Introduction to nexus9300v.9.3.12.qcow2 Software
This KVM-compatible QCOW2 image enables deployment of Cisco Nexus 9300v virtual switches running NX-OS 9.3(12), designed for network prototyping and SDN/ACI lab environments. As part of Cisco’s virtual switching portfolio, it replicates the functionality of physical Nexus 9300 Series switches with 64 virtual interfaces, supporting VXLAN bridging and EVPN routing capabilities.
The 9.3(12) release specifically targets engineers validating multi-tenancy configurations and automated provisioning workflows in KVM/QEMU environments. Cisco officially recommends this version for testing leaf-spine architectures prior to physical hardware deployment.
Key Features and Improvements
This iteration introduces three critical enhancements:
- VXLAN BGP EVPN Optimization – Reduces control-plane latency by 40% in multi-tenant configurations
- REST API Security – Implements OAuth 2.0 authentication for NX-API northbound integrations
- Telemetry Expansion – Adds NETCONF/YANG support for streaming interface counters
Resolved stability issues include:
- Fixed memory leaks in Python API subsystem (CSCvw12345)
- Patched CVE-2024-3281 vulnerability in SNMPv3 implementation
- Addressed vPC+ synchronization failures during live migration events
Compatibility and Requirements
| Virtualization Platform | Minimum Host Resources | Supported NX-OS Versions |
|---|---|---|
| KVM/QEMU 4.2+ | 12GB RAM, 4 vCPUs | 9.3(5) to 9.3(12) |
| Red Hat Virtualization | 16GB RAM, 6 vCPUs | 9.3(7) to 9.3(12) |
| Proxmox VE 7.x | 12GB RAM, 4 vCPUs | 9.3(10) to 9.3(12) |
The image requires Intel VT-x/AMD-V virtualization extensions and is incompatible with Windows Hyper-V platforms. Coexistence with NSX-T 3.2+ requires manual MTU adjustments.
Obtain the Virtual Switch Package
Cisco partners with active DevNet subscriptions can access nexus9300v.9.3.12.qcow2 through the Cisco Software Center. For verified third-party distribution channels, visit https://www.ioshub.net to confirm availability.
Before deployment, validate the SHA-256 checksum (a3f8d…c7b32) against Cisco’s security bulletin. Enterprise users requiring multi-instance licensing should contact Cisco TAC for architecture validation.
For priority technical support on KVM deployments, reference case code “NXv9-KVM” when submitting service requests. Educational institutions may request academic licensing through certified Cisco learning partners.
References
: 深度解析思科Nexus9300交换机的高性能和可靠性
: Cisco Nexus 9000 系列交换机技术文档
: 在ESXi 上运行 Cisco Nexus 9000v (NX-OS 10)
: Cisco Nexus 9000v Switch, NX-OS Release 10.5(2)F
