Cloud Operating Mode for Cloud Managed Catalyst Switches FAQs

Why are we noticing a firmware name change from CS to IOS XE for Catalyst switches operating in cloud mode?

CS17 was a combination of IOS XE and a Meraki management layer. The Meraki management layer is now natively integrated with IOS XE. Moving forward, we will refer to the firmware by the IOS XE version number. Until IOS XE 17.15 graduates from beta to stable, customers will see both CS17 and IOS XE 17.15 options on the Meraki dashboard firmware upgrades page (Organization > Monitor > Firmware Upgrades). After the stable release of IOS XE, customers will only see IOS XE versions moving forward.

How do I onboard my switches to cloud operating mode running the latest cloud-native IOS XE version?

There are two ways to onboard your Catalyst switches to cloud operating mode running the latest cloud-native IOS XE version:

1. Firmware Upgrade: Catalyst switches that are already cloud-managed by the Meraki dashboard and running CS16 or CS17 firmware can be upgraded to the latest IOS XE version, starting with 17.15.1.
2. Migration: Supported Catalyst switches that are not yet managed by the Meraki dashboard can upgrade to the latest IOS XE version, starting with 17.15.1 via CLI. To register and onboard the switches to the Meraki dashboard, follow steps in this documentation: Migration from CLI-managed Catalyst Switches to Meraki Cloud Operating Mode.

Can I revert to the previous CS firmware version after upgrading to cloud-native IOS XE?

Due to complexities in restoring the container-based architecture, downgrades from cloud-native IOS XE to any prior CS firmware via the dashboard is restricted. A factory reset may be required and support assistance will be necessary. Please consider this before upgrading your production network to the cloud-native IOS XE version. Before upgrading or migrating your switches to the cloud-native IOS XE version, review important considerations by clicking here. 

Note that C9200Ls cannot be reverted to a cloud firmware version; they can only be switched back to DNA management mode. For help with this, please contact Support.

Can I have different firmware versions in one network?

You can have one firmware version for Meraki switches (MS) and one version for Catalyst-based switches (CS). All Catalyst switches in one network will have the same firmware version. If you want to run different versions, you will need to create multiple networks within an organization.

If I encounter an issue, how should users engage support?

If you do encounter any issues, please get in touch with Cisco Meraki Support so we can address them as soon as possible. Cisco Meraki Support is available 24/7 for assistance. Refer to the Contacting Support page for more information. 

What features are exclusive to IOS XE compared to CS17?

Show Terminal and Command Runner (show CLI) enhances troubleshooting by enabling the use of all IOS-XE show commands. The architectural improvements in the Cloud-Native IOS XE platform lead to better SSO HA, quicker reboots, and increased responsiveness to configuration changes. Additionally, C9200L migration is exclusively supported with Cloud-Native IOS XE.

If I want to migrate my Catalyst switch from Meraki cloud operating mode to DNA management mode, what is the process?

If you wish to migrate your Cisco Catalyst switches from Meraki management mode to DNA management mode, contact Meraki Support. You'll need to acquire a DNA license, but you can request a Return Materials Authorization (RMA) for your Meraki license and receive a credit for the purchase of the DNA license. Also note, this will reset the switch to its factory default settings and erase all configurations from the switch. Please see page 2 on this quick start guide for questions related to license returns: Migrating Meraki Management Mode to Cisco DNA Management Mode. 

Will a Meraki license be required to migrate my Catalyst switches from DNA management mode to Meraki cloud operating with cloud-native IOS XE today?

In general, license attachment is required for any cloud-managed Catalyst switch in Meraki-managed mode. However, license enforcement will not occur until the stable release of IOS XE 17.15 becomes available. We will have more updates on our plan for license enforcement in the first quarter of 2026.  

Please refer to page 4 on this migration guide for the existing DNA license migration process: Migrating DNA Management Mode to Meraki Management Mode.

You can also obtain a new Meraki license which will be available to purchase closer to the stable release of cloud-native IOS XE. 

I noticed there are two different migration paths for C9300 from DNA management mode to Meraki management mode. Which one should I use? 

Refer to the Cloud-Native IOS XE page and the table below for more details:

What is the upgrade process for cloud-managed Catalyst switches transitioning from any CS firmware version to a cloud-native IOS XE version?

Detailed information on the upgrade process can be found in this guide: Upgrade Steps for Cloud-Managed Catalyst Switches in Cloud Operating Mode

What is the migration process from CLI/DNA management mode to Meraki management mode with cloud-native IOS XE firmware?

Detailed information on the migration process can be found in this guide: Migration from CLI-managed Catalyst Switches to Meraki Cloud Operating Mode