Introduction to n9000-epld.7.0.3.I7.1.img Software

The n9000-epld.7.0.3.I7.1.img serves as a critical firmware package for Cisco Nexus 9000 Series switches, specifically designed for upgrading Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) and Erasable Programmable Logic Device (EPLD) components. This maintenance release addresses hardware-level vulnerabilities while ensuring compatibility with NX-OS 7.0(3)I7 deployments.

As part of Cisco’s proactive hardware security strategy, this EPLD image resolves Secure Boot tampering risks identified in CSCs (Cisco Security Consultations) and enhances electrical signal integrity for 40/100G optical interfaces. Compatible with Nexus 9300/9500 platforms running 7.0(3)I7 base software, the firmware was officially released in Q3 2023 to support enterprise data center infrastructure hardening.

Key Features and Improvements

  1. ​​Security Enhancements​​
  • Mitigates Secure Boot hardware tampering vulnerabilities (CSCwd38295) through FPGA golden region updates
  • Strengthens cryptographic verification for boot sequence integrity checks
  1. ​​Hardware Optimization​​
  • Resolved QSFP28 transceiver recognition errors on N9K-C93180YC-FX switches
  • Improved signal synchronization for N9K-X9636C-R line cards
  1. ​​Compatibility Updates​​
  • Added support for third-generation supervisor modules (N9K-SUP-C+)
  • Synchronized FPGA versions across mixed chassis configurations
  1. ​​Diagnostic Improvements​​
  • Enhanced EPLD version tracking through expanded show version epld output
  • Added automatic mismatch detection between primary/golden FPGA regions

Compatibility and Requirements

​​Component​​ ​​Supported Versions​​
Switch Models N9K-C93180YC-EX, N9K-C93108TC-FX, N9K-C9508 (with N9K-SUP-A/B), N9K-C9336C-FX2
NX-OS Version 7.0(3)I7(1) or later
BIOS Version 4.6.0+ for 9300 Series
Bootflash 8GB free space minimum

​​Critical Considerations​​:

  • Requires sequential upgrade of primary/golden FPGA regions for dual supervisor systems
  • Incompatible with first-generation Nexus 9200 platforms
  • Mandatory power cycle after installation for signal integrity validation

Obtaining the Firmware Package

Authorized Cisco customers can access n9000-epld.7.0.3.I7.1.img through the Cisco Software Center using active service contracts. For lab environment testing or emergency recovery scenarios, visit https://www.ioshub.net to verify package integrity and download supplemental resources:

  • SHA512 checksum file
  • FPGA version compatibility matrix
  • Dual supervisor upgrade checklist

This release maintains backward compatibility with existing 7.0(3)I7 configurations while introducing hardware-level security enhancements critical for PCI-DSS and HIPAA compliant environments. Network engineers should reference Cisco’s EPLD Upgrade Guide for detailed implementation procedures.

: FPGA upgrade procedures for security vulnerabilities
: Hardware compatibility and version management requirements

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