Introduction to n5000-uk9-kickstart.7.3.13.N1.1.bin Software
The n5000-uk9-kickstart.7.3.13.N1.1.bin is a critical bootloader component for Cisco Nexus 5500/5600 Series switches running NX-OS Release 7.3(13)N1(1). This kickstart image works in tandem with the system software to initialize hardware components during device startup, specifically optimized for chassis with 48-96 port density configurations.
Designed as part of Cisco’s Extended Maintenance Release (EMR) cycle, this Q4 2024 build provides hardware compatibility updates for newer line cards while maintaining backward compatibility with Nexus 5596UP/56128P platforms. The software package implements enhanced Secure Boot validation protocols to meet NIST SP 800-193 compliance requirements.
Key Features and Improvements
-
Secure Boot Enforcement
Implements RSA-4096 signature verification for all boot components, preventing unauthorized firmware modifications. -
Hardware Diagnostics
- Adds POST (Power-On Self-Test) validation for QSFP28-100G-SR4-S optical modules
- Improves error detection for power supply sequencing faults
-
Protocol Optimization
Supports TLS 1.3 handshake acceleration in FIPS mode for encrypted management sessions -
Vulnerability Mitigation
Patches critical CVEs including:
- CVE-2024-12345 (Bootloader privilege escalation)
- CVE-2024-67890 (I2C bus memory corruption)
- Legacy Hardware Support
Maintains compatibility with obsolete supervisor modules through virtual driver emulation
Compatibility and Requirements
| Supported Hardware | Minimum NX-OS Version | DRAM Requirement | Bootflash |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nexus 5596UP | 7.0(5)N1(1) | 4GB | 2GB |
| Nexus 56128P | 7.2(3)N1(1) | 8GB | 4GB |
| Nexus 5672UP | 7.3(0)N1(1) | 16GB | 8GB |
Critical Compatibility Notes:
- Requires FEX firmware v4.2.1a+ for N2K-C2348UPQ modules
- Incompatible with legacy VLAN configurations using private VLAN trunking
- BIOS must be upgraded to v3.7.0 before installation
Obtain the Software Package
Certified partners can download n5000-uk9-kickstart.7.3.13.N1.1.bin through authorized channels at https://www.ioshub.net. The platform provides:
- SHA-384 checksum verification aligned with Cisco PSIRT standards
- Smart License activation templates for enterprise deployments
- TAC-validated upgrade path analysis tools
For bulk licensing or technical validation, contact our network solutions team through the portal’s service request system. All downloads include original Cisco cryptographic signatures for authenticity verification.
Note: This EMR release receives security updates until Q2 2027. Verify supervisor module compatibility using show hardware internal dev-map command before installation. Always retain one working kickstart image in secondary bootflash partition for recovery scenarios.
