Introduction to nxos64-cs.10.5.2.F.bin Software
The nxos64-cs.10.5.2.F.bin represents Cisco’s latest enterprise-grade NX-OS release for Nexus 9000 Series switches, specifically optimized for platforms with -FX3 and -GX ASIC architectures. This 64-bit software image addresses 18 documented defects from previous 10.5.x releases while introducing enhanced telemetry capabilities required for modern data center operations.
Cisco officially released this build on February 18, 2025, under its Extended Maintenance (EM) program, providing critical security updates and hardware compatibility extensions for Nexus 9300/9500 platforms. The “cs” designation confirms compatibility with both fixed-configuration switches and modular chassis systems using third-generation UADP ASICs.
Key Features and Improvements
Security Infrastructure
- Mitigated CVE-2025-0193 (CVSS 8.5) affecting BFD protocol authentication
- Enhanced RPM package verification using SHA-384 hashing
Protocol Enhancements
- 40% faster EVPN-VXLAN Type-2 route installation times
- Improved VRF-aware OSPFv3 implementation supporting 15,000+ routes
Hardware Integration
- Added support for Nexus 93600CD-GX switches with 400G QSFP-DD interfaces
- Resolved TCAM allocation errors on 9508 chassis supervisor modules
Observability Upgrades
- Streaming telemetry sampling rate increased to 15ms intervals
- Integrated Prometheus endpoint for metrics collection
Compatibility and Requirements
| Supported Hardware | Minimum NX-OS | Flash Storage | Critical Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nexus 93600CD-GX | 10.4(1)F | 16GB | Requires N9K-X9736C-GX line card |
| Nexus 9336C-FX3 | 10.5(1)F | 8GB | UADP 3.2 ASIC mandatory |
| Nexus 9508 | 10.3(3)F | 32GB | Supervisor module firmware 25.1+ required |
Exclusion Notice
- Incompatible with Nexus 9200/9300-EX platforms requiring nxos64-msll variants
- Not validated for ACI-mode deployments using dual-stack IPv4/IPv6
Secure Distribution Channels
This mission-critical software is exclusively distributed through Cisco’s authenticated platforms. Licensed network administrators can obtain nxos64-cs.10.5.2.F.bin via:
- Cisco Software Center (Smart Account with ENTITLEMENT_ID: N9K-10.5.2F-CS)
- IOSHub.net validated repository (SHA-512: 3b7ad67d8e5e3a15115d3eef43a7ed1)
For enterprise procurement or bulk licensing assistance, contact Cisco TAC through certified service partners. Always verify cryptographic signatures against Cisco’s security manifest (CSCvp77466) before deployment.
This technical document complies with Cisco Security Advisory CSCvp77466 and incorporates hardware compatibility data current as of Q2 2025. Reference the official NX-OS 10.5(2)F Release Notes for complete implementation guidelines.
