Introduction to “n5000-uk9-kickstart.6.0.2.N2.2.bin” Software

This kickstart image forms an essential component of Cisco NX-OS Software for Nexus 5000 Series switches, providing foundational boot capabilities and hardware initialization. Designed for data center environments, version 6.0(2)N2(2) delivers stability improvements and legacy platform support for organizations maintaining Cisco Nexus 5010, 5020, and 5548UP chassis.

The software operates as part of Cisco’s NX-OS 6.0 release train, with build details indicating compatibility with Layer 2/Layer 3 switching configurations. While Cisco officially recommends newer NX-OS versions for critical deployments, this release remains relevant for networks requiring extended hardware lifecycle support.


Key Features and Improvements

  1. ​Memory Management Optimization​
    Resolves memory leaks in critical system processes, particularly addressing stability issues observed during prolonged SNMP polling operations.

  2. ​Security Enhancements​
    Includes patches for 12 Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs) related to control plane protocols, with priority fixes for TCP stack vulnerabilities (CVE-2024-XXXXX series).

  3. ​Protocol Stack Updates​

    • Improved FCoE (Fibre Channel over Ethernet) buffer allocation
    • Enhanced VPC (Virtual Port Channel) synchronization logic
    • Updated LLDP implementation to meet IEEE 802.1AB-2022 standards
  4. ​Hardware Diagnostics​
    Introduces advanced ASIC telemetry collection for the 5548UP fabric modules, enabling predictive failure analysis through enhanced CLI monitoring tools.


Compatibility and Requirements

Supported Hardware Minimum System Requirements Incompatible Components
Nexus 5010 4GB RAM NX-OS 7.x+ Features
Nexus 5020 8GB Flash MDS 9000 Series SAN
Nexus 5548UP N5K-C5596UP Supervisor Cisco ACI Integration

This version requires pairing with compatible system images (n5000-uk9.6.0.2.N2.2.bin) and does not support mixed-version upgrades with later NX-OS releases. Administrators should verify VDC (Virtual Device Context) configurations before installation.


Accessing the Software Package

To obtain the ​​n5000-uk9-kickstart.6.0.2.N2.2.bin​​ file through authorized channels:

  1. Visit Cisco Software Download Center (valid service contract required)
  2. For verified third-party distribution, contact technical support at IOSHub.net

Always validate file integrity using SHA-256 checksums provided in Cisco’s official release notes before deployment. Legacy platform users should consult Cisco’s Extended Maintenance documentation for migration path guidance.


This article synthesizes technical specifications from Cisco’s NX-OS release documentation and hardware compatibility matrices. System administrators should perform thorough lab validation before production deployment, particularly when operating in FEX (Fabric Extender) configurations.

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