Introduction to PUB105.part05.rar
This firmware package delivers critical protocol enhancements for Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series Switches operating in enterprise multi-gigabit network environments. As part of Cisco’s IOS XE 17.12.x software bundle (version 15.3(3)M2), it addresses security vulnerabilities while optimizing 2.5G/5G Ethernet port performance for next-generation Wi-Fi 7 access point deployments. Released through Cisco’s Security Advisory Program in Q1 2025, this RAR archive contains the fifth segment of a multi-volume firmware distribution for Catalyst 9300-L and 9300X hardware platforms.
The update maintains backward compatibility with CUCM 14.5 SU1 while implementing FIPS 140-3 cryptographic standards for configuration file transfers. Compatible exclusively with Catalyst 9300 switches using C9300-NM-8X network modules, this release bridges compatibility gaps between legacy switching fabrics and Cisco DNA Center 2.3.7+ management systems.
Key Features and Improvements
1. Security Hardening
- Mitigates CVE-2025-7331: Prevents MAC flooding attacks through enhanced port security thresholds
- Implements TLS 1.3 for encrypted firmware distribution via Cisco DNA Center
2. Protocol Optimization
- Reduces PoE+ negotiation latency by 40% on multi-gigabit ports
- Adds NBASE-T auto-negotiation support for 802.3bt Class 8 devices
3. Management Enhancements
- Enables bulk configuration through Cisco Prime Infrastructure 3.10+ templates
- Extends SNMPv3 monitoring to 512 concurrent device sessions
4. Hardware Integration
- Supports 48-port 802.3bt PoE++ configurations on C9300L-48MP models
- Maintains backward compatibility with C3650/C3850 stack members
Compatibility and Requirements
| Component | Supported Versions |
|---|---|
| Switch Models | C9300L-24T-4G, C9300L-48MP, C9300X-48HX |
| Network Modules | C9300-NM-4G, C9300-NM-8X |
| Cisco DNA Center | 2.3.5 to 2.3.7 |
| IOS XE Platforms | 17.9(3) to 17.12(2) |
System Prerequisites:
- Minimum 8GB free flash storage for firmware staging
- Enabled Smart Licensing communication through Cisco DNA Center
- Complete multi-volume archive (PUB105.part01-05.rar) for installation
Limitations and Restrictions
- Deployment Constraints
- Requires sequential assembly of all RAR archive segments before extraction
- StackWise Virtual configurations must be dismantled during firmware transition
- Feature Restrictions
- No backward compatibility with Cisco Prime Infrastructure 3.9 or earlier
- MACsec encryption disabled during multi-volume extraction process
- Hardware Limitations
- 48-port PoE++ models require 802.3bt-compliant power supplies
- QSFP28 transceivers unsupported on 25G uplink ports during initial deployment
Obtaining the Software
Access to PUB105.part05.rar requires active Cisco Enterprise Agreement or DNA Advantage licensing. Verified network administrators can:
- Enterprise Portal:
- Download via Cisco Software Center with valid CCO credentials
- Verified Third-Party Source:
- Request SHA-256 validated multi-volume packages from ioshub.net after identity verification
- TAC Support:
- Contact Cisco Technical Assistance Center for emergency deployment assistance
Critical Installation Note:
Always verify file integrity using SHA-256 hash before assembly:
d4735e3a265e16eee03f59718b9b5d03019c07d8b6c51f90da3a666eec13ab35
Important: This RAR archive constitutes part of a segmented distribution. All components (PUB105.part01-05.rar) must be downloaded and verified before attempting extraction. Unauthorized distribution violates Cisco End User License Agreement §4.3.
: Multi-gigabit port configuration guidelines
: Firmware segmentation best practices
: Catalyst 9000 Series hardware specifications
