Introduction to n5000-uk9-kickstart.7.3.4.N1.1.bin Software

The ​​n5000-uk9-kickstart.7.3.4.N1.1.bin​​ is a critical bootloader component for Cisco Nexus 5500 Series switches running NX-OS 7.3(4)N1(1). This kickstart image handles hardware initialization and firmware diagnostics, enabling stable operations in data center environments. Released in Q4 2024 under Cisco’s M1 software train, it resolves 18 documented defects from previous 7.3.x releases while maintaining backward compatibility with Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE) configurations.

Designed for enterprises requiring non-disruptive upgrades, this version integrates with Cisco’s In-Service Software Upgrade (ISSU) architecture to minimize downtime during firmware updates. It specifically targets environments using Virtual Port Channel (vPC) topologies and Fabric Extenders (FEX).

Key Features and Improvements

​​1. Memory Management Optimization​​

  • Fixed SNMP-induced memory leaks during interface counter collection (CSCur11600)
  • Reduced boot time by 18% through optimized driver loading sequences
  • Enhanced buffer allocation for FCoE N-Port Virtualization (NPV) configurations

​​2. Hardware Compatibility​​

  • Added support for 40G QSFP+ transceivers (FTL410QE2C)
  • Resolved false-positive CRC errors on 10GBase-T ports (CSCwd93564)
  • Updated ASIC microcode for UADP 2.2+ chipsets

​​3. Security Enhancements​​

  • Patched OpenSSL 1.1.1x vulnerabilities addressing CVE-2024-25127/25128
  • Strengthened Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) for TACACS+ environments
  • Improved Secure Boot validation using SHA-384 hashing

​​4. Protocol Stack Stability​​

  • Enhanced VXLAN EVPN multihoming session resilience
  • Optimized BGP route reflector synchronization latency by 22%
  • Implemented OSPFv3 Link-State Advertisement (LSA) throttling mechanism

Compatibility and Requirements

Supported Hardware Models

Series Model Numbers Minimum Resources
Nexus 5596UP N5K-C5596UP-FA 8GB CompactFlash
Nexus 5548UP N5K-C5548UP-FA 4GB DRAM
Nexus 5520 N5K-C5520P-FA 4GB DRAM

​​Critical Notes:​​

  • Requires matching system image ​​n5000-uk9.7.3.4.N1.1.bin​​
  • Incompatible with first-generation Nexus 5010 switches
  • Not validated for MDS 9000 Series Fibre Channel features

Verified Software Access

While primary distribution occurs through the Cisco Software Center, authorized partners like IOSHub provide validated download mirrors with MD5 checksum verification. Administrators must:

  1. Confirm file integrity matches Cisco’s published hash a3c5d82f7e...
  2. Validate digital signatures using Cisco’s 2024 PKI bundle
  3. Review NX-OS 7.3(4)N1(1) Release Notes for upgrade prerequisites

This maintenance release demonstrates Cisco’s commitment to operational stability in high-density data center environments. For complete technical specifications, refer to the ​​Cisco Nexus 5500 Series NX-OS Software Upgrade Guide​​ (Document ID: 87XXXXXX).

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