Keeping network devices up to date is essential for security, performance, and reliability but coordinating upgrades across dozens or hundreds of switches can be a challenge. That’s where Cisco Catalyst Center 2.3.7 comes in. With major improvements to its Software Image Management (SWIM) workflow, this release introduces powerful new features like upgrade grouping and sequencing, allowing IT teams to manage upgrades more efficiently and with greater control. In this blog, we’ll walk through how to use these new capabilities to streamline your Cisco switch upgrades from start to finish.
Efficiently managing software upgrades across network devices is a critical task for ensuring security, stability, and optimal performance in enterprise environments. With the release of Cisco Catalyst Center 2.3.7, Software Image Management (SWIM) has received significant enhancements—most notably, the ability to control upgrade sequencing through an intuitive grouping interface.
This walkthrough provides a step-by-step guide to arranging network device upgrades using the improved SWIM workflow in Catalyst Center. Whether you’re upgrading core, distribution, or access switches, this guide will help you streamline the process by organizing devices into sequential and parallel upgrade groups—all within a single workflow. By leveraging this functionality, network administrators can reduce risk, simplify operations, and maintain network continuity during critical software updates.
Step 1: Access Software Image Management (SWIM)
- Log into Cisco Catalyst Center (v2.3.7).
- Navigate to:
Provision → Software Images → SWIM.
Step 2: Select Devices for Upgrade
- Click on “Add Devices to Workflow”.
- Choose multiple devices (e.g., access and distribution/core switches).
Step 3: Organize Upgrade Order with New Grouping UI
This is where the new 2.3.7 feature shines.
- Select the devices you’ve added.
- Click “Group Devices” → Choose between:
- Sequential Group (devices upgraded one after another).
- Parallel Group (devices upgraded at the same time).
Best Practice: Place core/distribution devices in the Sequential group, and access switches in the Parallel group.
- Name each group (optional, for clarity).
Step 4: Set Group Execution Order
- Choose which group should execute first:
- For example, if you want core switches to upgrade first:
- Set the Sequential group as “Execute First”.
- Confirm order and dependencies.
Step 5: Select Software Image
- Choose the target software image for all devices.
- Ensure image compatibility (Catalyst Center usually auto-validates).
- If not already in the image repository, upload the desired image.
Step 6: Schedule or Trigger the Upgrade
- Choose to:
- Run now, or
- Schedule for a future time (e.g., after hours).
- Confirm pre-checks and device reachability.
Step 7: Monitor Workflow Execution
- Monitor upgrade status in real-time via:
- Provision → Workflows → View Running Tasks.
- Watch for logs showing:
- Core switch upgrades begin first.
- Access switches start only after core switch group completes.
Tips
- Test image on a lab switch before production.
- Ensure backup configurations are taken.
- Review device compatibility matrix for your Catalyst platform before upgrade.
By taking advantage of the enhanced Software Image Management features in Cisco Catalyst Center 2.3.7, network teams can confidently execute upgrades with greater precision and less disruption. The new grouping and sequencing capabilities not only streamline complex upgrade workflows but also provide the control and visibility needed to maintain uptime and minimize risk. Whether you're managing a few access switches or a large-scale enterprise deployment, this update makes staying current—and secure—more efficient than ever.
As always if you have any questions on getting Cisco's Catalyst Center set up for you and your business and would like to schedule a free consultation with us, please reach out to us at sales@lookingpoint.com and we’ll be happy to help!
Pablo Mirsoian, Network Engineer