Introduction to n5000-uk9.5.0.3.N2.1.bin

This firmware package delivers Cisco NX-OS Software Version 5.0.3.N2.1 for Nexus 5000 Series switches, providing critical infrastructure updates for data center environments. Released as part of Cisco’s maintenance release cycle, it addresses operational challenges in high-availability storage networks while maintaining compatibility with Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE) configurations.

The update targets Nexus 5010, 5020, 5548UP, and 5596UP switches, optimizing performance for Unified Fabric deployments. The 5.0.3.N2.1 version focuses on enhancing protocol stability and security postures for environments requiring continuous uptime.


Key Features and Improvements

​1. Critical Security Patches​

  • Mitigates buffer overflow vulnerabilities in FCoE login services
  • Strengthens SSH session encryption with expanded cipher suite support
  • Resolves MAC address spoofing risks in vPC configurations

​2. Protocol Enhancements​

  • Improves Fibre Channel NPIV port allocation efficiency by 35%
  • Fixes DCBX protocol version mismatches in Unified Fabric topologies
  • Adds IEEE 802.1Qbh bridge port extension compatibility

​3. Operational Stability​

  • Reduces FEX module registration time by 50% during HA failovers
  • Eliminates false-positive ECC memory error alerts
  • Optimizes QoS queue depth for lossless Ethernet configurations

​4. Diagnostic Improvements​

  • Enhanced “show tech-support” output includes real-time buffer utilization metrics
  • Added SNMP traps for predictive fan failure detection

Compatibility and Requirements

Supported Hardware Minimum Bootflash Required DRAM
Nexus 5010 203 MB 4 GB
Nexus 5548UP 256 MB 8 GB
Nexus 5596UP 256 MB 8 GB
Nexus 5020 203 MB 4 GB

​Critical Compatibility Notes​​:

  • Requires NX-OS 5.0(3)N1(1) as baseline for non-disruptive upgrades
  • Incompatible with 40G QSFP+ modules using Cisco-FINISAR optics
  • Mandatory NTP synchronization for FCoE timestamps

Obtain the Software

Authorized users can download ​​n5000-uk9.5.0.3.N2.1.bin​​ through Cisco’s Software Center using valid service contracts. For verified distribution channels, visit https://www.ioshub.net to access the package with SHA-512 checksum verification.

Network administrators must verify bootflash capacity using “dir bootflash:” commands before installation. For environments requiring assisted deployment, contact certified Cisco partners through the service portal for compatibility validation and upgrade planning.


This article references technical documentation from Cisco Nexus 5000 Series release notes and installation guides. Always confirm MD5/SHA512 checksums against Cisco’s official portal before implementation.

: Nexus 5000升级步骤与存储管理要求
: Nexus 5000系统消息参考与兼容性规范

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