabilities of the underlying IOS XE firmware.
In addition, hybrid operating mode provides a streamlined onboarding experience for your switches, removing the need to use the local onboarding application required with Cloud Monitoring. Learn more about this mode and its supported platforms here.
Hybrid operating mode enters public beta and is an evolution of what was previously known as Cloud Monitoring.
Table 1: Hybrid operating mode vs Cloud operating mode
|
Cloud Operating Mode (formerly cloud management) |
Hybrid Operating Mode (formerly cloud monitoring) |
|
Exclusively managed by dashboard |
Management flexibility |
| Perform configurations with the dashboard | Perform configurations with Cloud CLI terminal |
|
Configurations are stored in the cloud and synced to the switch |
Configuration remains local to the device with cloud backup |
| Read-only CLI support | Read and Write CLI support |
|
Supports the following Catalyst series switches:
Refer to the full supported models list for cloud operating mode here. |
Supports the following Catalyst series switches:
Refer to the full supported model list for hybrid operating mode here. |
Cloud CLI
Cloud CLI is an early access feature available for all cloud-native IOS XE switches starting in version 17.15.3. The cloud CLI is an interactive CLI terminal hosted in the Meraki dashboard for your cloud-native IOS XE Catalyst switches and wireless controllers. When launching the cloud CLI terminal, the dashboard will initiate a secure direct terminal session inside the Meraki Tunnel to your Catalyst device, similar to opening a direct SSH or console session. Learn more here.
Cloud CLI offers slightly different functionality depending on the operating mode:
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Hybrid operating mode supports Cloud CLI in both read-only and configuration modes, depending on dashboard user roles
-
Cloud operating mode supports Cloud CLI in only read-only mode
