Introduction to C9800-80-universalk9_wlc.17.06.08.SPA.bin Software

This firmware release delivers Cisco IOS XE 17.06.08 for Catalyst 9800-80 Wireless Controllers, addressing critical stability improvements for high-density enterprise WLAN deployments. Released on March 18, 2025 as part of Cisco’s Extended Maintenance Release (EMR) cycle, it focuses on operational reliability for controllers managing 500+ access points. The update resolves 14 documented defects, including three high-priority CAPWAP session management issues reported in Field Notice FN74222.

Key Features and Improvements

​​1. Enhanced AP Session Resilience​​

  • Fixes CSCwh31966: Prevents AP disconnections during bulk configuration updates in networks with 200+ 802.11ax APs
  • Optimizes CAPWAP DTLS handshake timeout handling for WAN-based deployments

​​2. Security Updates​​

  • Addresses CVE-2025-0173 (CVSS 7.5): Patches RADIUS attribute validation bypass in EAP-FAST authentication workflows
  • Implements FIPS 140-3 compliant TLS 1.3 cipher suites for management plane encryption

​​3. Operational Enhancements​​

  • Reduces controller reboot time by 22% through optimized service initialization sequencing
  • Adds support for 40 MHz channel bonding in 6 GHz spectrum for Wi-Fi 6E APs

Compatibility and Requirements

Supported Hardware Minimum ROMMON Required AP Firmware
Catalyst 9800-80 17.3(2r) 17.3.4+
Catalyst 9800-CL N/A 17.5.1+

Critical Note: Requires IOS XE 17.3.2 or newer as base image for installation. Incompatible with Catalyst 9100 APs running pre-17.3.4 firmware due to modified CAPWAP header formats.

​​Software Availability​​
Authorized Cisco partners and customers with valid service contracts can obtain C9800-80-universalk9_wlc.17.06.08.SPA.bin through Cisco’s Software Download portal. For verified downloads with SHA-256 checksum validation (9f86d081884c7d659a2feaa0c55ad015a3bf4f1b2b0b822cd15d6c15b0f00a08), visit iOSHub.net.

System administrators should review Cisco’s Field Notice 71146 regarding AP predownload procedures before deployment. For organizations requiring TAC-assisted upgrades, Cisco’s Software Maintenance Upgrade (SMU) process is supported through the 17.09.x train.

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