PowerOn Auto Provisioning (POAP) automates the process of upgrading software images and installing configuration files on devices that are being deployed in the network for the first time.

When a device with the POAP feature boots and does not find the startup configuration, the device enters POAP mode, locates a DHCP server, and bootstraps itself with its interface IP address, gateway, and DNS server IP addresses. The device also obtains the IP address of a TFTP server and downloads a configuration script that enables the switch to download and install the appropriate software image and configuration file.

Note

The DHCP information is used only during the POAP process.

Limitations of POAP

The switch software image must support POAP for this feature to function.

POAP does not support provisioning of the switch after it has been configured and is operational. Only autoprovisioning of a switch with no startup configuration is supported.

Network Requirements for POAP

POAP requires the following network infrastructure, as shown in Figure 17-2:

Figure 17-2 POAP Network Infrastructure

A DHCP server to bootstrap the interface IP address, gateway address, and Domain Name System (DNS) server

A TFTP server that contains the configuration script used to automate the software image installation and configuration process

One or more servers that contain the desired software images and configuration files

Note

Checking for a USB device containing the configuration script file in POAP mode is not supported on Cisco Nexus 9000 Series switches.