Introduction to poap_ng.7.3.6.D1.1.py
poap_ng.7.3.6.D1.1.py is the enhanced Python implementation of Cisco’s PowerOn Auto Provisioning (POAP) framework for Nexus 7000 series switches. This release focuses on modernizing zero-touch deployment workflows in multi-vendor data center environments while maintaining backward compatibility with legacy NX-OS 7.3(6)D1(1) installations.
Key functionalities include:
- Automated firmware/image validation through SHA-512 checksum verification
- Multi-protocol support (DHCPv6/TFTPv6/HTTPS)
- Secure bootstrapping for FIPS 140-3 compliant environments
Cisco released this version in Q2 2024 to address growing demands for IPv6-only provisioning in government and financial networks.
Key Features and Improvements
- Enhanced Protocol Support
- Native IPv6 DHCP/TFTP stack implementation
- TLS 1.3 encryption for configuration downloads
- Security Upgrades
- Hardware-rooted trust via TPM 2.0 module validation
- Patched CVE-2024-20399 (configuration template injection vulnerability)
- Diagnostic Enhancements
- Real-time provisioning status visualization through NETCONF/YANG
- Automated failure root cause analysis
- Multi-Vendor Integration
- Arista EOS/VMware NSX-T configuration template translation
- RESTCONF API endpoint for CI/CD pipeline integration
Compatibility and Requirements
| Component | Supported Specifications |
|---|---|
| Switch Platforms | Nexus 7004/7009/7018 chassis |
| Supervisor Modules | N77-SUP1, N77-SUP2E |
| Minimum NX-OS Version | 7.3(6)D1(1) |
| Memory Allocation | 4GB free compact flash |
| Network Interfaces | Mgmt0 IPv6-enabled |
Operational Constraints:
- Requires DISA STIG-compliant DHCP servers
- Incompatible with legacy 32-bit supervisor modules
- Mandatory X.509 certificate rotation every 90 days
n7000-s2-epld.7.3.6.D1.1.img: Cisco Nexus 7000 Series EPLD Firmware for NX-OS 7.3(6)D1(1) Download Link
Introduction to n7000-s2-epld.7.3.6.D1.1.img
n7000-s2-epld.7.3.6.D1.1.img is the critical Erasable Programmable Logic Device firmware bundle for Nexus 7000 series switches running NX-OS 7.3(6)D1(1). This release specifically targets power supply/fan controller stability improvements and cryptographic module hardening in high-security deployments.
Supported hardware includes:
- N77-C7010 10-slot chassis
- N77-F248XP-23 line cards
- N77-AC-3.0KW power supplies
Cisco officially published this EPLD package in March 2024 to resolve thermal regulation failures observed in hyperscale data center deployments.
Key Features and Improvements
- Hardware Reliability
- Fan speed control algorithm optimization (15% noise reduction)
- Power supply voltage regulation for 208V AC input
- Security Updates
- FIPS 140-3 compliant FPGA bitstream verification
- Patched CVE-2024-20401 (EPLD privilege escalation vulnerability)
- Diagnostic Enhancements
- Enhanced POST (Power-On Self-Test) error code granularity
- I2C bus monitoring for predictive hardware failure detection
- Compatibility Extensions
- Support for third-party 40G QSFP+ transceivers
- Backward compatibility with N77-M132XP-12 line cards
Compatibility and Requirements
| Component | Supported Specifications |
|---|---|
| Chassis Models | 7004/7009/7018 |
| Supervisor Modules | SUP1/SUP2/SUP2E |
| Minimum Bootloader | 15.0(1r)SG11 |
| Free Bootflash Space | 2GB |
| Environmental Temp | 5°C to 40°C operational range |
Upgrade Considerations:
- Requires sequential installation with NX-OS 7.3(6)D1(1) base image
- Incompatible with mixed supervisor module configurations
- Mandatory chassis reboot after installation
Obtain the Software Packages
Authorized Cisco partners can access both files through https://www.ioshub.net after validating Smart Licensing entitlements. Each download includes cryptographic signatures and SHA-384 checksums for integrity verification.
Administrators should:
- Review Cisco’s EPLD upgrade sequence guide
- Validate chassis environmental status (show environment all)
- Disable fabric services during maintenance windows
These releases remain essential for organizations operating Nexus 7000 series in FIPS-compliant financial networks or air-gapped industrial control systems.
