Log in to your CML web interface as an administrator.
(IOS on Linux - added to standard iso in newer versions ) Latest CML Refplat ISO Versions (2026 Updates)
To download the new Reference Platform (refplat) ISO, you can access it through the Cisco Software Download portal. Recent updates, including the CML 2.8 Free Tier and version 2.9 , have refined the process. How to Download the ISO cisco cml refplat iso download new
: If the Refplat is a .zip file, extract it before trying to mount it in your hypervisor.
Once you've downloaded the ISO file, you can proceed with the installation process. Here are the general steps to follow: Log in to your CML web interface as an administrator
To spin up network simulations in Cisco Modeling Labs (CML), you must acquire the . The core CML application controller acts merely as an empty orchestration engine. It relies entirely on the companion Refplat ISO to provide the actual virtual machine images—such as IOSv, IOS-XE, and NX-OS—needed to run real network topologies.
Cisco Modeling Labs (CML) has revolutionized how network engineers design, test, and learn by providing a virtualized environment that mimics real-world hardware. Central to this experience is the , a critical file that contains the actual virtual machine images—such as IOSv, NX-OS, and ASAv—needed to run network simulations. Without this ISO, CML is merely a management console without any devices to manage. Why the Refplat ISO is Necessary How to Download the ISO : If the Refplat is a
A very common user error is trying to mount the ZIP file directly instead of the ISO file inside it.
Ensure the download is not corrupted by checking the file integrity on the download page.
If the Cisco servers are running slow, try using a different browser or a designated download manager. Alternatively, try downloading during off-peak hours.
: It provides foundational Cisco images like IOSv-L2 (switching) and IOSv (routing), alongside third-party tools like Ubuntu and Alpine Linux .