# Power-On Auto Provisioning (POAP)

POAP automates the process of upgrading software images and installing configuration files on Cisco Nexus switches that are being deployed in the network for the first time.

When a Cisco Nexus switch with the POAP feature boots and does not find the startup configuration, the switch enters POAP mode, locates a DHCP server and bootstraps itself with its interface IP address, gateway, and DNS server IP addresses. It also obtains the URL of an SCP server and downloads a configuration script that is run on the switch to download and install the appropriate software image and configuration file.

Note When you move the mouse cursor over an error identified in a specific parameter in any window, it will display the exact error message before you move to the next screen.

There are five main steps to configure a POAP device:

1. DHCP Scope Creation

2. Add the boot, startup, image and server information.

3. Startup configuration creation

4. Cable plan.

5. Script and files (license) attachment