Cisco Cml Refplat Iso 'link' Download New
Here are three concise headline/description options you can use for web copy, a download page, or a forum post about obtaining the Cisco CML RefPlat ISO (new release). Pick one or combine elements.
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Short download title + blurb Title: Cisco CML RefPlat ISO — New Release (Download) Blurb: Download the latest Cisco Modeling Labs (CML) Reference Platform ISO to deploy the RefPlat appliance for lab and virtual infrastructure. Includes updated images, installer, and release notes—verify licensing and compatibility before installing.
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Release-note style Title: Cisco CML RefPlat ISO — Release: New (RefPlat) Summary: The new RefPlat ISO for Cisco Modeling Labs provides a streamlined appliance install for Reference Platform deployments. This package contains the full installer ISO, preconfigured images for supported topologies, and updated device templates. Review system requirements and the included release notes prior to deployment.
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Forum/post asking for link/help Title: Where to download the new Cisco CML RefPlat ISO? Body: I'm looking for the newest Cisco CML Reference Platform ISO to deploy RefPlat in my lab environment. Need the official download link, checksum, and any notes on compatibility with CML 2.x/3.x and hypervisor requirements. Anyone with an updated mirror or guidance appreciated.
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The Cisco Modeling Labs (CML) Reference Platforms (RefPlat) ISO is the backbone of any serious network simulation environment. This file contains the actual Cisco IOS images—such as IOSv, NX-OS, and ASAv—that run on top of the CML engine. If you are looking for the latest "cisco cml refplat iso download new" options, this guide covers everything from access requirements to installation. Why the RefPlat ISO is Essential
CML is sold as a platform (the dashboard and engine) and the node definitions (the software images). Without the Reference Platform ISO, your CML installation is just an empty shell. The "new" versions of this ISO are significant because they include: Updated IOS-XE (Cat8000v) images. New SD-WAN controller nodes. Optimized NX-OS 9000v footprints. Security patches for ASAv and Firepower (FTDv). How to Access the Latest Download
To get the official, newest RefPlat ISO, you must follow the authorized Cisco channels.
Cisco Learning Network Store: Most individual users obtain CML through a Personal or Personal Plus license. Once purchased, your access is tied to your Cisco Connection Online (CCO) ID.
Software Central: Navigate to the Cisco Software Download portal. Search for "Cisco Modeling Labs" and look for the "Reference Platforms" section.
Check the Version: Ensure the ISO version matches your CML controller version (e.g., CML 2.7 requires the 2.7.x RefPlat ISO for full compatibility). Step-by-Step: Adding the New ISO to CML
Once you have downloaded the large .iso file (often exceeding 30GB), you need to mount it to your CML virtual machine. For VMware ESXi/Workstation: Upload the ISO to your datastore or local folder. Edit the CML VM settings. Select the CD/DVD drive and "Connect at Power On." Path the drive to your new RefPlat ISO. For Bare Metal:
Copy the ISO to the /var/local/virl2/dropfolder directory via SCP.
Use the CML system administration cockpit (port 9090) to mount the file permanently to the /var/local/virl2/refplat directory. What’s New in Recent RefPlat Releases?
Cisco has transitioned from the older "VIRL" style images to modern, 64-bit virtual platforms. The newest downloads typically feature: IOSv & IOSv-L2: Stable images for R&S labs. CML-IOS-XRv 9000: For service provider simulations.
Ubuntu Nodes: Pre-configured Linux nodes for testing automation scripts (Python, Ansible) within the topology.
Unmanaged Switches: Low-resource nodes for simple connectivity. Troubleshooting Common Download Issues cisco cml refplat iso download new
Slow Download Speeds:The RefPlat ISO is massive. Use a download manager that supports multi-threading or "resume" capabilities, as Cisco’s servers may timeout on standard browser downloads.
Verification:Always check the SHA512 checksum provided on the Cisco download page against your local file. A corrupted ISO will cause "Node Definition" errors inside CML, preventing your virtual routers from booting.
Disk Space:Ensure your CML host has at least 50GB of free space before attempting the download and extraction. The ISO stays mounted, so it consumes storage permanently.
By keeping your CML Reference Platform ISO updated, you ensure that your lab environment mirrors the latest features and command syntax found in modern production data centers and enterprise networks.
The latest Cisco Modeling Labs (CML) 2.9.1 (as of April 2026) continues to use a multi-ISO structure for its reference platforms (refplat)
. Key updates for the newest "refplat" downloads include the following: New Supplemental ISO Images Starting with release 2.9, Cisco transitioned to offering three separate refplat ISO files
for paid versions to manage large image sizes and specialized deployments: Cisco Learning Network Standard Refplat ISO : Includes core routing and switching images like IOSv, IOSv-L2, ASAv , and standard Linux host images. Supplemental Refplat ISO : Now includes images for Catalyst 9800-CL (Wireless Controller), Identity Services Engine (ISE) Splunk Enterprise Catalyst SD-WAN (formerly Viptela). Specialized ISE ISO : A dedicated ISO specifically for larger Cisco DevNet Key Platform Enhancements Docker Container Support
: CML 2.9 introduced native support for Docker container nodes, allowing users to run lightweight containerized applications alongside virtual network devices. IOL Node Support : Newer refplat images include IOL (IOS on Linux)
node types, which are significantly more resource-efficient than traditional VM-based images. Node Disk Image Cloning
: A new feature that allows administrators to clone existing node disk images for faster lab setup. OS Upgrade
: In-place upgrades for recent versions now migrate the underlying host OS to Ubuntu 24.04 LTS (Noble Numbat). Cisco DevNet Download and Installation : Files are available via the Cisco Software Central
portal. CML-Personal users can access their specific downloads through the Cisco Learning Network Store under "My Account". Application
: Once downloaded, the ISO must be mounted to the CML VM and then copied to the local disk using the "Copy Refplat ISO"
tool in the System Administration Cockpit to ensure images are available for lab nodes. Cisco DevNet mount and copy these new ISO files to your existing CML instance? Cisco Modeling Labs - Free - Cisco DevNet
To download the latest Cisco Modeling Labs (CML) Reference Platform (Refplat) ISO, you must access it through your official license portal rather than a general support page. 📥 How to Download the Latest Refplat ISO
Log in: Access the Cisco Learning Network Store using your CCO (Cisco Connect Online) ID.
Locate Your Purchase: Navigate to My Account > My Orders and find your active CML subscription (Personal, Personal Plus, or Free). Here are three concise headline/description options you can
Access Software Downloads: Click the Download button next to your order. This redirects you to the specific software portal.
Select the File: Look for the latest release (e.g., CML 2.9) and find the Reference Platform .iso file (e.g., refplat-20241016-fcs.iso).
Note: New CML versions do not always require a new Refplat ISO; always check the release notes to see if a newer image set is available. 🛠️ Key Files for New Installations For a fresh deployment, you typically need two main files: Controller OVA: The base server virtual machine.
Refplat ISO: Contains the virtual OS images (IOSv, NX-OS, etc.) required to run lab nodes. 🔄 Post-Download: Copying ISO to Disk
Once you have the ISO, you must "register" the images within CML to use them in labs: Copy Refplat ISO to Disk - Cisco Modeling Labs v2.9
Downloading the latest Cisco CML Reference Platform (Refplat) ISO is a critical step for any network engineer looking to simulate modern environments. This file contains the actual VM images—such as IOSv, NX-OS, and ASAv—that run inside the Cisco Modeling Labs (CML) controller. What is the Refplat ISO?
The Refplat ISO is distinct from the CML Controller (OVA/ISO). While the controller provides the management interface and API, the Refplat ISO provides the virtual device images.
Standard Refplat ISO: Includes core routers and switches like Cat 8000V, IOL (IOS on Linux), and IOSv.
Supplemental Refplat ISO: Introduced in newer versions like CML 2.9, this contains "heavy" images like Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE), Catalyst 9800-CL Wireless Controllers, and SD-WAN images. How to Download the New Refplat ISO
You can access the download through two primary channels depending on your license type: CML-Personal/Personal Plus: Log in to the Cisco Learning Network Store. Navigate to My Account > My Orders.
Click the Download button next to your active CML order to be redirected to the official Cisco Software Central page. CML-Enterprise/Education: Go directly to Cisco Software Central.
Search for "Modeling Labs" and select the latest release (e.g., v2.9) to find the ISO files. CML-Free: Sign up at the CML-Free registration page.
Once registered, download the specific CML-Free Refplat ISO (typically smaller, containing IOL and ASAv) from the DevNet portal. Key Features in the Latest Releases (v2.8 - v2.9) Cisco Modeling Labs - Free
8. Conclusion
Proper acquisition of the Cisco CML REFPLAT ISO requires a valid subscription and adherence to Cisco’s software distribution rules. This paper serves as an operational guide, not a bypass of licensing controls.
Obtaining the RefPlat ISO
- The RefPlat ISO is distributed by Cisco through official channels tied to CML licensing. You must have an account with appropriate entitlements to download the ISO. Cisco provides images via their software download portal for customers with valid contracts or entitlements.
- The ISO filename typically contains the CML version and “refplat” marker; e.g., patterns like cml-refplat-.iso (exact names vary by release).
Note: Do not download critical Cisco software from unverified third-party sources; always use Cisco’s official distribution channels to ensure integrity and licensing compliance.
Version Tips
| CML Release | Latest RefPlat Version | |-------------|------------------------| | 2.8.x | 2.8.0-XX | | 2.7.x | 2.7.2-XX |
Always match the RefPlat version to your CML controller version for best compatibility. Short download title + blurb Title: Cisco CML
Where and How to Download the New Cisco CML REFPLAT ISO
7. Troubleshooting Common Issues
| Issue | Solution |
|-------|----------|
| No REFPLAT visible in portal | Verify CML license assignment in Smart Account |
| Boot fails after ISO mount | Increase VM RAM to 4+ GB, enable virtualization extensions |
| License not recognized | Re-license via license smart register or local file |
Step 2: Locate the Package
- In the search bar, type "Cisco Modeling Labs".
- Select the version you wish to install (e.g., CML 2.7.x or the newest available release).
- You will see a list of files. Look for the file named:
refplat-xxx.iso(e.g.,refplat-2.7.0-46.isoor newer).- Note: Do not confuse this with the CML .OVA or .Qcow2 file, which is the VM infrastructure itself.
Prerequisites
- Active Cisco CML subscription (Personal, Enterprise, or Academic)
- Valid Cisco.com account with entitlements linked to your CML license
Concise checklist for a successful RefPlat ISO install
- Obtain correct RefPlat ISO from Cisco.
- Verify checksum and integrity.
- Ensure hardware/VM meets requirements and virtualization is enabled.
- Install from ISO, set static management IP.
- Register/activate host with license.
- Import images and validate lab creation.
- Harden management access and perform backups.
If you want, I can:
- Provide step-by-step installer commands for a specific CML version and hypervisor (assume latest), or
- Draft a preflight checklist tailored to a target host spec you provide.
Getting Started with the New Cisco CML Refplat ISO: A Quick Guide
If you are setting up or upgrading your Cisco Modeling Labs (CML) environment, the Reference Platform (Refplat) ISO is the most critical piece of the puzzle. This single file contains all the virtualized Cisco operating system images—like IOSv, IOSvL2, and NX-OS—that you need to build your network topologies.
The latest release of CML (v2.9) introduces a shift in how these images are handled: they must now be copied to the local disk of your CML instance rather than just being mounted as a virtual CD-ROM. Where to Download the New Refplat ISO
You can find the Refplat ISO on the same Software Download page where you get the CML controller OVA or ISO.
Standard Refplat ISO: The primary file (e.g., refplat-20241223-fcs-iso.zip) containing all "normal" router and switch images.
Supplemental Refplat ISO: A separate file containing larger or specialized images like Cisco SD-WAN and C9800-CL WLC (for v2.9+).
Personal Edition Users: Access your downloads via the Cisco Learning Network Store under your order history. Quick Setup: Adding the Images to Your Lab
Once you have downloaded and extracted the ISO, follow these steps to make the images available in your dashboard: Copy Refplat ISO to Disk - Cisco Modeling Labs v2.9
Cisco Modeling Labs (CML) requires a Reference Platform (refplat) ISO
to provide the virtual machine images (such as IOS, ASA, and Ubuntu) used in lab simulations. For current deployments (e.g., version 2.9), you must download this ISO alongside the controller OVA or bare-metal image. How to Download the New Refplat ISO
The download path depends on whether you are using the Personal, Enterprise, or the newer Free Tier version. For CML-Personal: Log in to your account at the Cisco Learning Network Store Find your active order in This redirects you to a specific page on software.cisco.com that bypasses general service contract requirements. Select the latest release (e.g., v2.9) and locate the Cisco Modeling Labs reference platform .iso file For CML-Free Tier: Register at the CML-Free Sign-up page Cisco Software Central and log in with your CCO ID. Search for "Modeling Labs" and select the Download the reference image ISO file (often provided as a that must be unzipped before use). For CML-Enterprise/Education: Navigate directly to Cisco Software Central (SWC) Cloud and Systems Management Network Modeling Modeling Labs Choose the latest release to find the ISO. Recent Updates in Refplat ISO (v2.9)
The latest reference platform images introduced significant additions for network testing: New Node Types: Includes support for IOL (IOS on Linux)
images, which are more resource-efficient than traditional virtual images. Expanded Library: The supplemental ISO now includes Catalyst 9800-CL Cloud Wireless Controller, Splunk Enterprise Docker Support:
Newer versions now facilitate the use of container images within labs. Installation Best Practices Copy Refplat ISO to Disk - Cisco Modeling Labs v2.9