Introduction to n5000_poap_script.7.3.6.N1.1.py Software
This Python-based Power-On Auto Provisioning (POAP) script automates firmware deployment and initial configuration for Cisco Nexus 5548UP/5672UP switches running NX-OS 7.3(6)N1(1). Designed for hyperscale data center environments, it implements enhanced DHCPv6 option parsing and cryptographic image validation protocols compliant with FIPS 140-2 standards.
Compatible with Nexus 5000 Series switches using N5K-C5548UP-SUP2 modules, this version (7.3.6.N1.1) received security validation in Q2 2025 per Cisco Security Advisory cisco-sa-20250314-n5k. The script integrates with Cisco’s Zero Touch Provisioning framework to streamline deployment of 40GbE FCoE fabric architectures.
Key Features and Improvements
-
Secure Image Validation
Implements SHA-384 checksum verification for firmware bundles prior to installation, addressing CVE-2024-20358 vulnerability in legacy POAP implementations. -
Dual-Stack DHCP Support
Adds RFC 8415-compliant DHCPv6 option 59 parsing for IPv6 TFTP server discovery in hybrid network environments. -
Conditional Execution Logic
Introduces hardware-specific workflow triggers based on switch serial number patterns (e.g. FOC2345X03K) to support mixed N5K-C5548UP/N5K-C5672UP deployments. -
Error Handling Optimization
Reduces POAP failure rates by 58% through improved USB media detection algorithms and fallback to HTTPs download protocols.
Compatibility and Requirements
| Supported Platform | NX-OS Version | Minimum Memory | Required POAP Mode |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nexus 5548UP | 7.3(6)N1(1) | 16GB | Enhanced POAP |
| Nexus 5672UP | 7.3(6)N1(1a) | 32GB | Full POAP |
| Nexus 56128P | 7.3(6)N1(1b) | 64GB | Lite POAP |
Configuration Limitations:
- Requires DHCP server supporting option 150 (TFTP server IP)
- Incompatible with NX-OS 6.x legacy configurations
- Not validated for FCoE-enabled fabric deployments using N5K-M1008 modules
n5000-uk9.7.3.4.N1.1.bin Cisco Nexus 5000 Series Switches, NX-OS Release 7.3(4)N1(1) Download Link
Introduction to n5000-uk9.7.3.4.N1.1.bin Software
This NX-OS system image provides critical updates for Cisco Nexus 5548UP/5672UP switches operating in 40GbE FCoE environments. As part of Cisco’s Extended Maintenance Release track, version 7.3(4)N1(1) enhances VXLAN scalability while maintaining backward compatibility with legacy VSAN configurations.
Validated for N5K-C5672UP-16G platforms with 128x40GbE port density, this build implements mandatory security patches required for NIST SP 800-193 compliance in federal networks. Release documentation confirms final validation completed March 2025 with extended support through 2028.
Key Features and Improvements
-
VXLAN Performance
Increases virtual network identifier (VNI) capacity to 24,576 entries – 300% improvement over 7.2(5)N1 releases. -
Buffer Management
Resolves persistent memory leaks (BUG ID CSCwi75892) during sustained 40GbE traffic bursts exceeding 120Gbps. -
Telemetry Support
Adds gRPC dial-out for Prometheus metrics collection with 1-second granularity (port counters, TCAM utilization). -
Security Framework
Updates OpenSSL libraries to 1.1.1w, addressing 12 CVEs related to DTLS session handling vulnerabilities.
Compatibility and Requirements
| Hardware Platform | Supervisor Module | Minimum Memory | FEX Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| N5K-C5548UP | N55-C5548UP-SUP2 | 16GB | 2348UPQ, 2332TQ-E |
| N5K-C5672UP-16G | N55-C5672UP-SUP3 | 32GB | Not supported |
| N5K-C56128P | N55-C56128P-SUP4 | 64GB | 2248PQ, 2348TQ |
Deployment Constraints:
- Requires “feature telemetry” activation for monitoring
- Incompatible with N5K-M1008 Ethernet Module
- Jumbo frame support limited to 9216 MTU
Software Acquisition
Both software packages require valid Cisco service contracts for official downloads via Cisco Software Center. Third-party verified distributions with dual SHA-512/MD5 checksum validation are available through https://www.ioshub.net‘s secure repository. Network administrators should reference Cisco’s NX-OS 7.3 Release Notes and Field Notice FN70455 prior to deployment.
