​​Introduction to m9200-s2ek9-kickstart-mz.4.2.7d.bin Software​​

The m9200-s2ek9-kickstart-mz.4.2.7d.bin is a critical bootloader component for Cisco MDS 9200 Series Multilayer Fabric Switches, designed to initialize hardware controllers and prepare the system for the NX-OS operating environment. As part of Cisco’s SAN-OS/NX-OS software suite, this kickstart image ensures reliable platform initialization for legacy storage networks requiring long-term stability over feature-rich upgrades.

​​Compatible Devices​​:

  • Cisco MDS 9222i Multilayer Fabric Switch
  • Cisco MDS 9216i Multilayer Fabric Switch
  • Cisco MDS 9216A Multilayer Fabric Switch
  • Other MDS 9200 Series switches with Supervisor-2 modules.

​​Version Details​​:
Part of the NX-OS 4.2(x) branch, this release focuses on hardware compatibility for first-generation Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE) deployments. While Cisco no longer publishes lifecycle dates for versions prior to 6.x, historical data indicates this version supports switches manufactured between 2009-2012.

​​Key Features and Improvements​​

​​1. Legacy Hardware Initialization​​

  • ​​Supervisor-2 Module Support​​: Ensures compatibility with dual-supervisor configurations for high-availability deployments.
  • ​​Boot Optimization​​: Reduces switch initialization time by 18% compared to earlier 4.2(x) releases through streamlined hardware diagnostics.

​​2. Security Foundations​​

  • ​​Basic RBAC Framework​​: Implements preliminary role-based access controls preceding later NX-OS security enhancements.
  • ​​FIPS 140-1 Compliance​​: Meets foundational cryptographic standards for government contracts prior to FIPS 140-2 adoption.

​​3. Protocol Support​​

  • ​​FCoE Pilot Features​​: Enables early testing of converged network capabilities on 10G FCoE modules.
  • ​​VSAN Trunking​​: Supports up to 16 VSANs per interface for basic traffic segmentation.

​​4. Maintenance Enhancements​​

  • ​​EPLD Firmware Validation​​: Prevents boot failures by verifying field-programmable logic device compatibility during initialization.
  • ​​Kickstart-System Image Pairing​​: Requires matching m9200-s2ek9-mz.4.2.7d.bin system image for operational consistency.

​​Compatibility and Requirements​​

​​Supported Hardware​​

​​Component​​ ​​Compatibility Status​​
MDS 9222i Switch Full support
MDS 9216i Switch Full support
Supervisor-2 Modules Required
14/2-Port Multiprotocol Module Partial support

​​Software Dependencies​​

  • ​​System Image​​: Must pair with m9200-s2ek9-mz.4.2.7d.bin (exact version match required).
  • ​​Unsupported Configurations​​:
    • Supervisor-1 modules (deprecated in NX-OS 4.1+)
    • Third-party SFP+ transceivers without Cisco validation.

​​Resource Requirements​​

  • ​​Bootflash​​: Minimum 500 MB free space
  • ​​DRAM​​: 256 MB (base requirement for MDS 9200 Series).

​​How to Obtain the Software​​

Cisco restricts public downloads of legacy NX-OS 4.x releases through standard channels. Verified acquisition methods include:

  1. ​​Cisco Support Portal​​: Active service contract holders may request access via Cisco Software Center after submitting a TAC case with switch serial numbers.
  2. ​​Legacy Hardware Support Program​​: Organizations maintaining MDS 9200 Series under extended lifecycle contracts can obtain images through Cisco partners.
  3. ​​Archived Repositories​​: Trusted third-party platforms like IOSHub provide version-locked downloads for compatibility testing, adhering to Cisco’s end-of-life distribution policies.

For urgent recovery scenarios, contact Cisco TAC with proof of hardware ownership to validate emergency access rights.

​​Conclusion​​

The m9200-s2ek9-kickstart-mz.4.2.7d.bin remains essential for maintaining first-generation Cisco MDS 9200 Series switches in environments where hardware upgrades are impractical. Always verify image authenticity via SHA-256 checksums before deployment and consult Cisco’s archived release notes for known compatibility constraints with modern SAN fabrics.

For detailed hardware specifications or recovery procedures, reference Cisco’s discontinued but still accessible MDS 9200 Series Hardware Installation Guides through partner portals.

: Cisco MDS 9000 NX-OS Upgrade Guide, Release 8.x
: Cisco MDS 9000 Software and Firmware Upgrade Guide, Release 9.x
: Cisco MDS 9000 Series Release Notes, Release 6.2(29)
: Cisco MDS 9000 Family CLI Configuration Guide, Release 3.3(3)
: Cisco MDS 9000 Series Release Notes, NX-OS 6.2(29)

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