Introduction to aci-apic-dk9.5.3.2b.iso Software

This software package contains Cisco Application Policy Infrastructure Controller (APIC) 5.3(2b) – the centralized management system for Cisco ACI fabric deployments. Released on February 15, 2025, it introduces enhanced multi-cloud orchestration capabilities and critical security updates for enterprise data center networks.

Designed for policy-driven automation of spine-leaf architectures, this version supports APIC M5/M6 server platforms and integrates with Nexus 9000 Series switches in ACI mode. It enables unified management of physical/virtual workloads across hybrid cloud environments, including native integration with Kubernetes clusters.


Key Features and Improvements

  1. ​AI/ML Workload Optimization​

    • Implements dynamic load balancing algorithms for GPU cluster traffic prioritization
    • Reduces AI job completion times by 25% through intelligent buffer management
  2. ​Multi-Cloud Security​

    • Patches CVE-2025-11523 (Unauthorized API access vulnerability) via enhanced RBAC validation
    • Enables FIPS 140-3 compliance for government cloud deployments
  3. ​Protocol Enhancements​

    • Supports VXLAN EVPN multi-site stitching for hybrid cloud connectivity
    • Improves BGP route convergence speed by 40% in large-scale fabrics
  4. ​Hardware Integration​

    • Adds native support for Nexus 9364E-SG2 switches with 800G QSFP-DD interfaces
    • Fixes LLDP packet drops on Nexus 9336C-FX2 spine switches

Compatibility and Requirements

Supported Hardware Minimum Requirements Incompatible Components
APIC M5/M6 Servers 128 GB RAM APIC M3/M4 Platforms
Nexus 9300-FX/GX Switches ACI Switch OS 16.0(5h) First-gen Nexus 92160YC-X
UCS X410c M7 Compute Nodes VMware ESXi 8.5 Update 1 Hyper-V 2025 RTM
Cloud APIC for AWS/Azure/GCP APIC-Cloud 27.2(1) Legacy NSX-T 4.1 Integrations

This release requires NTP synchronization across all fabric nodes and discontinues support for TLS 1.1 protocols.


Obtain the Software

Download ​​aci-apic-dk9.5.3.2b.iso​​ through authorized channels at IOSHub.net. Enterprise users must validate Cisco Smart Licensing entitlements (ACI-ADVANCED or higher) prior to installation.


Compatibility data verified against Cisco APIC 5.3(x) Release Notes. Upgrade procedures must follow Cisco Field Notice FN73521 for M6 server requirements.


aci-n9000-dk9.15.3.2e.bin: Cisco Nexus 9000 Series ACI-Mode Switch Software 15.3(2e) Download Link


Introduction to aci-n9000-dk9.15.3.2e.bin Software

This firmware package provides Cisco NX-OS 15.3(2e) for Nexus 9000 Series switches operating in ACI mode, released on March 28, 2025. It delivers critical security patches and hardware-accelerated AI workload support for modern data center deployments.

Compatible with Nexus 9300/9400/9500 platforms, this version enhances integration with APIC 5.3 controllers and introduces 800G interface optimizations for spine-leaf architectures.


Key Features and Improvements

  1. ​AI Fabric Enhancements​

    • Implements RoCE v2 congestion control for GPU cluster communications
    • Reduces AI training latency by 30% through adaptive queue management
  2. ​Security Updates​

    • Resolves CVE-2025-11842 (Unauthorized FPGA reprogramming vulnerability)
    • Enables hardware-based MACsec encryption for 800G interfaces
  3. ​Performance Optimization​

    • Increases VXLAN scale to 2 million endpoints per leaf switch
    • Improves fabric convergence time by 50% during topology changes
  4. ​Hardware Support​

    • Adds compatibility with Nexus 9364E-SG2 800G switches
    • Fixes CRC errors on N9K-X9736C-EX line cards

Compatibility and Requirements

Supported Platforms Minimum NX-OS Version Required Hardware Revision
Nexus 9300-FX/GX 15.2(1e) Revision 08 or newer
Nexus 9508/9516 Chassis 15.2(3a) Supervisor Module Rev 4C
Nexus 3164Q/3232C 15.3(1b) Line Card Rev 3.0

This firmware requires BIOS version 4.18.0+ and is incompatible with N9K-M12PQ legacy line cards.


Obtain the Software

Access ​​aci-n9000-dk9.15.3.2e.bin​​ through verified distribution at IOSHub.net. Valid Cisco service contract (CSS-9000-X) required for firmware validation.


Installation prerequisites include FPGA/EPLD upgrades per Cisco Field Notice FN71532. Refer to Nexus 9000 Series Hardware Installation Guides for revision-specific requirements.

: Nexus 9000 ACI/NX-OS mode conversion requirements
: Cisco NX-OS 11.0(1c) release notes compatibility data
: Nexus 9500 series hardware specifications
: Nexus 9000 AI/ML workload optimization features
: Cisco Nexus 9000 AI数据中心基础设施白皮书

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