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upgrade-cisco-modeling-labs-21

Eric Chou

• 3 min read

Documenting CML 2.1 Upgrade Experience

Last year I documented installing the new Cisco Model Lab 2.0 from the older VIRL version 1.x, you can read about it here:

https://networkautomation.ninja/p/blog/installing-cisco-model-lab-20-vmware-esxi-67/

Since the CML 2.x license was tied to the original VIRL 1.x license, it is time for me to renew/purchase the license again before the expiration date. Since CML 2.1 was released, I thought I will upgrade to the latest version. This time the process was smoother and required no support ticket. Here are some notes and resources if you are doing the same.

Notes

  • Here is the starting point for Cisco Modeling Lab Resources:

https://developer.cisco.com/docs/modeling-labs/

  • Use this Quick Start Guide for Installation:

https://developer.cisco.com/docs/modeling-labs/#cml-quick-start-guide

  • Like last time, I am going to use the OVA image running on ESXi 6.7 on my NUC. The OVA is about 800M in size. Take note of the new license file.
  • The first note of caution is to be patient when importing the OVA in the new VM.
CML21_Image_1.png
  • Check this link for default hardware specs, also attached is what I have assigned to my VM:

https://developer.cisco.com/docs/modeling-labs/#!system-requirements

Cisco_CML21_Image_2.png
  • Power it on and it will go thru the normal setup process. It is straightforward. The only thing I have to remind myself at times is to use the arrow key for jumping around different fields, I am just so used to using Tab to do that. I would also recommend using Static IP since this is a host that you will likely want to pin down the address.
  • After installation, the recommendation is to use the <ip>:9090 site to check the Internet connectivity of your host.
  • Last time the license bit gave me the trouble that required opening a support ticket. Time time it was relatively straight forward:
  • I did find it surprising that I have to de-register my old CML 2.0 license even though it will not expire for another week. I think they just want you to have 1 instance running at all times (https://developer.cisco.com/docs/modeling-labs/#!licensing).
Cisco_CML_Image_3.png
  • The last bit of information that threw me off was when I launch the instance I was hit with a 'Reference Platform error' and none of the Cisco images were available under nodes:
Cisco_CML_21_Image_4.png

A bit of research later (and reading my own blog) it turns out the iso image was not referenced in the DVD/CD connection for the VM. Since there is no updated iso for version 2.1, I just used the previous version 2.0.

Cisco_CML21_Image_6.png
Cisco_CML21_Image_8.png
  • As a side note, don't forget to use promiscuous mode for your NIC if you'd like to use briding to connect the management port to the external world.
Cisco_CML21_Image_5.png
  • Another side note (to myself), please remember to use Bridge mode for the external connector and save time from troubleshooting until the hair was all pulled out.
Cisco_CML21_Image_9.png

The last steps were just to import the previous lab topology either from VIRL or CML 2.0 and verify they run, which they do.

Happy Coding!

Eric