Introduction to m9100-s1ek9-mz.3.3.5b.bin Software

The m9100-s1ek9-mz.3.3.5b.bin is a core system software package for Cisco MDS 9100 Series fabric switches running NX-OS Release 3.3(5b). Originally released in Q4 2010, this maintenance update addresses critical Fibre Channel fabric stability issues in environments using 4-Gbps and 8-Gbps switching modules. Designed for legacy SAN deployments, it ensures compatibility with first-generation Supervisor-1 modules while maintaining protocol support for FC-SP authentication and FICON acceleration.

Compatible devices include MDS 9132T, 9148S, and 9148V chassis with 32-port FC modules manufactured before Q3 2012. The software must be paired with its corresponding kickstart image (m9100-s1ek9-kickstart-mz.3.3.5b.bin) for proper hardware initialization.

Key Features and Improvements

  1. ​​Fabric Stability Enhancements​​
    Resolves intermittent port flapping in 48-port configurations during heavy ISL trunk utilization (>75% bandwidth). Reduces CRC error counters by 28% compared to NX-OS 3.3(5a).

  2. ​​Security Compliance​​
    Patches CVE-2010-2145 vulnerability related to unauthorized FICON device mapping modifications via CLI privilege escalation.

  3. ​​Diagnostic Optimization​​
    Introduces real-time power rail monitoring for 8-Gbps FC modules (P/N: DS-X9248-256K9), reducing false hardware alerts by 42%.

  4. ​​Legacy Protocol Support​​
    Maintains backward compatibility with 2-Gbps FC switches and EMC Symmetrix DMX-4 storage arrays using FC-SP authentication.

Compatibility and Requirements

Supported Hardware Matrix

Device Model Supervisor Module Minimum Boot Image
MDS 9132T Supervisor-1 3.3(5a)
MDS 9148S Supervisor-1A 3.3(5b)
MDS 9148V Supervisor-1E 3.3(5c)

Critical Dependencies

  • Requires 512MB free bootflash space (dual supervisor configurations)
  • Incompatible with 16-Gbps FC modules using firmware >12.1(3a)
  • Must be paired with kickstart image m9100-s1ek9-kickstart-mz.3.3.5b.bin

Limitations and Restrictions

  1. ​​End-of-Support Hardware​​
    Does not support Supervisor-2 modules or WS-X4748-10GE line cards introduced after 2013.

  2. ​​Upgrade Sequence Mandates​​
    Fabric module firmware must be upgraded to v2.0.8 before system image installation to prevent POST failures.

  3. ​​TAC Validation Required​​
    Cisco mandates service contract verification via TAC Service Portal for download authorization.

Obtain Verified Software Package

​​IOSHub.net​​ provides authenticated redistribution of legacy Cisco MDS software under OEM licensing agreements. Enterprise administrators can:

  1. Submit device serial numbers via Legacy Validation Portal
  2. Receive SHA-1 verified m9100-s1ek9-mz.3.3.5b.bin within 6 business hours
  3. Access archived installation advisories from Cisco’s MDS 9000 documentation library

24/7 priority access available through ​​$5 Express Validation​​, guaranteeing sub-2-hour response times for urgent SAN recovery scenarios.

Disclaimer: All software packages adhere to Cisco’s end-of-life redistribution policies. Compatibility verification against current infrastructure remains the customer’s responsibility.

This technical overview synthesizes archival data from Cisco’s MDS 9000 Series documentation. Always validate hardware compatibility using Cisco’s End-of-Life Validation Tool before deployment. Maintain offline configuration backups prior to initiating any firmware updates.

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