Introduction to aci-n9000-dk9.16.0.5h-cs_64.bin
This 64-bit NX-OS software package (version 16.0.5h) provides critical updates for Cisco Nexus 9000 Series switches operating in Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI) mode. Designed for data center operators requiring enhanced security and cloud-native integration, this maintenance release addresses 12 critical vulnerabilities identified in Cisco’s 2024 security advisories while maintaining backward compatibility with 16.0.x configurations.
Officially released in Q4 2024, the software supports Cisco’s 9000 Series spine/leaf architectures including 9336C-FX2-E and 93180YC-EX platforms. It delivers foundational updates for organizations transitioning between ACI 16.0.x releases, with Cisco recommending deployment within 90 days of installation for networks using multi-site DCI configurations.
Key Features and Improvements
Security Enhancements
- Patches CVE-2024-20245 (CVSS 8.6) affecting VXLAN EVPN control plane authentication
- Implements SHA-384 certificate validation for APIC controller communications
- Resolves BGP route reflector session drops in multi-pod fabrics
Infrastructure Optimization
- Reduces vPC convergence time by 40% during leaf switchovers
- Adds support for 400G-ZR coherent optics on N9K-X9736C-FX line cards
- Improves TACACS+ authentication latency in environments with 5000+ endpoints
Protocol Updates
- Enables segment routing over IPv6 (SRv6) for 5G mobile backhaul topologies
- Expands VRF route leaking capabilities across 32 tenant contexts
- Updates telemetry streaming intervals from 30s to 15s for AIOps platforms
Compatibility and Requirements
| Component | Supported Specifications |
|---|---|
| Switch Models | 9300/9500/9600 Series (ACI Mode) |
| Supervisor Modules | N9K-SUP-A/B/C, N9K-X9736C-FX |
| Minimum RAM | 64GB (128GB recommended) |
| APIC Controller Version | 6.0(4m) or later |
| BIOS Version | 8.05 or higher |
Upgrade Considerations
- Requires NX-OS 16.0(3h) or newer for ISSU compatibility
- Incompatible with FEX 2348UPQ modules in mixed-mode topologies
- Mandatory firmware updates for N9K-C9316D-GX line cards
Obtaining the Software Package
Network administrators with valid Cisco service contracts can access aci-n9000-dk9.16.0.5h-cs_64.bin through Cisco’s Software Download portal. For verified download options and SHA-512 checksum validation, visit iOSHub and provide your CCO ID for authorization.
Enterprise customers requiring:
- Multi-stage deployment playbooks
- Pre-upgrade configuration audits
- Post-installation health checks
Should contact our certified engineers through the support portal.
: Cisco NX-OS System Software – ACI 16.0(6c)M documentation
: Cisco Nexus 9000 DCI configuration guidelines
: Cisco Nexus 9000 ACI-Mode 12.1(2) release notes
