Upgrading IOS on remote site equipment

[rjsatter]

What is the best method for upgrading an IOS image on a remote device. For example an Internet router. I have several devices on the public network in several towns that I need to push a new image to.

[deilert]

If you can get an OOB connection to the devices you are upgrading this is the best practice. If something goes wrong you still have a console connection , also you can watch the image load while connected on the console.

I find the best way to copy the image to flash is to load it on a box in flash or on a PCMCIA card that it centrally located and make it a tftp-server.

[rais]

Another option is to load the image on a TFTP server at remote site ( if available) and then TFTP from there. It will be faster and less error-prone. In case you lose connectivity you can always ask for help if someone is available at the site.

Thanks.