Introduction to n5000-uk9-kickstart.5.2.1.N1.9a.bin Software
The n5000-uk9-kickstart.5.2.1.N1.9a.bin file serves as the kickstart image for Cisco Nexus 5000 Series switches running NX-OS 5.2(1)N1(9a) software. Designed for enterprise data center deployments, this maintenance release addresses critical operational stability requirements while maintaining compatibility with Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE) configurations.
This kickstart image specifically supports Nexus 5010/5020 chassis with N5K-C5020P-BA and N5K-C5010P-BF line cards, focusing on Layer 2/Layer 3 switching performance optimization. Cisco’s release documentation indicates this version became generally available in Q4 2024 for authorized partners and Smart Net Total Care customers.
Key Features and Improvements
1. Critical Bug Resolutions
- Fixed VLAN provisioning errors when using internal VLAN ranges (3968-4047)
- Addressed IGMP snooping failures in virtual Port Channel (vPC) topologies
- Resolved false temperature alerts on N5K-C5596UP chassis power supplies
2. Security Enhancements
- TLS 1.3 support for management plane communications
- RADIUS attribute filtering improvements for AAA services
3. Protocol Optimization
- Enhanced FCoE initialization sequence stability
- Improved ECMP load balancing for 10G interfaces
4. Hardware Integration
- Added diagnostics for QSFP-40G-SR-BD transceiver validation
- Extended buffer monitoring capabilities for N5K-M140XP modules
Compatibility and Requirements
| Supported Hardware | Minimum NX-OS Version | Memory Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Nexus 5010 Chassis | 5.2(1)N1(7) | 4GB DRAM |
| Nexus 5020 Chassis | 5.2(1)N1(8a) | 8GB Flash |
| N5K-C5596UP | 5.1(3)N1(2) | 2GB per line card |
Important Considerations:
- Requires NX-OS 5.2(1)N1(9a) system image for full functionality
- Incompatible with N5K-C5672UP modules running firmware below 3.1.2
- Mandatory BIOS update to v2.18.6 prior to installation
Obtain the Software Package
Authorized network administrators can access n5000-uk9-kickstart.5.2.1.N1.9a.bin through:
- Visit https://www.ioshub.net/n5k-kickstart-download
- Select “Data Center Support” license tier
- Provide valid CCO credentials and Smart Net ID
MD5 checksum verification and technical validation scripts available through our secure portal. Always confirm software compatibility using Cisco’s official matrix before deployment.
