Upgrading your Cisco Flash Memory

Upgrading your Cisco Flash Memory

The Cisco IOS (Internetwork Operating System) is integral to the functioning of nearly all Cisco routing hardware, with the significant exception of Cisco PIX firewalls, which run the Finesse PIX OS. Product ranges from both of these families boot directly from Cisco memory (Flash) cards. As Cisco's product line has evolved so has the Cisco IOS. As with any operating system, the memory required to run the latest versions of Cisco's IOS is greater than its predecessors.  Frequently, the spur for upgrading a router's memory is solely so that it can run a more current version of Cisco's IOS.

Most Cisco routers and PIX firewalls boot from a Cisco memory (Flash) card, onboard Flash RAM, or motherboard-mounted Flash modules. Routers made prior to 2000 usually have a capacity of 8 or 16 Mb. Routers and PIX firewalls made after 2000 usually require a minimum of 16Mb of Flash memory.  The most demanding devices require 128Mb of Flash Memory or even more.   

Cisco memory (Flash) cards and RAM are manufactured to much higher quality standards than standard flash memory cards for PC's or digital cameras. Similarly, RAM suitable for a home PC, high-end gaming rig, or small-medium business storage server is unsuitable for use with Cisco platforms. Both Cisco Approved and third party RAM and Flash memory cards are built to rigorous and exacting specifications and are tailor-made for the demands of Cisco applications.

If an aging Cisco device's flash memory is incapable of storing the latest version of IOS or PIX OS, a flash memory upgrade must be purchased. While, as mentioned, the manufacturing standards for such equipment are much higher than those of consumer-level equivalents, so too is the cost. To limit the costs of upgrading as much as possible, PC Wholesale offers third-party flash cards for every Cisco router and firewall, each of which is guaranteed compatible and has a lifetime warranty.  They also offer Cisco Approved memory at up to 90% off Cisco's list price.  Check out their Cisco Memory section if you need a flash memory upgrade.