System Software Overview - Cisco 7500 Series Configuration Manual

Chapter 1 Cisco 7500 Series Product Overview

System Software Overview

System Software Overview
In Cisco 7500 series routers, Flash memory on the RSP contains the default system software. An
EPROM device on each interface processor contains the latest interface processor microcode version, in
compressed form. At system startup, an internal system utility scans for compatibility problems between
the installed interface processor types and the bundled microcode images, then decompresses the images
into running memory (DRAM). The bundled microcode images then function the same as images loaded
from the microcode EPROM.
The Cisco 7500 series routers support downloadable Cisco IOS software and interface processor
microcode images, which enables you to remotely download, store, and boot from a new image. The
Cisco IOS image runs from the DRAM on the RSP; interface processor microcode images run from the
DRAM on the specific interface processor.
The publication Upgrading Software and Microcode in the Cisco 7000 Series Routers which is available
online, on the Documentation CD-ROM, or as a printed copy, provides instructions for upgrading from
a TFTP server, floppy disk, or Flash memory card.
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