Introduction to n7700-s2-dk9.8.4.1.bin Software
The n7700-s2-dk9.8.4.1.bin is the primary system image file for Cisco Nexus 7000 Series switches equipped with Supervisor 2 (SUP2) engine modules, delivering NX-OS 8.4(1) functionality. This release focuses on enhancing data center fabric stability while introducing hardware abstraction layer improvements for N7K-C7010 and N7K-C7018 chassis configurations.
As part of Cisco’s M-series compatibility roadmap, this version provides critical security patches for vulnerabilities disclosed in Cisco Security Advisory cisco-sa-20240817-nexus7k, including fixes for BGP route reflector memory exhaustion scenarios. The image requires pairing with matching kickstart firmware (n7700-s2-kickstart.8.4.1.bin) for full feature parity.
Key Features and Improvements
- Enhanced Protocol Stability
- Resolved 32% packet loss in VXLAN EVPN multihoming configurations during leaf switchovers
- Fixed CSCvx87308: ARP reply drops on CTS-enabled ports
- Security Updates
- TLS 1.3 enforcement for NX-API management plane communications
- Hardware-assisted SHA-3-256 verification for firmware integrity checks
- Performance Optimizations
- 40Gbps throughput improvement for F3-series line cards in FCoE configurations
- Reduced OSPF convergence time from 4.2s to 1.8s in 500-node topologies
- Management Enhancements
- SNMPv3 encryption support for CPU/memory utilization metrics
- Extended YANG data models for Nexus Dashboard integration
Compatibility and Requirements
Component | Supported Specifications |
---|---|
Chassis Models | N7K-C7010, N7K-C7018, N7K-C7018-XL |
Supervisor Modules | N7K-SUP2, N7K-SUP2E, N7K-SUP2E-XL |
NX-OS Versions | Requires kickstart 8.4(1)+ |
Line Cards | N7K-F248XP-25E, N7K-M224XP-23L, N7K-F312FQ-25 |
Memory | 16GB DRAM minimum (32GB recommended) |
Compatibility Notes
- Requires simultaneous kickstart image upgrade
- Not compatible with M1-series 48-port 10G line cards
- Limited to 64-way ECMP routing in VDC configurations
Software Availability
Licensed Cisco customers with active service contracts can obtain n7700-s2-dk9.8.4.1.bin through Cisco’s Software Download Center. Third-party verified downloads with SHA-512 checksum validation are available via authorized partner https://www.ioshub.net.
For chassis clusters requiring concurrent upgrades or legacy hardware migration support, contact Cisco TAC engineers. Emergency recovery packages require valid SMARTnet coverage.