If you are evaluating which image to download, Release 17.12.01 is often considered a "best" choice for the following reasons:
# Convert raw .bin (after extracting from OVA) to qcow2
qemu-img convert -f raw -O qcow2 cat9k_iosxe.bin cat9k_iosxe.qcow2
While the image is free to download (with a Cisco account), the "Production" (prd) label implies that the switch will function in a limited mode without a license. cat9kvprd171201prd9qcow2 best
Cisco does provide a virtual Catalyst 9000v (for CSR1000v-like platforms, but note: the real Cat9k switch is not widely available as a virtual appliance for non-partners). More common is the Cisco IOSv or IOSvL2 for switching. Linux host:
However, community-driven conversions exist. A real converted qcow2 filename might look like: Cloud CLIs:
None match prd171201prd9.