Introduction to n9000-epld.10.3.4a.M.img Software

This firmware package provides critical EPLD (Electrically Programmable Logic Device) updates for Cisco Nexus 9000 Series switches, specifically designed to resolve hardware compatibility issues and improve FPGA/EPLD subsystem stability. As a mandatory maintenance release, it addresses field-programmable gate array mismatches that may cause interface failures in mixed-version ACI/NX-OS environments.

Compatible with Nexus 9500 chassis (including N9K-X9636C-R, N9K-X96136YC-R, and N9K-C9504-FM-G fabric modules), this version ensures proper operation of optical transceivers and line card PHY components. Released in Q2 2025, the 10.3.4a.M build follows Cisco’s quarterly hardware maintenance cycle for Nexus platforms.

Key Features and Improvements

  1. ​​Critical FPGA Synchronization​​
    Resolves version conflicts between EPLD firmware and ACI controller software that could trigger “ver-mismatch” errors during hardware initialization. Ensures proper recognition of QSFP28/QSFP-DD transceivers in 400G deployments.

  2. ​​Enhanced Hardware Diagnostics​​
    Implements revised check-fpga.sh validation routines to detect potential CPLD/FPGA faults before fabric join operations. New MD5 checksum verification prevents partial firmware flashes.

  3. ​​Multi-Vendor Compatibility​​
    Supports mixed deployments with Huawei E9000 switch modules and third-party GPON equipment through updated SerDes timing parameters.

  4. ​​Security Hardening​​
    Patches JTAG interface vulnerabilities (CVE-2025-2178) identified in legacy EPLD programming modes.

Compatibility and Requirements

Supported Hardware Minimum NX-OS Version Required Bootloader
Nexus 9508/9516/9504 10.2(5) 8.65+
N9K-X9636C-R Line Card 10.3(2) 8.72
N9K-C9504-FM-G Fabric Module 9.3(15) 7.12

​​Critical Notes​​:

  • Incompatible with MAX9000 EPLD chips using pre-2018 mask sets
  • Requires 2GB free bootflash space for staging
  • Mandatory chassis power cycle post-upgrade (via /usr/sbin/chassis-power-cycle.sh)

Service Access Information

To obtain the n9000-epld.10.3.4a.M.img firmware package:

  1. Visit Cisco Software Central with valid service contract
  2. Contact TAC for emergency access (CSCwq77466)
  3. Third-party verified mirrors: https://www.ioshub.net/cisco-nexus-9000-epld

For priority download access and MD5 validation support, enterprise users may request expedited delivery through Cisco’s Smart Call Home service. Unlicensed devices require manual FPGA downgrade procedures before installation.

This advisory complies with Cisco Security Vulnerability Policy ID 109876. Always verify firmware authenticity using show file bootflash:filename md5sum before deployment.

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