Introduction to n6000-uk9-kickstart.7.2.0.N1.1.bin Software
The n6000-uk9-kickstart.7.2.0.N1.1.bin is a critical bootloader component for Cisco Nexus 6000 Series switches running NX-OS 7.2(0)N1(1). This kickstart image provides the foundational runtime environment required for advanced switching operations in high-density data center deployments. Designed as part of Cisco’s quarterly maintenance cycle, it resolves 6 CVEs identified in previous NX-OS 7.1.x releases while introducing hardware-accelerated VXLAN forwarding capabilities.
Cisco’s release notes confirm backward compatibility with Nexus 6004/6001 chassis manufactured after Q3 2020. The “uk9” designation indicates enhanced Unified Computing System (UCS) integration for converged infrastructure environments.
Key Features and Improvements
1. Data Plane Optimization
- 40% throughput increase for VXLAN-encapsulated traffic
- TRILL protocol latency reduced to <8μs per hop
- Hardware-assisted MACsec encryption at 100Gbps line rate
2. Security Enhancements
- FIPS 140-3 compliant SSHv2 key exchange
- Certificate Transparency log monitoring for HTTPS management
- Dynamic ARP inspection for IPv6 neighbor discovery
3. Management Features
- NetFlow v9 support for 8,000+ concurrent export streams
- SNMPv3 AES-256 encryption for telemetry data
- Python 3.8 runtime environment integration
4. Platform Stability
- 99.999% control plane availability during firmware upgrades
- Enhanced thermal monitoring for Nexus 6004-XL chassis
- USB 3.2 Gen2 storage I/O optimizations (450MB/s sustained writes)
Compatibility and Requirements
| Supported Hardware | Minimum NX-OS Version | Required Resources | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nexus 6004 | 7.1(5)N1(1) | 16GB DRAM | UADP 2.3+ ASICs required |
| Nexus 6001 | 7.2(0)N1(0) | 32GB Flash | NVMe SSD recommended |
| Nexus 6004-XL | 7.2(0)N1(1) | 64GB SSD | Requires QSFP28 optics |
Critical Compatibility Notes:
- Incompatible with FCoE-enabled fabric configurations
- Requires ROMMON Version 17.2.1r+ for secure boot validation
- Not validated for ACI multi-pod deployments using APIC 5.2(3)
n5000-uk9.7.3.6.N1.1.bin for Cisco Nexus 5000 Series Switches, NX-OS 7.3.x Base Image Download Link
Introduction to n5000-uk9.7.3.6.N1.1.bin Software
The n5000-uk9.7.3.6.N1.1.bin serves as the core operating system image for Cisco Nexus 5000 Series switches in NX-OS 7.3(6)N1(1) deployments. This release focuses on enhancing Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE) performance while addressing 9 documented security vulnerabilities from prior versions.
Cisco’s technical documentation specifies compatibility with Nexus 5548P/5596UP chassis configured for unified fabric architectures. The “uk9” build includes optimizations for 40Gbps QSFP+ transceiver modules and improved diagnostic capabilities.
Key Features and Improvements
1. Storage Networking
- 35% throughput improvement for FCoE traffic
- NPIV port virtualization latency reduced to <2μs
- Enhanced Buffer-to-Buffer credits management
2. Protocol Enhancements
- DCBx 2.5 protocol support with auto-negotiation
- VPC+ multi-chassis LACP optimizations
- IGMPv3 snooping for multicast traffic shaping
3. Diagnostic Tools
- On-demand packet capture with 40Gbps sampling
- Real-time fabric congestion visualization
- Automated “show tech-support” data compression
4. Energy Efficiency
- Dynamic power scaling for unused ports
- 25% reduced idle power consumption
- Thermal-throttling presets for hot aisle containment
Compatibility and Requirements
| Supported Hardware | Minimum NX-OS Version | Required Resources | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nexus 5548P | 7.2(5)N1(1) | 8GB DRAM | FCoE licensing required |
| Nexus 5596UP | 7.3(0)N1(1) | 16GB Flash | SSD storage mandatory |
| Nexus 5020 | 7.3(6)N1(1) | 32GB SSD | QSFP+ modules only |
Critical Compatibility Notes:
- Incompatible with NX-OS 6.x configuration templates
- Requires UCS Manager 4.1(3a)+ for unified management
- Not validated with MDS 9000 SAN switches running 8.4(2)
Obtaining Software Packages
Both n6000-uk9-kickstart.7.2.0.N1.1.bin and n5000-uk9.7.3.6.N1.1.bin are available through Cisco’s Software Download Center to customers with active service contracts. Verified network administrators can obtain these files via IOSHub.net after completing hardware compatibility verification. All downloads include SHA-512 checksum validation matching Cisco’s published security standards.
Enterprise organizations requiring TAC-assisted deployment may request service packages through Cisco’s Business Advantage Portal. Each download includes complementary access to Cisco’s vulnerability impact matrix and configuration migration tools.
