When it comes to networking, Cisco is one of the most well-known companies. Its constantly improving switches, routers, and advanced software enable it to meet today’s growing demands. Cisco Gibraltar and Fuji are two companies that deal with advanced versions of IOS XE software. In addition, the article depicts the key distinction between their features and applications.
Cisco Gibraltar and Fuji
The main difference between Cisco Gibraltar and Fuji is that they are upgraded versions of the same software, IOS XE 16. IOS XE 16.12.1 is the name of the Cisco Gibraltar series first version, whereas IOS XE 16.7.1 is the name of the Fuji series’ first version. There are two additional modified versions, which will be discussed later. The main distinction is between their features and applications, as well as the year of modification.
Cisco Gibraltar is the name given to the IOS XE 16.12 software version, which was released on July 31, 2019. Cisco IOS XE is the product type that it belongs to. Cisco ASR 1000 series, Cisco 4000 series, Cisco catalyst 9600 series, and other switches are supported by the software. Online diagnostics and an unclassified MAC initiator with IANA are among the software’s advanced features. The ISG IPv6 sessions are based on the MAC unclassified address. Aside from modified encryption, traffic analytics has been improved. Overall, this makes meeting the work overload a breeze.
The Fuji version was released before the Cisco Gibraltor series. The name is given to the IOS XE 16.7 software version. On November 3rd, 2017, it was first introduced. The IOS XE 16 series was created to provide a flexible, secure, and open networking environment. The catalyst 9600 switches series, as well as the aggregation routers ASR 900 and 1000 series and the NCS 4200 series, are supported by Cisco IOS XE. PPPoE over L2TPv3 tunnel and i40evf Driver support for SR-IOV I/O Mode are among the software features.
Comparison Table Between Cisco Gibraltar and Fuji
| Parameters of comparison | Cisco Gibraltar | Fuji |
| Software | IOS XE 16.12.1 (the latest) | IOS XE 16.7.1(the first) |
| Year of origin | 31 July 2019 | 3 November 2017 |
| Version | New one. | Old version, introduced before Gibraltar. |
| Features | Online diagnostics and an unclassified MAC initiator with IANA are among the software’s advanced features. | PPPoE over L2TPv3 tunnel and i40evf Driver support for SR-IOV I/O Mode are among the software features. |
| Application | Cisco ASR 1000 series, Cisco Catalyst 9600 series switches, Cisco ASR 920 series routers, NCS 520 series Ethernet Access Device. | Cisco CSR 1000v series, Cisco ASR 900 series routers, NCS 4201, Cisco NCS4202. |
What is Cisco Gibraltar?
Since its inception, Cisco has been making strides in the networking industry. With constant up-gradation of their switches, routers, and software, the IT and networking company has adapted the skill of proficiency. Cisco IOS is a widely used operating system for technology integration, hardware support, and business services. It improves business productivity even more by lowering operational costs and maximizing investment returns. The software was then upgraded to IOS XE, which enables support for next-generation platforms by running the Linux operating system as a single daemon. It has been upgraded to include advanced service integration.
The IOS XE 16.12.1 (the most recent) is part of the IOS XE 16 series and is called Gibraltar. Cisco ASR 1000, Cisco 4000, Cisco catalyst 9600, and other switches are compatible with the software. Online diagnostics and an unclassified MAC initiator with IANA are among the advanced features. In ISG IPv6 sessions, the MAC unclassified address is used. Aside from enhanced encryption, traffic analytics has also been enhanced. Overall, this makes dealing with work overload much easier. The software’s end-of-support date is February 28, 2026, and its end-of-sale date is February 17, 2021. IOS XE 16.10.1 and IOS XE 16.11.1 are the other Gibraltar releases.
What is Fuji?
Cisco has an endless supply of switches and routers, as well as a specialized advanced version of its software that runs on them. The main objective is to meet the deadlines. When it comes to Cisco, the ability to adapt to change has always been a constant. A wide range of switches are available to help launch new generation platforms, and the IOS XE software was created to support next-generation networking interfaces in the same way. The Fuji falls under the IOS XE 16 series. IOS XE 16.7 is called the fuji version. Fuji has other versions and each version is set to operate on various enterprise switch ranges.
Cisco CSR 1000v Series, Cisco ASR 1000 Series, Cisco NCS 4206 and 4216 Series, Cisco NCS 4201 and 4202 Series, and so on are all compatible with Cisco IOS XE Fuji 16.7.1. The series premiered on November 3, 2017, and will run until May 31, 2023. Software features include PPPoE over L2TPv3 tunnel and i40evf Driver support for SR-IOV I/O Mode. On March 2nd, 2018, Apple released IOS XE 16.8.1, with support ending on September 30th, 2023. IOS XE 16.9.1 was released on July 21, 2018, with February 28, 2025, the end-of-support date.
Main Differences Between Cisco Gibraltar and Fuji
- IOS XE 16.12.1 (the most recent) is known as Cisco Gibraltar, while IOS XE 16.7.1 is known as Fuji. They’re from the IOS XE 16 family.
- IOS XE 16.12.1 (the latest) cisco Gibraltar originated in the year 31 July 2019, and IOS XE 16.7.1(the first) fuji was introduced in the year 3 November 2017.
- Cisco Gibraltar is the latest version of the IOS XE 16 series whereas fuji is among the old ones.
- Cisco Gibraltar’s advanced software features include online diagnostics and an unclassified MAC initiator with IANA, whereas Fuji’s software features include PPPoE over L2TPv3 tunnel and i40evf Driver support for SR-IOV I/O Mode.
- Cisco ASR 1000 series, Cisco Catalyst 9600 series switches, Cisco ASR 920 series routers, NCS 520 series Ethernet Access Device are compatible with cisco Gibraltar and Cisco CSR 1000v series, Cisco ASR 900 series routers, NCS 4201, Cisco NCS4202 are compatible with Fuji.
Conclusion
The most recent version, IOS XE 16.12.1, is part of the IOS XE 16 series and is known as Gibraltar. Among the advanced features are online diagnostics and an unclassified MAC initiator with IANA. The MAC unclassified address is used in ISG IPv6 sessions. Aside from improved encryption, traffic analytics has been improved. Overall, this greatly simplifies dealing with work overload.
Before the Cisco Gibraltor series, the Fuji version was released. The IOS XE 16.7 software version is given this name. It was first released on November 3rd, 2017. Software features include PPPoE over L2TPv3 tunnel and i40evf Driver support for SR-IOV I/O Mode.
The main difference between Cisco Gibraltar and Fuji is that both use the different modified versions of the same software, IOS XE 16. IOS XE 16.12.1 is the first version of the Cisco Gibraltar series, while IOS XE 16.7.1 is the first version of the Fuji series. The main distinction is between their features and applications, as well as the year in which they were modified.
References
- https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/1383409/
- https://www.elgaronline.com/abstract/9781785366376/chapter10.xhtml