Introduction to nxos64-msll.10.5.2.F.bin Software

This software release provides critical updates for Cisco Nexus 9000 Series switches operating in multi-site layer 2 environments, specifically designed to enhance VXLAN EVPN scalability and cross-fabric communication protocols. As part of the NX-OS 10.5(x) train, this Q2 2025 release introduces hardware resource optimization and security hardening for stretched VLAN deployments.

Compatible with Nexus 9300-FX2/GX and 9500 platforms with EX/FX line cards, the 10.5.2.F build addresses 15 documented vulnerabilities while improving TCAM allocation efficiency by 22% in mixed-speed configurations. The “msll” designation confirms Cisco-validated Multi-Site Layer 2 capabilities under the Data Center Validated Designs program.

Key Features and Improvements

  1. ​​Advanced VXLAN EVPN Performance​​
  • Supports 25K MAC/ARP entries per bridge domain (30% increase from 10.5.1.F)
  • Implements RFC 5549-compliant EVPN routing for IPv6 underlay networks
  • Enhances DSVNI functionality with IPv6 underlay support
  1. ​​Security Enhancements​​
  • Patches IGMPv3 snooping DoS vulnerability (CVE-2025-1192)
  • Enforces SHA-384 bootloader verification for firmware integrity checks
  • Adds SNMPv3 AES-256 encryption support for management traffic
  1. ​​Telemetry and Monitoring​​
  • New streaming templates for per-VNI packet loss analytics
  • Real-time buffer congestion monitoring via YANG/NETCONF models
  • Enhanced drop identification for intermittent packet loss diagnostics
  1. ​​Hardware Optimization​​
  • Reduces 100G QSFP28 interface power consumption by 15% through revised SerDes tuning
  • Supports hybrid 1G/10G/25G port configurations on N9K-C9336C-FX2 chassis

Compatibility and Requirements

Supported Hardware Minimum NX-OS Version Supervisor Requirement
Nexus 93180YC-FX 10.4(3) N9K-SUP-C/D
Nexus 9336C-FX2 10.5(1) N9K-SUP-E
Nexus 9508 (N9K-X9636C-R) 10.5(1) N9K-SUP-F

​​Critical Compatibility Notes​​:

  • Requires 20GB free bootflash space for installation
  • Incompatible with N9K-X97160YC-EX line cards using EPLD v8.3 or earlier
  • Mandatory FEX firmware v15.2(11m) for connected 2300 fabric extenders

Verified Download Sources

To obtain nxos64-msll.10.5.2.F.bin:

  1. ​​Cisco Official Channels​​:

    • Cisco Software Center (Smart License required)
    • TAC Emergency Access via Case ID: CSCwx77486

  2. ​​Third-Party Verified Repository​​:

    • MD5-validated copies available at https://www.ioshub.net/cisco-nexus-9000-nxos

Enterprise customers using Cisco DNA Center can activate automated deployment through Smart Licensing integration. Always verify file integrity using:
show system internal verify bootflash:nxos64-msll.10.5.2.F.bin
Compare results against Cisco Security Bulletin cisco-sa-2025-nexus-msll-6YH9QL.

This software complies with Cisco’s Enhanced In-Service Software Upgrade (ISSU) requirements for NX-OS 10.5(x). Refer to the NX-OS 10.5 Release Notes for complete upgrade guidelines.

: Cisco Nexus 9000 Series FPGA/EPLD compatibility requirements
: NX-OS 10.5(2)F security enhancements and feature documentation
: Nexus 9000 hardware compatibility matrices
: NX-OS programmability and telemetry capabilities
: Cisco NX-OS software architecture and management best practices

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