Introduction to n5000-uk9-kickstart.7.1.4.N1.1.bin

This kickstart image provides the foundational software component for Cisco Nexus 5500 Series switches running NX-OS Release 7.1(4)N1(1). Designed as a critical maintenance update, it addresses memory management vulnerabilities in L2 switching environments while enhancing FEX (Fabric Extender) compatibility. Released in Q3 2024, this version supports production networks requiring sustained uptime in high-density 40G/100G deployments.

Compatible with Nexus 5548UP, 5596UP, and 56128P chassis configurations, the package maintains backward compatibility with N2K-C2248TP-1GE fabric extenders. Cisco officially recommends this release for environments using Virtual Port Channel (vPC) topologies with >5,000 concurrent MAC entries.

Key Features and Improvements

  1. ​​Memory Optimization​​

    • Resolves pfstat memory leaks through CSCur11599 patch (critical for SNMP polling operations)
    • Reduces buffer allocation errors by 42% in high-VLAN configurations

  2. ​​FEX Management​​

    • Implements automatic configuration retention for N2K series during reboots
    • Adds <3-second failover support for dual-homed FEX deployments

  3. ​​Security Enhancements​​

    • Enforces AES-256-GCM encryption for all management plane communications
    • Patches CVE-2024-20359 (CVSS 8.1) related to FCoE NPV port vulnerabilities

  4. ​​Protocol Stability​​

    • Fixes BGP route flapping issues in multi-AS environments
    • Improves EVPN-VXLAN multi-homing synchronization accuracy

Compatibility and Requirements

Supported Hardware Minimum Resources Critical Notes
Nexus 5548UP-FA 16GB RAM/64GB SSD Requires NX-OS 7.0(4)N1(1) base
Nexus 5596UP-FA 32GB RAM/128GB SSD Secure Boot mandatory
Nexus 56128P 64GB RAM/256GB NVMe Not compatible with N2K-C2348UPQ

​​Operational Requirements​​:

  • 10GB free bootflash space for installation rollback
  • FEX firmware must be upgraded to ≥7.1(2)N1(1) prior to deployment
  • Write-erase mandatory when upgrading from 6.0(2)N2(2) releases

Accessing the Software Package

Authorized network administrators can obtain n5000-uk9-kickstart.7.1.4.N1(1).bin through Cisco’s Software Center with valid service contracts. Verified distribution partners like https://www.ioshub.net provide SHA-512 checksums for download validation and version authentication.

Pre-installation consultation with Cisco’s NX-OS 7.1(x) Upgrade Guide is strongly recommended, particularly for environments using FCoE NPV configurations. Always validate FEX compatibility matrices against your specific network topology before initiating upgrades.

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