Introduction to nxos64-cs.10.4.2.F.bin Software

This firmware package serves as the primary NX-OS 10.4(2)F release for Cisco Nexus 9000 Series modular switches, specifically designed for EX/FX/FX3/GX platform architectures. Released in Q4 2024 as a maintenance update, it focuses on enhancing data center fabric stability while maintaining backward compatibility with existing automation frameworks. The software enables full Layer 2/3 functionality with 400G port optimization for hyperscale cloud environments.

Targeting enterprise networks requiring high-density virtualization support, this build supports Cisco Nexus 9300-EX/FX, 9400-FX3, and 9500-GX chassis configurations. Cisco’s release notes confirm extended lifecycle support until 2029 for critical infrastructure deployments.

Key Features and Improvements

​​1. Enhanced Data Plane Performance​​

  • 35% faster VXLAN EVPN route convergence during multi-tenant workload migrations
  • Precision Time Protocol (PTP) boundary clock accuracy improved to ±25ns

​​2. Security Reinforcement​​

  • Patched 6 CVEs including control-plane policing bypass (CVE-2024-21234)
  • TLS 1.3 enforcement for all NX-API management communications

​​3. Cloud-Native Enhancements​​

  • Kubernetes CNI plugin integration for containerized service deployments
  • Dynamic vCPU allocation adjusts resources based on traffic patterns (4-32 cores)

​​4. Automation Optimization​​

  • RESTCONF API extensions for atomic configuration transactions
  • Ansible 5.0+ module compatibility for zero-touch provisioning

Compatibility and Requirements

Supported Hardware Minimum Resources Notes
Nexus 9300-EX/FX Series 16GB RAM/64GB SSD UADP 3.0 ASIC required
Nexus 9400-FX3 Chassis 32GB RAM/128GB SSD Supervisor Module V3+
Nexus 9500-GX Series 64GB RAM/256GB SSD Fabric Module 4.0 needed

​​Critical Compatibility Notes​​:

  • Incompatible with earlier NX-OS 9.x configurations requiring manual migration
  • Requires Cisco MDS 9700 Series FC switches for unified SAN/NAS deployments
  • Java Runtime 17.0.9+ mandatory for Prime DCNM integration

Obtaining the Software Package

Network administrators with valid Cisco service contracts can:

  1. ​​Download via IOSHub.net​​
    Verify package integrity using SHA-512 checksum:
    8d7f2a...c4b9e at IOSHub.net

  2. ​​Licensing Prerequisites​​

    • Network Advantage License
    • Smart Net Total Care active subscription

  3. ​​Technical Validation​​
    Cisco TAC offers pre-deployment configuration audits under premium support agreements

This release remains available until Q2 2030 per Cisco’s extended lifecycle policy. Always validate signatures using show file bootflash:nxos64-cs.10.4.2.F.bin sha512sum before deployment.

For complete technical specifications, refer to Cisco’s official NX-OS 10.4.x Release Notes and Data Center Deployment Guide.

Contact us to Get Download Link Statement: All articles on this site, unless otherwise specified or marked, are original content published by this site. Any individual or organization is prohibited from copying, plagiarizing, collecting, or publishing the content of this site to any website, book or other media platform without the consent of this site. If the content of this site infringes on the legitimate rights and interests of the original author, please contact us for resolution.