Can SMI be upgraded to EMI?

[norteldude78]

I am shopping for a 3550/3560 on ebay and I was wondering if switches that say SMI can be upgraded to EMI? I have some EMI images and was hoping to use them.

Also, do you recommend another site for good deals on cisco swicthes?

Thanks,
B

 

[vipergg]

To do it legally you would have to get a contract from cisco or a certified reseller . If it came with SMI then that is what the device has license for . Can you upgrade , yes you can .

 

[ADB100]

Can you upgrade , yes you can .

Unless you have the newer E-series 3560/3750 switches. With these newer switches there is only one software image file (so no separate IP Base, IP Services or Advanced IP Services IOS images, just one universal image). They are then licensed like the PIX or ASA is with a key or software file that is unique to the device.
It seems customers were abusing the ability to convert switches supplied with SMI (IP Base) to EMI (IP Services) or Advanced IP Services for free....

As vipergg says though, the 3550, 3560 & 3750 switches can be upgraded (coverted?) from SMI to EMI by simply installing the relevent IOS image. I have done this for (cough) testing purposes on some home kit.

Andy

 

[norteldude78]

thanks, this is for a lab. im lookint to get 2, hopefully i can get a good deal on emi 3560's or ip services what ever they call it now. advanced ip would be sweeter