Yesterday evening I had to troubleshoot a Cisco Catalyst 2960X switch stack, which didn’t return to normal after a reboot. The following error message was visible on the console:

Error: ASIC/PHY POST failed. Cannot continue.

%Software-forced reload

This error message is listed as a bug (CSCut90593) at Cisco.com. Cisco describes a very “good” workaround: the switch can boot up normally after this crash. I tried to reboot the switch several times, but it didn’t boot normally. The stack is running Cisco IOS version 15.2(2)E6 and the bug should be fixed in 15.2(2)E3.

It took me till midnight to recover the stack, so I am done troubleshooting and I will start the RMA procedure. I have to say that I am not really happy with the Cisco Catalyst 2960X. I have several customers running this type of switch and I had a lot more “troubles” with this switch, then I have/had with other Cisco switches. I hope stability will improve!!!!

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René Jorissen

Co-owner and Solution Specialist at 4IP Solutions

René Jorissen works as Solution Specialist for 4IP in the Netherlands. Network Infrastructures are the primary focus. René works with equipment of multiple vendors, like Cisco, Aruba Networks, FortiNet, HP Networking, Juniper Networks, RSA SecurID, AeroHive, Microsoft and many more. René is Aruba Certified Edge Expert (ACEX #26), Aruba Certified Mobility Expert (ACMX #438), Aruba Certified ClearPass Expert (ACCX #725), Aruba Certified Design Expert (ACDX #760), CCNP R&S, FCNSP and Certified Ethical Hacker (CEF) certified. You can follow René on Twitter and LinkedIn.

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