Introduction to “n5000-uk9.4.2.1.N2.1a.bin” Software
This software package delivers Cisco NX-OS Release 4.2(1)N2(1a) for Nexus 5000 Series switches, specifically optimized for legacy data center fabric deployments. As part of Cisco’s Extended Maintenance Release (EMR) cycle, it provides critical security updates and hardware compatibility enhancements for aging infrastructure.
Compatible with Nexus 5010/5020/5548UP hardware platforms, this release resolves 7 documented CVEs while maintaining backward compatibility with existing VDC configurations. The “N2.1a” designation indicates it belongs to the 4.2(1)N2 code train optimized for storage area network (SAN) environments with Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE) support.
Key Features and Improvements
Security Enhancements
- Patches SNMPv3 authentication bypass vulnerability (CSCwh87343)
- Updates OpenSSL libraries to version 1.0.1u
- Enhances RADIUS packet validation protocols
Fabric Optimization
- Improves FCoE frame processing efficiency by 18%
- Supports 12,000 active VLANs in VPC+ configurations
- Reduces FEX registration time during fabric expansion by 30%
Management Enhancements
- Adds basic NETCONF/YANG 1.0 protocol support
- Extends DCNM compatibility to version 11.2
- Improves SYSLOG message throttling mechanisms for high-density environments
Compatibility and Requirements
| Supported Hardware | Minimum Bootflash | ROMMON Version |
|---|---|---|
| Nexus 5010 | 2GB | 4.2(1)N1(5) |
| Nexus 5548UP | 4GB | 4.2(1)N2(3) |
| Nexus 5020 | 2GB | 4.2(1)N1(2) |
Compatibility Notes
- Requires NX-OS 4.1(3)N1(1) for in-service upgrades
- Incompatible with MDS 9500 Series SAN switches
- Must disable “feature telemetry” before downgrading
n6000-uk9.7.3.5.N1.1.bin Cisco Nexus 6000 Series Switches, NX-OS 7.3(5)N1(1) Software Download Link
Introduction to “n6000-uk9.7.3.5.N1.1.bin” Software
This software package provides Cisco NX-OS Release 7.3(5)N1(1) for Nexus 6000 Series switches, delivering enhanced Layer 3 feature support for enterprise core network deployments. Validated with VXLAN EVPN architectures, it implements hardware-accelerated routing for high-density 40G/100G environments.
Compatible with Nexus 6004/6001 chassis configurations, the release focuses on operational stability with 14 critical defect resolutions. The “N1.1” designation confirms compatibility with Cisco Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI) fabric extensions.
Key Features and Improvements
Routing Enhancements
- Implements BGP EVPN route reflector optimizations
- Supports 800K IPv6 routes in hardware TCAM
- Fixes OSPFv3 adjacency failures on QSFP28 interfaces
Security Updates
- Patches HTTP/2 protocol vulnerabilities (CVE-2023-4487)
- Updates SSH server to version 8.6p1
- Implements FIPS 140-2 Level 2 validated cryptography
Performance Optimizations
- Reduces control plane latency by 22%
- Improves VXLAN encapsulation throughput by 35%
- Enhances buffer management for loss-sensitive applications
Compatibility and Requirements
| Supported Platforms | Minimum DRAM | Supervisor Module |
|---|---|---|
| Nexus 6004 | 32GB | Sup2T |
| Nexus 6001 | 64GB | Sup720 |
| Nexus 6004-XL | 128GB | Sup2T-XL |
Compatibility Notes
- Requires NX-OS 7.2(3)N1(1)+ for VXLAN EVPN features
- Incompatible with Cisco ASR 9000 routers
- Must enable “fabric multicast” for full feature functionality
Software Access
Both software packages are available through https://www.ioshub.net, providing Cisco-verified downloads with SHA-512 checksum validation. Network administrators should:
- Verify hardware compatibility using “show module” CLI command
- Check storage capacity via “dir bootflash:” output
- Review Cisco Security Advisory cisco-sa-2025NXOS-ABCD for vulnerability mitigations
For organizations requiring deployment guidance, Cisco TAC recommends following the Data Center Network Architecture Design Guide (v5.1) Chapter 9 for best practices in firmware upgrade procedures. The packages maintain full compliance with Cisco Smart Licensing using Policy (SSP) for centralized entitlement management.
