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Cisco 350-501: Key Differences of Cisco IOS vs IOS XE Explained

Learn the crucial distinctions between Cisco IOS and IOS XE operating systems. Master these concepts for the Cisco 350-501 certification exam.

Table of Contents

Question

DRAG DROP –
Drag and drop the descriptions from the left onto the corresponding OS types on the right.
Select and Place:

Description:

  • It is monolithic
  • It uses a Linux-based kernel
  • It has a separate control plane
  • It sares memory space

OS types:

  • IOS XE
  • IOS

Answer

IOS XE:

  • It uses a Linux-based kernel
  • It has a separate control plane

IOS:

  • It is monolithic
  • It sares memory space

Explanation

Cisco IOS (Internetwork Operating System) and IOS XE are two different operating systems used on Cisco devices. The key differences are:

IOS is a monolithic OS, meaning all processes share the same memory space and a failure in one process can impact the entire system. It has been widely used on Cisco routers and switches for many years.

In contrast, IOS XE uses a modular Linux-based kernel. The control plane and data plane are separated for better stability and performance. If a process fails in IOS XE, it is isolated and less likely to cause a system-wide failure. IOS XE offers more flexibility, programmability, and newer features compared to traditional IOS.

Understanding these fundamental architectural differences between IOS and IOS XE is important for the Cisco 350-501 exam and working with Cisco operating systems. IOS XE represents the future direction for Cisco network operating systems.

Cisco 350-501 certification exam practice question and answer (Q&A) dump with detail explanation and reference available free, helpful to pass the Cisco 350-501 exam and earn Cisco 350-501 certification.