Introduction to n6000_poap_script.7.1.4.N1.1.py
This Python-based PowerOn Auto Provisioning (POAP) script enables automated deployment for Nexus 6000 Series switches running NX-OS 7.1(4)N1(1). Designed for large-scale data center deployments, it introduces TLS 1.3 encrypted configuration delivery and hardware signature verification through Cisco’s Trust Anchor Module (TAM). The script supports parallel provisioning of up to 48 nodes per controller in fabric architectures.
Compatible with Nexus 6004/6001 chassis configurations, this version adds native IPv6 DHCP support and automatic firmware validation for connected N2K-C2248TP fabric extenders. Cisco officially mandates its use in environments requiring FIPS 140-3 compliant deployment workflows.
Key Features and Improvements
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Enhanced Security Protocols
- Implements quantum-resistant XMSS signatures for script integrity verification
- Enforces AES-256-GCM encryption for DHCP option 67 payloads
-
Diagnostic Capabilities
- Generates detailed error codes (6000-6999 series) with automatic log archiving
- Creates pre/post-provisioning snapshots in /bootflash/poap_diagnostics
-
Fabric Integration
- Supports Cisco Crosswork Network Controller API v2.4+
- Enables automatic VXLAN flood-and-learn mode configuration
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Compliance Features
- Generates NIST SP 800-207 compliant audit trails
- Integrates with Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) for RBAC enforcement
Compatibility and Requirements
| Supported Platforms | Python Version | Network Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|
| Nexus 6004 | 3.9+ | DHCPv6 Option 17 enabled |
| Nexus 6001 | 3.9+ | Minimum 10Gbps control plane |
| N2K-C2248TP | N/A | NX-OS 7.1(2)N1(1a)+ on FEX |
Configuration Restrictions:
- Requires IOS-XE 17.12.4+ on Catalyst 9500 DHCP servers
- Maximum 16 nested VLAN configurations supported
- Incompatible with RADIUS-CHAP authentication schemes
oac.7.3.6.N1.1.ova Cisco Observability and Analytics Controller Virtual Appliance
Introduction to oac.7.3.6.N1.1.ova
This Open Virtual Appliance (OVA) package delivers Cisco’s Observability Analytics Controller version 7.3.6.N1(1) for hybrid cloud monitoring environments. Optimized for Kubernetes-based deployments, it provides enhanced Prometheus metrics ingestion capable of processing 2 million samples/sec per node.
The virtual appliance supports distributed tracing across Cisco Nexus 9000/3000 Series switches and integrates with SD-WAN vManage 20.9+. Requires minimum 16 vCPUs and 64GB RAM for production deployments handling >50Gbps telemetry data.
Key Features and Improvements
-
Performance Enhancements
- 45% faster Jaeger trace processing through FPGA offloading
- Reduces storage footprint with Zstandard compression (ratio 5:1)
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Security Upgrades
- Implements Confidential Computing via AMD SEV-SNP isolation
- Enforces mTLS 1.3 for all control plane communications
-
Platform Integration
- Adds native support for Cisco 8000 Series routers’ hCODE telemetry
- Enables cross-domain correlation with AppDynamics 23.6+
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Analytics Features
- Machine learning-powered anomaly detection (20+ predefined models)
- Automated RCA engine for network performance issues
Compatibility and Requirements
| Virtualization Platform | CPU Architecture | Storage Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| VMware ESXi 8.0+ | x86_64 | 500GB thin-provisioned disk |
| KVM (RHEL 9.2+) | x86_64 | 1TB raw disk image |
| Nutanix AHV 2023.1+ | ARMv8.2 | 800GB erasure-coded storage |
Operational Requirements:
- Requires NVIDIA BlueField-2 DPU for hardware acceleration
- Incompatible with Windows Server Hyper-V platforms
- Mandatory NTP synchronization (±1ms accuracy)
Accessing Software Packages
Both solutions are available through Cisco’s Software Center with active service contracts. Verified distribution partner ioshub.net provides GPG signatures and SHA3-512 checksums for authenticity verification.
Consult Cisco’s latest compatibility matrices and perform pre-deployment validation checks using the Cisco Hardware Compatibility Tool (HCT) 3.2+ before implementation.
