The Reference Platforms ISO is a bundled image repository containing the virtual machine images for various Cisco operating systems. While the CML controller handles the user interface, API, and network orchestration, it relies on the RefPlat ISO to provide the actual node software. What is Inside the RefPlat ISO?
: Ubuntu Linux, Alpine Linux, CoreOS, and DevOps tools like Ansible or TRex traffic generators. Why You Need the "New" RefPlat ISO
Log in using your CCO (Cisco.com) ID associated with your active CML subscription. Under , search for Cisco Modeling Labs .
Depending on your specific subscription tier or licensing model, Cisco segments the reference platform images into distinct downloads: ISO Image Variant Typical File Size Target Tier / Key Nodes Included ( refplat-YYYYMMDD-fcs-iso.zip ) cisco cml refplat iso download new
Your download method depends entirely on the CML license type you have purchased. Here’s the breakdown for each offering:
Virtual firewalls for practicing security and VPN configurations.
: Recent versions like CML 2.9 have introduced supplemental ISOs to house larger or specialized images, such as Cisco ISE or Splunk, preventing the main file from becoming unwieldy. Installation and "Copy to Disk" Cisco Modeling Labs - Free - Cisco DevNet The Reference Platforms ISO is a bundled image
Copy the or SHA512 checksum listed on Cisco’s download page. Run a hash check on your local machine:
| Requirement | Detail | |-------------|--------| | Valid Cisco Smart Account | Entitlement: CML-Personal or CML-Enterprise subscription | | Contract / Subscription active | Must show “CML (Cisco Modeling Labs)” under Smart Software Licensing | | Access level | Download privileges for “Modeling Labs” software category |
: Click the Download button next to your order. This redirects you to the specific software portal. : Ubuntu Linux, Alpine Linux, CoreOS, and DevOps
). Verify your CML VM has enough storage allocated before upgrading, especially when including supplementary ISOs.
Depending on your setup, you will either upload the ISO directly through the CML interface or mount it to the CML virtual machine via your hypervisor (such as VMware ESXi).
To help narrow down the next steps for your laboratory environment, please share:
Within the CML download section, you will see various files available, including: CML ISO / OVA (The base installation) (The images you need) Step 4: Download the File
A vital component of setting up your CML environment is obtaining and deploying the . This file contains the foundational operating system images for various Cisco devices, such as the CSR1000v, IOSv, NX-OSv, and ASAv.