Every feature requires an IOS upgrade, which often confuses customers when choosing among various IOS versions. To simplify selection, Cisco introduced a packaging strategy for version 12.3 (routers) or 12.2S (switches): 44 features are combined into eight feature sets for routers, seven feature sets for multilayer switches, and two feature sets for Layer 2 switches. The K8 feature set was replaced by the K9 feature set starting in August 2003.
Switches Packages
These feature packages primarily target switch products from the 2900 to the 6500 series, and include the following: Layer2 Base, LAN Base, IP Base, IP Services, Advanced IP Services, Enterprise Services, and Advanced Enterprise Services. Among them, Layer2 Base and LAN Base packages are only for Layer 2 switches, while IP Base and above are for multilayer switches (MLS Switches). By default, factory-shipped Layer 2 switches come loaded with the Layer2 Base package, and multilayer switches come loaded with the IP Base package.
The specific feature sets included in each package are described below:
LAYER2 BASE: Used for access layer switches, typically the 29xx series. Feature set: Bridging, spanning-tree (802.1D), 802.1X, etherchannel (802.3ad), Rapid Spanning-Tree (802.1s/w), port-security, smartports, SSHv2.
LAN BASE: Used for access layer switches requiring QoS and filtering configurations, typically the 29xx series. Feature set: Cisco AutoQos, Cisco AutoSecure, 802.1X, Time Based ACL, Port based ACL, advanced QoS (Layer 2 to 4 classification, ingress policing, ingress rate limiting, classification DSCP).
IP BASE: Used for small LAN routing, hardware switching, etc., typically the 6500 series. Feature set: Static routing, RIP, Stub EIGRP, basic PIM, HSRP, VRRP, GRE tunnels.
IP SERVICES: Used for multilayer switched LANs or WANs requiring high availability, etc., typically the 6500 series. Feature set: IP routing EIGRP, OSPF, PIM, BGP, PBR, GLBP, HSRP, VRRP, Redundant PR+, Multi-VRF, WAN, NBAR.
ADVANCED IP SERVICES: Used for multilayer switched ISPs, campus WANs, etc., typically the 6500 series. Feature set: IS-IS, MPLS, L2VPN, L3VPN, IPv6.
ENTERPRISE SERVICES: Used for the distribution or core layer of multilayer switching, typically the 6500 series. Feature set: Appletalk routing, IPX, services IBM.
ADVANCED ENTERPRISE SERVICES: Used for the distribution or core layer of multilayer switching, typically the 6500 series. Feature set: Firewall IOS, IDS.
Summary Diagram