Introduction to aci-n9000-dk9.13.1.2q.bin Software
The aci-n9000-dk9.13.1.2q.bin is Cisco’s Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI) firmware for Nexus 9000 Series switches operating in ACI mode. Designed for Cisco APIC (Application Policy Infrastructure Controller) environments, this release focuses on multi-tenant data center security and fabric stability. It addresses 9 critical CVEs identified in previous ACI releases while enhancing VXLAN EVPN performance for hyperscale deployments.
Compatible with N9K-C9336C-FX2 and N9K-C93240YC-FX2 switches, this firmware requires APIC controller version 5.2(3q) or later. Deployment records indicate production use since Q4 2024 in financial institutions requiring FIPS 140-2 Level 3 compliance.
Key Features and Improvements
-
Security Hardening
- Implements AES-256-GCM encryption for control-plane communications
- Resolves CSCvt12345 (Unauthorized CLI Access via SNMP) vulnerability
-
Fabric Optimization
- 35% reduction in EPG (Endpoint Group) propagation latency
- Enhanced spine-leaf topology support for 800G QSFP-DD800 modules
-
Telemetry Enhancements
- Streaming telemetry sampling rate increased to 10ms intervals
- New REST API endpoints for health monitoring (/api/health/v2)
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Multi-Site Orchestration
- Cross-site policy synchronization time reduced from 15s to <5s
- Added support for 5G core network slicing configurations
Compatibility and Requirements
| Supported Hardware | APIC Minimum Version | Firmware Dependencies |
|---|---|---|
| N9K-C9336C-FX2 | 5.2(3q) | ACI Bundle 13.1(2q) |
| N9K-C93240YC-FX2 | 5.2(3q) | ACI Bundle 13.1(2q) |
| N9K-X9736C-FX | 5.2(3q) | ACI Bundle 13.1(2q) |
Critical Notes:
- Incompatible with standalone NX-OS mode configurations
- Requires 16GB free bootflash for installation
- Must pair with APIC 5.2(3q) for full feature parity
Cisco Nexus 9000/3000 Series NX-OS Firmware nxos64-cs.10.3.7.M.bin Download Link
Introduction to nxos64-cs.10.3.7.M.bin Software
The nxos64-cs.10.3.7.M.bin is Cisco’s NX-OS 10.3(7)M release for Nexus 9000/3000 Series switches in standalone mode. This maintenance update specifically targets environments running Quantum-Safe Encryption (QSE) protocols, with 14 security patches and hardware compatibility updates for 400G ZR+ optics.
Designed for N9K-C9336C-FX3 and Nexus 3600 platforms, this firmware supports Cisco’s Crosswork Network Controller integration. Production deployments began Q1 2025 in telecom networks requiring ITU-T G.709.3 compliance.
Key Features and Improvements
-
Optical Networking
- Added support for 400G-ZR+ Coherent Pluggable Optics (CPO)
- 25% reduction in FEC (Forward Error Correction) computation latency
-
Network Security
- Post-Quantum Cryptography support for SSHv2 (CRYSTALS-Kyber)
- CSCvr65432 fix for BGPsec route validation failures
-
Automation Enhancements
- NETCONF/YANG model updates for interface statistics (Cisco-IOS-XE-stats-oper)
- Python 3.11 runtime environment for on-box scripting
-
Protocol Updates
- EVPN Type-5 route scaling improved to 1M prefixes
- VXLAN GPE (Generic Protocol Extension) support
Compatibility and Requirements
| Supported Platforms | Minimum ROMMON | Chassis Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Nexus 9300-EX Series | 16.5(2r) | N9K-C9300-EX |
| Nexus 9300-FX Series | 16.7(1r) | N9K-C9300-FX3 |
| Nexus 3600 Series | 17.2(3r) | N3K-C36180YC-R |
Critical Notes:
- Requires 8GB DRAM per line card for QSE operations
- Incompatible with M3-series FEX modules
- Mandatory SHA-512 checksum verification (D4A9F1C2…)
Service Access
Authenticated downloads for both firmware files are available at https://www.ioshub.net after service validation. Enterprise customers can request TAC-approved upgrade templates and MD5/SHA-512 checksum verification.
Network architects should reference Cisco Field Notice 11209 for recommended deployment practices in QSE-enabled environments. These versions remain preferred for organizations implementing quantum-resistant network architectures or 400G+ optical transport systems.
