The latest version of Cisco Modeling Labs (CML) is , released in mid-2025. To get your lab environment running, you must download two separate components: the CML Controller (OVA) Reference Platforms (refplat ISO) Cisco DevNet Where to Download the Latest Files Depending on your license type, the download location varies: Cisco Modeling Labs - Free - Cisco DevNet Download the files for CML-Free from Cisco's Software Central (SWC) site. You do not need to download all of the files from a CML- Cisco DevNet How to Install the Cisco CML FREE Tier (Step-by-Step)
The Essential Role of the Reference Platform ISO in Cisco Modeling Labs 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 Reference Platform (Refplat) ISO , 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 While the CML "Controller" file (OVA or ISO) contains the application software and user interface, it does not include the resource-heavy operating system images for routers and switches. Separating these into a distinct Refplat ISO allows for more flexible updates and manages the large file sizes involved—often several gigabytes. Device Variety : It provides foundational Cisco images like IOSv-L2 (switching) and IOSv (routing), alongside third-party tools like Ubuntu and Alpine Linux . Licensing and Compliance : These images are strictly licensed for use within the CML environment. Extracting and using them in other simulators is prohibited. Downloading the Latest Versions Acquiring the correct Refplat ISO depends on your specific CML tier. For the CML 2.9 release , users must ensure they have the most recent file (e.g., refplat-20241016-fcs.iso ) to access new features like Docker container support and updated Catalyst 9000v images. Free Tier : Users can download a specific "Free Tier" ISO from Cisco DevNet , which includes a core set of images for up to five nodes. Personal/Enterprise : Licensed users download their files through the Cisco Learning Network Store or Cisco Software Central . Supplemental ISOs : 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
Cisco CML Reference Platform (RefPlat) ISO — Monograph Overview Cisco Modeling Labs (CML) Reference Platform (RefPlat) is the virtual appliance image Cisco provides to run CML on supported hypervisors (KVM/QEMU, VMware, and as an ISO for physical or bare-metal installs). The RefPlat ISO contains the minimal OS and packaged services that host CML’s virtualization substrate, licensing agent, and management interfaces. It is the recommended, supported way to deploy CML outside of prebuilt VM downloads when you need a fresh installer image, bare-metal install, or to recreate a host. What the RefPlat ISO includes
Minimal Linux-based operating system tuned for virtualization (kernel and drivers appropriate for supported hypervisors). CML runtime components and containerization (libvirt/KVM support on Linux, or VMware-compatible services for ESXi guests). Licensing and activation agent to register the host with your CML license pool. Networking stack configured for CML lab topologies (bridging, NAT, and virtual switch support). Management UI endpoint and APIs for node orchestration and image management. Utilities for performance tuning and diagnostics (disk, network, and virtualization checks). cisco cml refplat iso download new
Supported deployment targets
Bare-metal physical servers (via ISO installation). KVM/QEMU hosts (install from ISO on a Linux host or use the KVM-targeted image). VMware ESXi/vSphere environments (use appropriate OVA/VM import or install from ISO into a VM). Cloud/virtualized environments where raw-ISO installation is permitted.
System requirements (typical, verify for your CML version) The latest version of Cisco Modeling Labs (CML)
CPU: 4+ cores per small deployment; 8+ recommended for medium labs; more for large topologies. RAM: 8–16 GB minimum for small labs; 32+ GB recommended for heavier usage. Storage: 50–200+ GB depending on images and snapshots; fast NVMe/SATA recommended. Network: At least one dedicated NIC; multiple NICs recommended for management and lab isolation. Virtualization support: CPU virtualization extensions (VT-x/AMD-V) enabled in BIOS for KVM/VMware.
(These are typical guidance values — always check the specific CML release notes for exact minimums.) Obtaining the RefPlat ISO
The RefPlat ISO is distributed by Cisco through official channels tied to CML licensing. You must have an account with appropriate entitlements to download the ISO. Cisco provides images via their software download portal for customers with valid contracts or entitlements. The ISO filename typically contains the CML version and “refplat” marker; e.g., patterns like cml-refplat- .iso (exact names vary by release). Central to this experience is the Reference Platform
Note: Do not download critical Cisco software from unverified third-party sources; always use Cisco’s official distribution channels to ensure integrity and licensing compliance. Installation workflow (bare-metal / ISO install - concise)
Verify hardware meets the release-specific requirements. Download the correct RefPlat ISO for your CML version from Cisco (match architecture and hypervisor target if applicable). Create installation media (burn ISO to USB or mount to VM). Boot target host from ISO and follow installer prompts: