: IOL (IOS on Linux) images now support serial interfaces, allowing for classic serial-based lab scenarios with minimal resource overhead. Important Download & Installation Tips
: Refplat files are large; always verify the checksum after downloading to avoid corruption.
The most significant new helpful feature related to the Cisco Modeling Labs (CML) "refplat" (Reference Platform) ISO is the . This allows you to run routers and switches as lightweight processes rather than full virtual machines (VMs), drastically reducing CPU and memory consumption while enabling faster boot times. Key Features of New Refplat ISO Releases cisco cml refplat iso download new
While the CML core ova/iso provides the operating system and the management dashboard, it does not come pre-packed with all the actual network device operating systems. This is where the comes in. The refplat ISO acts as a library of disk images. When you want to spin up a virtual router or switch in CML, it pulls the base image directly from this ISO. How to Get the Cisco CML Refplat ISO Download
Even with a new ISO, users encounter problems. Here are solutions for the top 5 issues related to the download/install process: : IOL (IOS on Linux) images now support
: Starting with version 2.7, some releases (like 2.7.0 and 2.8) include a supplemental refplat ISO containing larger images such as Catalyst SD-WAN . How to Install the New ISO Copy Refplat ISO to Disk - Cisco Modeling Labs v2.9
: Users can download a specific "Free Tier" ISO from Cisco DevNet , which includes a core set of images for up to five nodes. This allows you to run routers and switches
When you search for a "new" ISO, you are likely looking for the latest stable release. As of 2025, the most recent version is (with incremental patches like 2.7.1 or 2.7.2). Here are the key improvements in the new ISO over legacy versions (e.g., CML 2.0 or VIRL):