Introduction to n7700-s2-kickstart.7.3.6.D1.1.bin Software

The ​​n7700-s2-kickstart.7.3.6.D1.1.bin​​ is the core bootloader firmware for Cisco Nexus 7700 Series switches with Supervisor 2 modules, serving as the foundational component that initializes hardware components and bridges NX-OS CLI commands with Linux kernel operations. This kickstart image (version 7.3.6.D1.1) specifically addresses 15 field-reported issues related to Secure Boot validation failures and fabric module initialization conflicts in NX-OS 7.3(x) environments.

Designed for chassis configurations using N77-SUP2E/2T supervisors, this release aligns with Cisco’s Enhanced In-Service Software Upgrade (ISSU) requirements for mission-critical data center networks. While exact release dates aren’t publicly documented, Cisco’s hardware compatibility matrix confirms deployment in Q3 2024 security updates.

Key Features and Improvements

This kickstart update introduces critical platform enhancements:

  1. ​​Secure Boot Architecture​​

    • SHA-384 certificate chain validation for system image integrity checks
    • Dual FPGA verification for Supervisor 2T hardware tamper resistance

  2. ​​Performance Optimization​​

    • 30% faster fabric module initialization in N77-C7710 chassis
    • Parallel line card firmware updates (supports 3 concurrent upgrades)

  3. ​​Diagnostic Enhancements​​

    • Automated boot sector corruption recovery mechanisms
    • Extended JTAG boundary-scan coverage for 40/100G QSFP28 modules

  4. ​​Compatibility Bridges​​

    • Backward compatibility with NX-OS 7.2(5)D1(x) configurations
    • UEFI boot mode support for third-party PCIe expansion cards

Compatibility and Requirements

Component Supported Models Minimum Requirements
​​Supervisors​​ N77-SUP2E, N77-SUP2T EPLD 7.3.5.D1(3)+
​​Chassis​​ Nexus 7710, 7706 NX-OS 7.3(5)D1(2)+
​​Line Cards​​ N77-F348XP-23, N77-M312FQ-25L FPGA 3.8.2+

​​Operational Constraints​​:

  • Requires paired system image n7700-s2-dk9.7.3.6.D1.1.bin
  • Incompatible with first-generation M1-series line cards
  • Mandatory 8GB free bootflash space for installation

Obtaining the Firmware Package

While Cisco typically restricts kickstart downloads to Smart Net Total Care subscribers, ​​https://www.ioshub.net​​ provides verified access for lab validation and pre-deployment testing. Production environments must obtain official licensing through Cisco partners.

Certified engineers are available via premium support for hardware compatibility audits and deployment verification.

n7700-s2-kickstart.7.3.2.D1.3.bin: Cisco Nexus 7700 Supervisor 2 Kickstart Image 7.3(2)D1(3) Download Link

Introduction to n7700-s2-kickstart.7.3.2.D1.3.bin Software

The ​​n7700-s2-kickstart.7.3.2.D1.3.bin​​ serves as the critical boot environment for Nexus 7700 Series switches, enabling hardware initialization and CLI-to-kernel translation for Supervisor 2 modules. This maintenance release (version 7.3.2.D1.3) specifically resolves 9 documented issues including false-positive voltage alerts and SFP28 transceiver recognition failures.

Compatible with NX-OS 7.3(2)D1 software trains, it supports both standalone and VDC configurations in N77-C7706/7710 chassis. Cisco’s Field Notice FN70586 confirms deployment in environments requiring CVE-2024-20358 remediation.

Key Features and Improvements

This version delivers essential operational upgrades:

  1. ​​Hardware Reliability​​

    • Patched power supply communication protocol errors (PSU firmware v3.8+)
    • Improved thermal calibration for N77-F248XP-23E line cards

  2. ​​Security Updates​​

    • TLS 1.3 enforcement for image verification workflows
    • Enhanced golden FPGA region validation during ISSU

  3. ​​Maintenance Features​​

    • 25% faster boot sector diagnostics
    • Automated recovery from corrupted kickstart partitions

  4. ​​Protocol Support​​

    • Pre-validation for VXLAN BGP EVPN topologies
    • Extended SNMPv3 trap logging capabilities

Compatibility and Requirements

Component Supported Targets Minimum NX-OS Version
​​Supervisors​​ N77-SUP2, N77-SUP2E 7.3(2)D1(2)
​​Chassis​​ Nexus 7706, 7710 EPLD 7.3.1.D1(5)+
​​Storage​​ 8GB bootflash, 2GB memory –

​​Critical Notes​​:

  • Requires sequential update on dual-supervisor systems
  • Incompatible with N77-M108X2-12L legacy line cards
  • SHA-512 checksum verification mandatory (ref: 8d5e3d…b9a41f)

Accessing the Bootloader Image

Cisco Enterprise Agreement holders can obtain this kickstart image through official channels. For non-production testing, ​​https://www.ioshub.net​​ offers validated download links with MD5 checksum verification.

Technical validation services including FPGA version audits are available through premium support packages.

Note: Always cross-reference Cisco Security Advisories (Cisco-SA-20240717-N7K) before deployment. Concurrent upgrades of kickstart and system images are mandatory for operational stability.

: Cisco NX-OS upgrade storage requirements and parallel update capabilities
: Nexus kickstart/system image interdependency and CLI translation function
: Hardware compatibility matrices and security patch documentation
: Supervisor module firmware synchronization procedures
: Secure Boot architecture technical white papers

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