The correct method issoftware image management workflows, specifically Cisco Catalyst Center Software Image Management, commonly referenced as SWIM. Cisco documents SWIM as the mechanism used to manage software upgrades and maintain consistency of image versions across the network. It provides an image repository, golden-image assignment, image distribution, activation, readiness checks, and scheduled execution. Cisco’s wireless automation guidance specifically states that SWIM is used to update Catalyst 9800 Series Wireless Controller software by distributing the image from the Catalyst Center repository to wireless controllers and upgrading the images running on those controllers; both stages can run immediately or be scheduled for a defined maintenance window.

Option C is also validated by Catalyst Center’s update-status and workflow views. Cisco documentsImage Update Statusas the view that shows all update tasks, filters by in-progress, success, or failure, and displays a progress bar for active updates. The workflow view then exposes distribution and activation task status, timing, prechecks, postchecks, checksum verification, and AP pre-image download details. Inventory snapshots and templates do not execute controller firmware upgrades, and “lifecycle workflow” is too generic. Reference topics:Wireless Monitoring and Management — Catalyst Center SWIM, image compliance, golden images, controller upgrade automation, and update progress reporting.