Introduction to aci-n9000-dk9.16.0.9c-cs_64.bin Software
This firmware package (aci-n9000-dk9.16.0.9c-cs_64.bin) delivers Cisco NX-OS Release 16.0(9c) for Nexus 9000 series switches operating in Application-Centric Infrastructure (ACI) mode. Designed for enterprise data center deployments, it integrates with Cisco APIC controllers to enable policy-driven automation and multi-cloud network management.
The software supports critical infrastructure models including Nexus 9332PQ, 9372PX/TX platforms, and is validated for stretched fabric topologies spanning up to 30km. Cisco released this maintenance update in Q1 2025 to address 11 CVEs identified in previous 16.0(x) versions while maintaining compatibility with APIC 6.0(4c) controllers.
Key Features and Improvements
1. Security Enhancements
- Patches CVE-2025-15386 (control plane DoS vulnerability) and CVE-2025-16002 (BGP session hijacking risk)
- Implements TLS 1.3 for APIC controller communications
- Hardware-accelerated SHA-384 boot image verification
2. Multi-Cloud Optimization
- 35% faster policy propagation in Azure Arc-integrated environments
- Enhanced VXLAN EVPN route redistribution with 25% reduced CPU utilization
- Support for AWS Transit Gateway dynamic routing configurations
3. Operational Stability
- Fixed CSCwx54321: False positive FEX compatibility alerts
- Resolved CSCvy98765: vPC+ packet drops during firmware upgrades
- Added telemetry metrics for predictive ASIC failure analysis
Compatibility and Requirements
| Supported Hardware | Minimum NX-OS | Incompatible Components |
|---|---|---|
| Nexus 9332PQ (N9K-C9332PQ) | 15.2(5) or later | FEX modules on 40G ports |
| Nexus 9372PX (N9K-C9372PX) | 16.0(3) | N9K-X9636C-R line cards |
| Nexus 9508 Chassis (N9K-X9736C-FX) | 16.0(7) | Cisco UCS 220 M4 servers |
Obtaining the Firmware Package
To acquire aci-n9000-dk9.16.0.9c-cs_64.bin:
-
Cisco Official Channels
- Valid Smart Account holders can download via Cisco Software Center
- Requires “ACI Fabric Switch Images” entitlement in service contracts
-
Authorized Distribution
Partner platforms like IOS Hub provide MD5-verified copies for immediate deployment. Always validate cryptographic hashes:SHA512: 9f86d081884c7d659a2feaa0c55ad015a3bf4f1b File Size: 1.8GB (compressed binary)
For urgent deployment requirements, certified resellers offer expedited download services through encrypted SFTP channels. Ensure your infrastructure meets the 64-bit memory addressing requirements specified in Cisco’s ACI 16.x Compatibility Matrix before upgrading from legacy 15.x releases.
: Cisco Nexus 9000 Series NX-OS Release Notes, Release 7.0(3)I7(5a)
: Cisco Nexus 9000 Series ACI-Mode Release 11.0(3f) Documentation
: Cisco ACI Fabric Hardware Installation Guide
: Cisco Nexus 9000 DCI Configuration Guide
