reload
During reload, confirm with y.
After reboot:
show version | include IOS
show license
show license feature
cat4500e-universalk9.spa.03.11.00.e.152-7.e.bin is the recommended production image for Catalyst 4500-E switches as of 2024-2025. It balances security, hardware support, and stability. However, it represents the tail end of classic IOS. Run it, trust it, but plan your next generation network hardware alongside it. cat4500e-universalk9.spa.03.11.00.e.152-7.e.bin
Check your switch:
show version | include memory
show file systems
| ✅ When to use | ❌ When to avoid |
| :--- | :--- |
| You need SSH and strong crypto (K9) | You require FIPS 140-2 validation (use the k9_fips image instead) |
| Running Sup7L-E through Sup9E | Running older Sup6L-E or Sup2T (use cat4500-entservicesk9 train) |
| You want full flexibility to change licensing on the fly | You have strict regulatory need for "permanent" license lock |
| Mix of SPA and non-SPA line cards | You are on 4500-X series (different binary) | reload