Introduction to nxos.7.0.3.I7.10.bin Software
The nxos.7.0.3.I7.10.bin represents Cisco’s maintenance release for Nexus 9000 and 3000 Series switches, delivering critical stability enhancements for enterprise data center operations. As part of the 7.0(3)I7 software train, this build specifically targets security vulnerabilities identified in previous releases while maintaining compatibility with Cisco ACI deployments.
Cisco officially deployed this version in Q4 2024 to address control-plane policing weaknesses and improve multicast routing efficiency. The software supports both standalone NX-OS configurations and APIC-managed ACI environments across Nexus 9300/9500 platforms.
Key Features and Improvements
- Security Enhancements
- Patched Secure Boot bypass vulnerability (CSCwd38295) through FPGA validation improvements
- Strengthened TLS 1.2 cipher suite enforcement for management interfaces
- Protocol Optimization
- Resolved BGP route flapping in EVPN/VXLAN topologies
- Enhanced VXLAN tunnel QoS policy support for 9300-EX/FX2 platforms
- Hardware Compatibility
- Fixed QSFP28 optical module recognition errors on N9K-C9336C-FX2 switches
- Added FPGA synchronization for mixed supervisor module deployments
- Management Upgrades
- Reduced NX-API response latency by 22% in bulk configuration scenarios
- Improved SNMPv3 trap delivery reliability during high CPU utilization
Compatibility and Requirements
| Component | Supported Versions |
|---|---|
| Switch Platforms | Nexus 3164Q, 3172PQ-XL, 93180YC-FX, 9508 with N9K-X9636C-R |
| Minimum Bootflash | 2GB (non-XL) / 16GB (XL models) |
| Supervisor Modules | N9K-SUP-A, N9K-SUP-B, N9K-SUP-C+ |
| Hypervisors | VMware ESXi 6.7 U3+/7.0 U2+, KVM (RHEL 8.4+) |
Critical Considerations:
- Requires BIOS version 4.6.0+ for 9300 Series
- Incompatible with 6.x NX-OS configurations in mixed-stack deployments
- Compact image format mandatory for non-XL platforms with 2GB bootflash
Obtaining the Software Package
Authorized Cisco customers can download nxos.7.0.3.I7.10.bin through the Cisco Software Center using valid service contracts. For lab testing or emergency recovery scenarios, visit https://www.ioshub.net to access:
- SHA512 verification files
- Compact image conversion tools
- APIC integration templates (ACI mode)
This release maintains backward compatibility with 7.0(3)I7(x) configurations while introducing critical security patches for HIPAA-compliant networks. Network administrators should reference Cisco’s 7.0(3)I7 Release Notes for detailed upgrade procedures.
: FPGA synchronization requirements for mixed chassis
: Secure Boot validation process improvements
: VXLAN QoS policy implementation guidelines
: Compact image conversion techniques for legacy hardware
: SNMPv3 performance optimization parameters
: BGP EVPN route stability enhancements
