Cisco tar is part of the Cisco flash file system, however, there isn’t a single flash device on which we may store data.
The bin file is a component of the Cisco IOS system (IFS), which serves as a single interface for all documents saved on the device’s routing tool.
Key Takeaways
- TAR files contain bundled IOS images and web interface files.
- BIN files store only the IOS image without any additional files.
- TAR files are used for Cisco switches, while BIN files are more common for routers.
Cisco Tar vs Bin
The difference between Cisco tar and Bin is that Cisco tar refers to a tape archive, whereas bin refers to a bundle file. Cisco Tar files are used for backups and distribution. Cisco Bin files are utilized to boot the device. The switch runs in bundle mode in Cisco bin files.
Tar is a software tool that is used for archiving several files into a single archive file for backup or distribution.
It was designed from the start to write the info to sequential input/output devices that didn’t have their file systems. It’s a storage device for flash files.
The bin file can be saved to the flash memory of the system board or a USB flash drive. Bin is used to store compressed binary (non-textual) files.
Content material and all information are saved in binary or non-textual format and may be downloaded to a local storage device.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of comparison | Cisco Tar | Cisco Bin |
|---|---|---|
| Function | It is used for distribution or backup purposes. | A Bin file is used to boot the device. |
| Storage | The tar file can be saved in the local flash system in the TFTP server | The bin file can be kept on the system board’s flash memory or USB. |
| Retrieve Information | The tar file can be retrieved through the privileged EXEC command. | The bin file may be seen using the show software package in privileged EXEC mode. |
| Upgrade Procedure | The tar image is downloaded, and dir flash is issued to affirm the quantity of free memory used to upgrade tar, then the reload command is issued and showed to confirm to proceed with the reload | The switch is refreshed when the bin file is downloaded in the local memory media, and the booting system is manipulated to a variable point in the bin file. |
| Boot Mode | It is not booted | The switch runs in bundle mode |
What is Cisco Tar?
The Cisco tar file system is a flash file system. Tar is an acronym for “tar archive.”
Because a tar archive is made up of a chain of file objects, it’s termed a tarball, similar to how a tarball gathers all types of things that adhere to its surface.
It preserves a handful of uncompressed files as well as archive metadata.
It utilizes the archive tar command in EXEC mode to get the file.
archive tar/table source-URL
The tar files are kept on the TFTP server’s local flash system.
The method for updating is to download it first, then issue the dir flash command to validate the amount of free memory, and then issue the reload command and confirm to continue with the reload.
In addition, tar files are compressed with GNU Zip compression into.GZ files.
On UNIX and Linux systems, the tar file is used to combine several files into one. To make tar files smaller, some people compress them.
Name, timestamps, ownership, file-access rights, and directory organization are all included in the archive data sets generated by tar.
TAR files are frequently supported by Unix-like operating systems these days. At least two consecutive zero-filled records signal the end of an archive.
What is Cisco Bin?
The Cisco IOS XE package files are called the Cisco bin. To check the data about the file, these grouped or bin files use the configuration function of the viewer software. This code is used in privileged EXEC mode.
The instructions print a line that says, “The system package file is …”. This line may show the name and location of the started Cisco bin file.
Cisco IOS XE software is upgraded using the package or bin file approach, in which the package or bin file is downloaded and copied to local storage media and then the global configuration boot system is configured with the variable.
After factoring in the bin file, a copy of the current configuration is saved. The bin file makes it easy to boot the device in package mode. Packages such as Boot, Runs, and Mount are included.
Additional storage is also provided on devices such as routers, switches, and firewalls. Bin is short for a binary executable file. It makes use of memory space, such as RAM, during the loading process.
The bin file speeds up the boot process. The content material and all of the information are preserved in binary format and may be downloaded to a local storage device.
Main Differences Between Cisco Tar and Bin
- Cisco tar stands for tar archive, and tar files are part of Cisco’s flash file system. Cisco bin stands for Cisco IOS XE bundle files.
- Cisco tar files are saved in the TFTP server’s local flash system, but Cisco bin files are saved in one of two ways: flash memory on the system board (as flash:) or USB flash memory (as USB flash).
- The tar file’s purpose is to share or backup files, but the bin file’s purpose is to speed up the booting process from a local or distant location.
- In privileged EXEC mode, the archive command is used to obtain the tar file, while the show software package is used to display the bin file.
- The tar file does not boot, but the bin file operates in switch mode.
- https://cdnsciencepub.com/doi/abs/10.1139/f87-099
- https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=9wcvDwAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PR5&dq=Difference+Between+Cisco+tar+and+bin+(With+Table)&ots=aELc4rU0Ra&sig=XZ43SGlrnriqFq-GSgGbl43ME5c
Last Updated : 13 July, 2023
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Sandeep Bhandari holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computers from Thapar University (2006). He has 20 years of experience in the technology field. He has a keen interest in various technical fields, including database systems, computer networks, and programming. You can read more about him on his bio page.
The article could benefit from a more engaging tone. The subject matter is fascinating, but the delivery is a bit dry.
I see your point, Nharrison. Adding a touch of conversational language might enhance the article’s appeal.
I find the detailed comparison and technical explanations in the article quite engaging. It’s refreshing to see such in-depth content.
There are some fascinating insights in this article. The focus on technical details makes it a valuable resource for networking professionals.
I don’t see the practical significance of diving so deeply into the technicalities of these files. There should be a balance between technical and practical aspects in the content.
I agree with Sjones. Practical applications of the information would indeed add value to the content.
I understand your perspective, Adam. Acknowledging the practical implications of the technical details could provide a more holistic view.
The article provides a comprehensive comparison between Cisco tar and bin files. It’s a great resource for those interested in this topic.
I couldn’t agree more. It’s not that we come across such thorough information about tar and bin files.
Absolutely, Lexi. The detailed analysis offered in the content is quite valuable for individuals in the field of networking.
I find this article a bit too technical for an average reader. It might be challenging for some to understand.
I see your point, Jayden. Perhaps more simplified explanations would make it more accessible.
This article is as exhilarating as a snail race in slow motion. Yawn!
This is a very informative article that provides a detailed comparison between Cisco tar and bin files. The key takeaways are well-summarized too.
I agree with you, Patrick. The article does a great job of explaining the main differences between the two file types.