To understand what you are installing, it helps to decode the Cisco naming convention: : Designates the hardware platform (Catalyst 2960-S).
:
: A server (like SolarWinds or Tftpd64) reachable by the switch to host the .tar file. c2960s-universalk9-tar.152-2.e9.tar
Deploying c2960s-universalk9-tar.152-2.e9.tar is the final, responsible act for this platform before a hardware refresh. It represents the peak of stability for the 2960S lifecycle. To understand what you are installing, it helps
If stacking with 2960-X models, you must use matching versions (e.g., 15.2(2)E9 for both) but requires two different files: one for the -S and one for the -X. It represents the peak of stability for the 2960S lifecycle
Configuring the switch to use the lanbase-routing template to enable the ip routing command.
Before downloading or deploying any Cisco IOS image, you must understand the naming convention. The string c2960s-universalk9-tar.152-2.e9.tar is not random; each segment provides vital information.