IOS install mode vs bundle mode
IOS XE switches support two modes for the operation of the IOS: Bundle mode and install mode.
Bundle mode - This is the traditional way in which Cisco IOS operates using a single monolithic .bin file. During bootup, this file is "unbundled" and moved into RAM from where it operates. This mode uses more RAM.
Install mode - This mode is the default mode for most modern Cisco devices. It uses a "package provisioning" file named packages.conf in order to boot the switch. Additionally, there are several .pkg files in the flash that are used.
When used in conjuction with StackWise:
- all switches in the stack should be configured with the same mode
- all switches in the stack should have the same license as the active switch
- when upgrading the IOS in install mode, simply upgrade the active switch, and all switches will be upgraded
- when upgrading the IOS in bundle mode, the IOS file must be copied to each switch in the stack
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