Smart Install using Director not on DHCP path

Question

Hi
To do zero-touch switch configuration we need to be able to run a post-install script against each switch, to set the VTP and SDM configuration. The core 6509 which is the L3 gateway for VLAN 1 doesn't support post-install scripts, as it's running 15.1(2). However, we have a pair of 4500X switches running 3.0.6E, which does support scripting. I think I've read somewhere that you can set up a Director out of the DHCP data path from the switches, as long as the DHCP server sends the right options so the client switch can find it. However, I'd like to know if anyone has tried that and whether there are any gotchas before doing it myself. Can anyone comment?
Thanks
Max Caines, University of Wolverhampton

Answer 1

Max, 
What I am about to tell you will send you chills ... 
You DO NOT want to load 15.2(2)E or 3.6.0E on any of your important core/distro switches.  If you have a switch (that supports ZeroTouch SmartInstall) that runs 15.2(2)E, that's fine. 
15.2(2)E for Catalyst 2960S/X/XR, 3560E/X/C, 3750E/X, is EXTREMELY UNSTABLE.  We tested 15.2(2)E on a 3560CG.  In four hours, we found fourbugs, Tracebacks and crashes.  By the time our "count" hit eight (8), we terminated all testing. 
The only switch we have in our network running 15.2(2)E is on our two ZeroTouch SmartInstall switches (two 3750X) and nowhere else.