Error NCSW10301 occurs in Cisco Catalyst Center when the system fails to download the ISSU Compatibility Matrix, which is linked to a known software defect. Affected users can resolve this issue by manually downloading the software image and importing it directly into the repository, or by reviewing Field Notice FN74033 regarding certificate updates. For detailed troubleshooting, visit Cisco Support .
Catalyst Center UI -> System -> Settings -> Trust & Privacy -> Trustpool Navigate to the settings page.
Direct software downloads require authenticated access through your Cisco Connection Online (CCO) ID or a linked Smart Account. If the contract tied to your account has expired, if the device isn't properly registered, or if Cisco’s backend authentication servers fail to map your transaction ID to an authorized software entitlement, the server sends back unreadable or rejected metadata. 2. DNS and Firewall Inspection Obstacles
Look at the complete log entry. Often, there are preceding or following lines with more detail: Error NCSW10301 occurs in Cisco Catalyst Center when
: If the SIA grace period has expired, you must restore licensing compliance. This involves configuring your DNS and Call-Home services on the NCS device to allow it to communicate with Cisco's Smart Licensing servers. Once the "Out of Compliance" status is cleared, the block on software upgrades will be lifted.
Occasionally, the issue lies entirely on the vendor's side. If Cisco's automated image delivery networks (content delivery networks or APIs) are experiencing high traffic or temporary database desynchronizations, the transaction IDs generated during the request may drop, resulting in an invalid metadata response. Step-by-step Troubleshooting and Solutions
Corporate proxies or next-gen firewalls sometimes scan or modify HTTPS traffic. If the proxy injects content or alters headers, the cryptographic integrity of the metadata (including the trans-id) breaks. Catalyst Center UI -> System -> Settings ->
Upgrading Cisco network operating systems is usually a routine task. However, running into errors mid-upgrade can disrupt your maintenance window. One particularly frustrating issue is the error message:
: The image repository engine occasionally attempts direct external connections, completely bypassing established cluster-wide proxy servers. Technical Comparison of Root Causes Cause Profile System Impact Primary Trigger Resolution Path Bug CSCwd15921
The error occurs when the Cisco Catalyst Center Image Repository downloads a software image alongside its companion . completely bypassing established cluster-wide proxy servers.
Locate an identical switch or router that already runs the target software version in its flash memory.
Use this structured workflow to diagnose and resolve the NCSW10301 error.
When the switch throws the invalid metadata trans-id error, it means the automated process broke down due to one of the following reasons: 1. Cisco Smart Account or CCO ID Sync Issues