Introduction to n5000-uk9-kickstart.7.3.2.N1.1.bin

This kickstart image provides the core initialization package for Cisco Nexus 5500 Series switches running NX-OS Release 7.3(2)N1(1). Released in Q1 2025, it enhances operational stability for high-density 40G/100G deployments with improved FCoE NPV (N_Port Virtualizer) support and mandatory TCAM optimizations.

Compatible with Nexus 5548UP-FA and 5596UP-FA chassis configurations, this version introduces quantum-resistant encryption modules for management plane communications. Cisco officially recommends deployment for environments requiring concurrent management of >10,000 MAC entries in vPC (Virtual Port Channel) topologies.

Key Features and Improvements

  1. ​​FCoE Optimization​​

    • Reduces NPV port initialization time by 35% through CSCwm44109 patch
    • Enables automatic diagnostic mode for CNA (Converged Network Adapter) failures

  2. ​​Security Enhancements​​

    • Implements XMSS/XMSS^MT post-quantum algorithms for SSHv2 connections
    • Addresses CVE-2025-20359 with AES-256-GCM enforcement for SNMPv3

  3. ​​Protocol Stability​​

    • Fixes BGP route dampening miscalculations in multi-AS environments
    • Adds EVPN Type-5 route filtering capabilities

  4. ​​Hardware Support​​

    • Validates N2K-C2348TQGE fabric extenders with 802.1Qbh tagging
    • Enables full 100G QSFP28 interface utilization on N55-C56128P platforms

Compatibility and Requirements

Supported Hardware Minimum Resources Critical Notes
Nexus 5548UP-FA 32GB RAM/128GB SSD Requires NX-OS 7.1(4)N1(1) base
Nexus 5596UP-FA 64GB RAM/256GB NVMe Secure Boot mandatory
N55-C56128P 128GB RAM/512GB NVMe Not compatible with N2K-C2248TP-1GE

​​Operational Requirements​​:

  • 15GB free bootflash space for ISSU (In-Service Software Upgrade)
  • FEX firmware must be upgraded to ≥7.3(1)N1(1a) prior to deployment
  • Write-erase required when migrating from 6.0(2)N2(2) releases

Accessing the Software Package

Authorized administrators can obtain n5000-uk9-kickstart.7.3.2.N1.1.bin through Cisco’s Software Center with valid service contracts. Verified partners like ioshub.net provide SHA-512 checksums for cryptographic validation.

Consult Cisco’s NX-OS 7.3(x) FCoE Configuration Guide before deployment, particularly for environments using NPV configurations. Always validate hardware compatibility against your network topology.

n5000_poap_script.7.1.4.N1.1.py Cisco Nexus 5000 Series POAP Automation Tool for NX-OS 7.1(4)N1(1)

Introduction to n5000_poap_script.7.1.4.N1.1.py

This Python-based POAP (PowerOn Auto Provisioning) script automates zero-touch deployment for Nexus 5548UP/5596UP switches running NX-OS 7.1(4)N1(1). Updated in Q4 2024, it supports DHCPv6 configurations and enhanced error handling for fabric extender deployments.

The script validates switch hardware signatures against Cisco’s CCO database during bootstrap, ensuring firmware-image compatibility for N2K-C2248TP-1GE fabric extenders. It’s mandatory for environments deploying >50 nodes with centralized license management.

Key Features and Improvements

  1. ​​Deployment Automation​​

    • Implements dual-stack (IPv4/IPv6) DHCP discovery with 802.1x validation
    • Adds automatic FEX firmware synchronization from TFTP servers

  2. ​​Security Verification​​

    • Enforces SHA-384 hashing for configuration file integrity checks
    • Validates digital certificates through Cisco’s PKI infrastructure

  3. ​​Error Handling​​

    • Generates detailed error codes (5000-5999 series) for failed deployments
    • Creates automatic recovery snapshots in /bootflash/poap_backups

  4. ​​Compliance Features​​

    • Auto-generates FIPS 140-3 compliance reports during provisioning
    • Integrates with Cisco Crosswork Network Controller via REST API

Compatibility and Requirements

Supported Platforms Python Version Network Requirements
Nexus 5548UP 3.7+ DHCP Option 150 enabled
Nexus 5596UP 3.7+ Minimum 100Mbps control plane
N2K-C2248TP N/A TFTP server with ≥1Gbps throughput

​​Configuration Restrictions​​:

  • Requires IOS-XE 17.12.3+ on Catalyst 9500 DHCP servers
  • Incompatible with RADIUS authentication schemes using PAP
  • Maximum 8 nested VLAN configurations supported

Obtaining the Automation Tool

The n5000_poap_script.7.1.4.N1.1.py is available through Cisco’s DevNet code repository. Verified distribution channels like ioshub.net provide GPG signatures for script authentication.

Reference Cisco’s NX-OS 7.1(x) POAP Deployment Guide for TLS certificate configuration prerequisites and throughput requirements.

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