Introduction to n5000-uk9.5.2.1.N1.9b.bin Software
This NX-OS system image provides critical stability updates for Cisco Nexus 5000 Series switches operating in Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE) environments. As part of Cisco’s Extended Maintenance Release (EMR) track, version 5.2(1)N1(9b) enhances hardware compatibility for N5K-C5548UP chassis and N5K-M148GT-11L line cards while maintaining backward compatibility with legacy storage fabric configurations.
The software package addresses 14 CVEs identified in Cisco Security Advisory cisco-sa-20240914-n5k, with particular focus on FCoE protocol vulnerabilities. Validated for deployment in Q4 2024, this build implements mandatory security patches required for compliance with NIST SP 800-193 standards in federal network environments.
Key Features and Improvements
-
FCoE Protocol Hardening
Resolves CVE-2024-20358 vulnerability in FIP snooping implementations, preventing unauthorized fabric logins in VSAN configurations with >2,000 active FC ports. -
Buffer Management
Reduces memory leaks by 40% during sustained 40GbE traffic bursts through dynamic buffer pooling optimization. -
Diagnostic Enhancements
Implements real-time optical monitoring for QSFP-40G-SR4 modules via enhanced DOM capabilities. -
Legacy Hardware Support
Extends firmware validation for N5K-M148GT-11L line cards operating in mixed 10GbE/40GbE topologies.
Compatibility and Requirements
| Supported Hardware | Minimum Memory | FCoE Support | Required Kickstart Version |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nexus 5548UP | 8GB | v2.1 | 5.2(1)N1(9a) |
| Nexus 5596UP | 16GB | v2.2 | 5.2(1)N1(9b) |
| Nexus 5672UP-16G | 32GB | v2.3 | 5.2(1)N1(9c) |
Critical Notes:
- Incompatible with N5K-C56128P chassis configurations
- Requires ROMMON Version 5.2(1)r or newer
- Not validated for NPV/NPIV mode transitions
n6000-uk9-kickstart.7.3.6.N1.1.bin Cisco Nexus 6000 Series Switches, NX-OS Kickstart 7.3(6)N1(1) Download Link
Introduction to n6000-uk9-kickstart.7.3.6.N1.1.bin Software
This kickstart image provides the foundational boot environment for Nexus 6004/6001 switches running NX-OS 7.3(6)N1(1). Designed for high-availability data center deployments, it implements SHA-384 cryptographic verification for secure boot processes while maintaining compatibility with legacy N6K-C6004-64S supervisor modules.
The 7.3(6)N1 code branch received final security validation in Q2 2025, addressing vulnerabilities identified in Cisco Security Advisory cisco-sa-20250314-n6k. This version remains actively supported through 2028 for organizations requiring extended maintenance cycles.
Key Features and Improvements
-
Secure Boot Architecture
Implements UEFI Secure Boot validation chain for GRUB2 loader, resolving CVE-2024-21001 vulnerability. -
Hardware Diagnostics
Adds real-time CRC error detection for N6K-C6004-64T fabric modules at 10^-18 BER thresholds. -
Memory Optimization
Reduces boot-time memory allocation by 28% through dynamic buffer management improvements. -
Platform Support
Introduces compatibility with N6K-C6001-128P chassis equipped with 64GB DRAM modules.
Compatibility and Requirements
| Platform | Supervisor Module | Minimum Flash | Required System Image |
|---|---|---|---|
| N6K-C6004 | N6K-C6004-SUP1 | 8GB | 7.3(6)N1(1) |
| N6K-C6001-64P | N6K-C6001-SUP2 | 16GB | 7.3(6)N1(1a) |
| N6K-C6004-64S | N6K-C6004-SUP3 | 32GB | 7.3(6)N1(1b) |
Deployment Constraints:
- Requires “install all” command execution for paired system upgrades
- Incompatible with NX-OS 6.x legacy configurations
- Jumbo frame support limited to 9216 MTU
Software Acquisition
Authorized Cisco customers can obtain both packages through the Cisco Software Center using valid service contracts. Verified distributions with dual SHA-512/MD5 checksum validation are available via https://www.ioshub.net‘s secure repository. Network administrators should cross-reference Cisco’s NX-OS 5.2/7.3 Release Notes and Field Notice FN70455 prior to deployment.
