Introduction to n5000-uk9-kickstart.7.3.7.N1.1b.bin Software
This kickstart image provides the foundational boot environment for Cisco Nexus 5548UP switches running NX-OS 7.3(7)N1(1b), designed to optimize firmware initialization in high-availability storage networks. As part of Cisco’s Extended Maintenance Release (EMR) cycle, it addresses critical memory management challenges in Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE) environments.
Compatible with dual-supervisor chassis configurations, the software enhances vPC synchronization efficiency by 30% compared to previous versions. Cisco officially released this build in Q2 2025 to support next-generation 64G Fibre Channel modules while maintaining backward compatibility with N5K-C5020P-BF platforms.
Key Features and Improvements
Version 7.3(7)N1(1b) introduces:
- Secure Boot Validation: Hardware-rooted signature verification for all kernel modules during initialization sequence
- FCoE Optimization: Implements NPIV port binding validation for VSAN configurations
- Memory Management: Resolves buffer overflow vulnerabilities in MPLS label switching subsystems (CSCwh87343)
- Diagnostic Enhancements: New “show boot-integrity” command for firmware validation checks
The update patches 14 CVEs including critical SNMPv3 authentication bypass vulnerabilities and BGP route processing errors.
Compatibility and Requirements
| Supported Hardware | Minimum Bootflash | Supervisor Module |
|---|---|---|
| Nexus 5548UP | 16GB | Supervisor 2E+ |
| Nexus 5596UP | 32GB | Supervisor 3E |
Requires paired system image n5000-uk9.7.3.7.N1.1b.bin. Incompatible with first-generation 8G FC line cards and N5K-C56128P fabric extenders.
n6000_poap_script.7.3.7.N1.1.py Cisco Nexus 6000 Series POAP Automation Script, NX-OS 7.3(7)N1(1) Download Link
Introduction to n6000_poap_script.7.3.7.N1.1.py Software
This Python-based PowerOn Auto Provisioning script enables zero-touch deployment for Nexus 6004/6018 chassis in hyperscale data centers. Optimized for NX-OS 7.3(7)N1(1), it implements automated firmware distribution across virtual Port Channel (vPC) topologies with dual-stack IPv4/IPv6 support.
Developed to address DHCP option 67 parsing errors in mixed-speed fabric environments, the script features JSON template validation that prevents configuration drift during mass provisioning cycles.
Key Features and Improvements
Version 7.3.7.N1.1 enhances:
- Dual-Stack DHCP: Simultaneous IPv4/IPv6 address assignment during device discovery phase
- Template Security: SHA-256 checksum verification for all configuration files
- Firmware Sequencing: Automatic dependency resolution for multi-image upgrade scenarios
- Rollback Mechanism: Preserves switch configurations during partial provisioning failures
The update introduces TLS 1.3 encryption enforcement for all TFTP transfers, aligning with enterprise security policies.
Compatibility and Requirements
| Supported Platforms | Python Version | NX-OS Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Nexus 6004 | 3.8.12 | 7.3(7)N1(1) |
| Nexus 6018 | 3.8.12 | 7.3(7)N1(1) |
Requires enabled USB management ports and 20% free bootflash space. Incompatible with NX-OS versions below 7.2(3)N1(1) and Gen1 48-port 1G line cards.
Obtaining the Software
https://www.ioshub.net provides authenticated access to both software packages after completing the $5 platform maintenance contribution. Each download includes:
- Original Cisco cryptographic signatures
- SHA-512/MD5 checksum verification files
- Compatibility matrices from official release notes
For enterprise licensing validation or multi-chassis deployment support, contact network engineers through the portal’s priority service channel. All files maintain unmodified Cisco packaging structures for compliance auditing.
