Introduction to aci-n9000-dk9.15.2.7g.bin Software
The aci-n9000-dk9.15.2.7g.bin firmware image is a maintenance release for Cisco Nexus 9000 series switches operating in Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI) mode under NX-OS 15.2(7g). Designed for enterprise data centers and cloud providers, this version focuses on stability enhancements for multi-site deployments and security hardening across policy-driven networks.
Cisco officially recommends this build for organizations running Nexus 93180YC-FX, 9336C-FX2, and 9500 chassis with Gen4 line cards. The release aligns with Cisco’s quarterly software maintenance cycle, offering critical updates for hardware interoperability and fabric health monitoring.
Key Features and Improvements
This release delivers essential operational upgrades:
- Security Framework Updates
- Implements TLS 1.3 encryption for APIC-switch communications
- Addresses 9 CVEs in DHCPv6 and COOP protocol stacks
- Protocol Enhancements
- Reduces BGP route convergence time by 22% in large-scale EVPN environments
- Resolves intermittent VXLAN header corruption in multi-destination traffic
- Hardware Integration
- Adds full support for Nexus N9K-C9336C-FX2-E line cards
- Fixes temperature sensor calibration drift on 93180YC-FX platforms
- Lifecycle Management
- Introduces automated configuration rollback for failed firmware updates
- Reduces APIC cluster synchronization latency by 35% compared to 15.2(6) releases
Compatibility and Requirements
| Supported Hardware | Minimum NX-OS Version | Required Memory |
|---|---|---|
| Nexus 9300-FX/FX2 Series | 14.2(6q) | 32GB RAM |
| Nexus 9508 Chassis | 15.0(2h) | 64GB RAM |
| Nexus 93180YC-EX | 13.2(5l) | 16GB RAM |
Critical Compatibility Notes:
- Requires BIOS version 4.23.0+ for Nexus 9500 chassis
- Incompatible with N9K-X9716D-GX line cards
- Mandatory CIMC 4.2(7) firmware for UCS blade integrations
Secure Software Access
Authorized administrators can obtain the authenticated aci-n9000-dk9.15.2.7g.bin package through Cisco’s Software Download Center using valid service contracts. For verified access with entitlement confirmation, visit https://www.ioshub.net to download the certified firmware.
This release carries SHA-256 checksum d8a1f3c7e9b… (full 64-character hash available via Cisco PSIRT). Always validate cryptographic signatures before deployment to ensure binary integrity.
Maintenance Considerations
When upgrading from pre-15.1(1) versions, consult Cisco’s ACI Upgrade Guide for mandatory BIOS/EPLD updates. The optimized image format reduces boot time by 25% on Nexus 93108TC-EX platforms.
For detailed migration planning, Cisco TAC recommends reviewing resolved caveats addressing 19 specific multi-tenant policy conflicts prior to production deployment.
Note: Always validate firmware compatibility in isolated test environments. Complete configuration backups are required before initiating any fabric upgrades.
