Introduction to n7000-s1-dk9-npe.5.1.2.bin Software
The n7000-s1-dk9-npe.5.1.2.bin is a specialized NX-OS software image designed for Cisco Nexus 7000 Series switches operating in Non-Productive Environments (NPE). This build enables network engineers to validate configurations and test advanced features like OTV and FabricPath without requiring full Smart Licensing activation.
Compatible with Nexus 7009/7018 chassis equipped with Supervisor 1 modules, this version addresses critical vulnerabilities identified in Cisco Security Advisory CSCvy00853 related to unauthorized control plane access. The NPE software maintains full feature parity with production releases while restricting operational deployment capabilities.
Key Features and Improvements
-
Security Hardening
- Implements TACACS+ command authorization validation for write operations
- Disables default SNMP community strings in test environments
-
Protocol Stability
- Resolves FCoE frame corruption during sustained 40G traffic bursts
- Fixes VDC creation failures when using >8 virtual device contexts
-
Diagnostic Enhancements
- Adds real-time buffer utilization monitoring through Ethanalyzer
- Enables extended crashinfo collection for supervisor ASIC diagnostics
Compatibility and Requirements
| Supported Hardware | Minimum Firmware |
|---|---|
| Nexus 7009 Chassis | BIOS 3.1.0+ |
| Nexus 7018 Chassis | FPGA 0x12+ |
| N7K-SUP1 Supervisor Modules | Kickstart 5.1(1)+ |
Critical Notes:
- Incompatible with M3/F3 series line cards requiring microcode 9.2.3+
- Requires 4GB free bootflash for image staging operations
How to Obtain n7000-s1-dk9-npe.5.1.2.bin
Lab environment administrators can request access through https://www.ioshub.net after:
- License Verification: $5 service fee for Cisco DevNet certification validation
- Technical Audit: Contact support to confirm NPE usage compliance
Cisco Nexus 7000 Series Kickstart Image n7000-s1-kickstart.6.2.24.bin Download Link
Introduction to n7000-s1-kickstart.6.2.24.bin Software
The n7000-s1-kickstart.6.2.24.bin serves as the foundational bootstrap image for Nexus 7000 Series switches running NX-OS 6.2(24). This critical component initializes hardware diagnostics and prepares the system for full software deployment.
Optimized for environments requiring extended lifecycle support, this kickstart version resolves boot failures caused by incompatible FPGA versions in N7K-M132XP-12L line cards. Cisco officially recommends this build for chassis requiring backward compatibility with NX-OS 5.x configurations.
Key Features and Improvements
-
Boot Optimization
- Reduces supervisor module initialization time by 40% through ASIC pre-checks
- Implements dual-stage CRC validation for image integrity
-
Hardware Compatibility
- Supports legacy N7K-F248XP-25E modules with FPGA 0x09+
- Fixes POST failures in chassis with >16 installed line cards
-
Security Updates
- Addresses CVE-2024-20359 U-Boot vulnerability
- Enforces SHA-256 verification for system image packages
Compatibility and Requirements
| Platform | System Image Requirement |
|---|---|
| Nexus 7004 Chassis | n7000-s1-dk9.6.2.24.bin |
| N7K-SUP1E Supervisors | BIOS 3.2.1+ |
| N7K-M148GT-11L Line Cards | EPLD 7.0.3+ |
Deployment Constraints:
- Requires 2GB dedicated bootflash partition
- Incompatible with mixed supervisor configurations (SUP1 + SUP2)
Accessing n7000-s1-kickstart.6.2.24.bin
Certified partners must complete:
- Service Contract Validation: $5 processing fee via https://www.ioshub.net
- Hardware Compatibility Check: Verify supervisor module revisions
Both articles synthesize technical specifications from Cisco’s NX-OS 6.2(24) release notes and software deployment guidelines. Administrators should cross-reference Cisco Field Notice FN70486 for upgrade prerequisites and hardware compatibility matrices.
