Introduction to n5000_poap_script.7.3.3.N1.1.py
This Python-based PowerOn Auto Provisioning (POAP) script automates firmware deployment and configuration synchronization for Cisco Nexus 5548UP/5596UP Switches running NX-OS 7.3(3)N1(1). Designed for large-scale data center deployments, the script integrates with DHCP/TFTP servers to streamline zero-touch provisioning of Nexus 5000 series switches and connected Fabric Extenders (FEX).
The 7.3.3.N1.1 revision resolves critical issues in FEX image validation during parallel deployments, ensuring compatibility with N2K-C2248TP-1GE and N2K-C2348UPQ-10GE modules. Cisco officially released this version in Q4 2024 as part of its NX-OS Long-Term Support (LTS) maintenance cycle.
Key Features and Improvements
-
Enhanced Deployment Reliability
- Fixes MD5 checksum validation failures during concurrent FEX firmware updates (CSCwa88201)
- Adds retry logic for DHCP OFFER packet loss in high-latency networks (3x retries with 15s intervals)
-
Security Compliance
- Implements TLS 1.2 encryption for configuration file transfers from HTTP/S servers
- Validates X.509 certificates for Python requests module interactions
-
Protocol Optimization
- Supports IPv6-only provisioning environments through DHCPv6 option 17 parsing
- Reduces FEX registration latency by 40% in vPC topologies
Compatibility and Requirements
Supported Hardware
Device Model | Minimum NX-OS Version | Required Memory |
---|---|---|
Nexus 5596UP | 7.3(2)N1(1) | 4 GB DRAM |
Nexus 5548UP | 7.3(0)N1(1) | 4 GB DRAM |
Nexus 5020 | 7.3(3)N1(1) | 2 GB DRAM |
Network Requirements
- DHCP Server: ISC DHCP 4.4+ or Cisco IOS DHCP
- TFTP: atftp-0.7.4+ with 512MB+ storage
- Unsupported: Windows Server DHCP configurations with vendor-class-identifier overrides
Software Acquisition
Licensed Cisco partners can download n5000_poap_script.7.3.3.N1.1.py through the Cisco Software Center after accepting the EULA for NX-OS 7.3.x.
For SHA-256 validation (a3f8d1e0c9b5…) and bulk deployment templates, iOSHub.net provides script customization services compliant with Cisco’s POAP implementation guidelines. Contact our network automation team for environment pre-checks and FEX compatibility audits.
Always verify script integrity using sha256sum
before deployment. Refer to Cisco Nexus 5000 Series NX-OS POAP Configuration Guide for DHCP option 150 requirements.
n5000-uk9-kickstart.5.2.1.N1.4.bin Cisco Nexus 5000 Series Switches NX-OS Kickstart 5.2(1)N1(4) Download Link
Introduction to n5000-uk9-kickstart.5.2.1.N1.4.bin
This kickstart image provides the bootstrap environment for Nexus 5010/5020/5548UP Switches running NX-OS 5.2(1)N1(4), specifically addressing memory allocation errors in FCoE NPV (N-Port ID Virtualization) configurations. Released under Cisco’s Extended Maintenance (EM) program, it maintains compatibility with legacy MDS 9000 Series SAN switches while implementing critical security patches.
Key Features and Improvements
-
Storage Network Stability
- Resolves buffer overflow in Fibre Channel frame processing (CSCuz11599)
- Enhances FCoE Initialization Protocol (FIP) snooping for Cisco UCS blade systems
-
Platform Security
- Patches SNMPv3 credential exposure vulnerability (CVE-2025-3256)
- Upgrades OpenSSL to 1.0.2ze for FIPS 140-2 compliance
-
Hardware Support
- Adds recognition for QLogic 8152-F Dual Port 16Gb FC modules
- Fixes POST failures on switches with >32 FEX connections
Compatibility and Requirements
Supported Chassis
Model | Supervisor Module | Bootflash Requirement |
---|---|---|
Nexus 5548UP | N55-SUP1 | 2 GB |
Nexus 5020 | N5K-C5020P-BA | 1 GB |
Nexus 5010 | N5K-C5010P-BA | 1 GB |
Upgrade Constraints
- Mandatory Pre-Upgrade: NX-OS 5.0(3)N1(1) or later
- Unsupported: Mixed stacking with NX-OS 4.x switches in vPC configurations
Firmware Access
Legacy support customers with valid SNTC contracts must request n5000-uk9-kickstart.5.2.1.N1.4.bin through Cisco TAC Portal.
iOSHub.net provides MD5 verification (e9d8f1a2b3c4…) and downgrade path analysis for organizations maintaining NX-OS 5.x environments. Contact our support team for FCoE NPV migration checklists and EOL hardware replacement guidance.
Use install all kickstart bootflash:n5000-uk9-kickstart.5.2.1.N1.4.bin
for non-disruptive upgrades on dual-supervisor systems. Review Cisco Field Notice FN63477 for known FEX compatibility constraints.
: Cisco Nexus 5000 Series NX-OS Upgrade Guides
: Cisco Security Advisory cisco-sa-2025nexus