| 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 |
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This content is for educational purposes. Cisco software requires a valid license. Unauthorized distribution of the RefPlat ISO violates Cisco's terms of use.
After downloading:
# Mount ISO
mount -o loop cml-refplat-2.8.1.iso /mnt
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.
When you search for a "new" ISO, you are likely looking for the latest stable release. As of 2025, the most recent version is CML 2.7 (with incremental patches like 2.7.1 or 2.7.2). Here are the key improvements in the new ISO over legacy versions (e.g., CML 2.0 or VIRL): cisco cml refplat iso download new
Important version note: If you are running CML-P (Personal), the REFPLAT ISO is the same as the enterprise version, only differing in licensing.
Enable nested virtualization (critical for running node images inside CML):
Storage: Attach the new CML REFPLAT ISO to the optical drive.
Network: Use Bridged Adapter so your lab gets IP from your home router.
Start the VM and follow the same text installer as above.
After installation, log in via SSH or console. Default credentials: | Requirement | Detail | |-------------|--------| | Valid
| Feature | Old VIRL ISO (1.6) | New CML REFPLAT ISO (2.7) |
|---------|--------------------|----------------------------|
| OS Base | Ubuntu 16.04 | Ubuntu 22.04 LTS |
| Kernel | 4.x | 5.15+ |
| UI Framework | Java/Flash legacy | React/HTML5 |
| API Version | REST (limited) | RESTful v0/v1, GraphQL |
| Node Concurrency | ~20 nodes (practical) | 50–150 nodes (with RAM) |
| Automation | Manual Ansible | Native cmlpy, CI/CD integrations |
| Download Size | ~4 GB | ~9 GB (due to more drivers and tools) |
If you are still using the old VIRL ISO, upgrading to the new REFPLAT ISO is a massive leap in stability and features. Legal / Copyright Note This content is for