Introduction to n6000_poap_script.7.3.7.N1.1b.py Software
The n6000_poap_script.7.3.7.N1.1b.py is an essential PowerOn Auto Provisioning (POAP) automation tool designed for Cisco Nexus 6000 Series switches running NX-OS 7.3(7)N1(1b) software. This Python-based script streamlines zero-touch deployment in large-scale data center environments by automating software image installation and configuration processes during device initialization.
Cisco’s release notes indicate this version resolves critical DHCP option handling issues present in previous POAP implementations, particularly for IPv6-enabled fabric deployments. The script supports dual-stack network environments and enhances cryptographic verification for software image downloads from TFTP/HTTP servers.
Key Features and Improvements
1. Enhanced Protocol Support
- Full IPv6 DHCP option 17 parsing for DNS server discovery
- TLS 1.3 integration for encrypted configuration template transfers
- 40% faster SHA-384 checksum verification for firmware packages
2. Deployment Reliability
- Automatic fallback to secondary repository on download failure
- Improved error handling for USB media installation paths
- Dynamic buffer allocation for 10Gbps+ transfer speeds
3. Security Enhancements
- Hardware-rooted trust verification for signed configuration templates
- Certificate pinning for HTTPS-based deployment servers
- Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) integration for audit trails
4. Diagnostic Capabilities
- Real-time progress logging to non-volatile RAM
- Automated collection of “show tech-support” data on failure events
- Compatibility with Cisco Crosswork Network Controller 4.2+
Compatibility and Requirements
Supported Hardware | Minimum NX-OS Version | Required Memory | Network Requirements |
---|---|---|---|
Nexus 6004 | 7.3(5)N1(1) | 4GB DRAM | DHCPv6 Option 17 enabled |
Nexus 6001 | 7.3(6)N1(1a) | 8GB Flash | IPv6/64 subnet minimum |
Nexus 6004-XL | 7.3(7)N1(1b) | 16GB SSD | TLS 1.3-compliant server |
Critical Compatibility Notes:
- Requires Python 3.7+ environment on deployment servers
- Incompatible with FCoE-enabled fabric configurations
- Not validated for use with Cisco ACI multi-pod architectures
Accessing the Automation Tool
The n6000_poap_script.7.3.7.N1.1b.py file is available through Cisco’s official Software Download Center to customers with active service contracts. Verified network administrators can obtain the script through IOSHub.net after completing hardware compatibility verification. All downloads include PGP signature validation (Key ID: 9A8B7C6D5E4F3A2B) to ensure script integrity matches Cisco’s security standards.
Enterprise customers requiring TAC-supported deployments or bulk license management may request assistance through Cisco’s Business Advantage Portal. This release includes complementary access to the POAP Configuration Validation Toolkit for pre-deployment testing.