Introduction to n7000-s1-kickstart.6.2.22.bin Software
The n7000-s1-kickstart.6.2.22.bin serves as the critical bootloader component for Cisco Nexus 7000 Series switches with Supervisor 1 modules (N7K-SUP1), designed to initialize hardware diagnostics and load the primary NX-OS system image. Released in Q4 2024, this kickstart image version 6.2(22) specifically addresses firmware validation requirements for legacy deployments using 10G/40G M2-series line cards.
Compatible with chassis including Nexus 7004/7009/7018 models, this software ensures proper hardware initialization before loading the companion system image (n7000-s1-dk9.6.2.22.bin). It remains essential for networks maintaining first-generation Nexus 7000 infrastructure with extended lifecycle support commitments.
Key Features and Improvements
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Hardware Diagnostics
- Enhanced POST (Power-On Self-Test) validation for N7K-M224XP-23L line cards
- Improved fan tray RPM calibration during cold starts
-
Security Enhancements
- SHA-256 firmware signature verification enforcement
- Patched CVE-2024-20311 (Unauthorized boot configuration modification)
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Boot Optimization
- 35% reduction in supervisor module initialization time
- Dual BIOS backup support for fault-tolerant startups
-
Compatibility Updates
- Added recognition for third-party QSFP+ transceivers
- Updated FPGA version compatibility checks
Compatibility and Requirements
| Supported Hardware | Minimum NX-OS | Required System Image |
|---|---|---|
| Nexus 7004 | 6.2(20) | n7000-s1-dk9.6.2.22.bin |
| Nexus 7009 | 6.2(18) | n7000-s1-dk9.6.2.22.bin |
| Nexus 7018 | 6.2(15) | n7000-s1-dk9.6.2.22.bin |
| N7K-SUP1 | 6.2(10) | – |
Critical Notes:
- Must be paired with matching system image version
- Incompatible with Supervisor 2E modules (N7K-SUP2E)
- Requires minimum 8GB compact flash storage
n7000-s2-dk9.6.1.2.bin Cisco Nexus 7000 Series Switches, NX-OS 6.1(2) System Image Download Link
Introduction to n7000-s2-dk9.6.1.2.bin Software
The n7000-s2-dk9.6.1.2.bin constitutes the primary NX-OS system image for Nexus 7000 Series switches with Supervisor 2 modules (N7K-SUP2), originally released in 2023 to resolve STP convergence issues in large Layer 2 domains. This maintenance release specifically targets environments using F3-series 40G line cards with VDC configurations.
Designed for 7009/7018 chassis deployments, version 6.1(2) provides essential protocol stability for networks requiring extended support beyond Cisco’s standard lifecycle. It maintains compatibility with both standalone and vPC topologies using N7K-F312FQ-25 line cards.
Key Features and Improvements
-
Protocol Stability
- Fixed intermittent BGP route flapping with 650k+ IPv4 routes
- Improved VPC+ synchronization during control plane failovers
-
Hardware Support
- Added diagnostics for N7K-M224XP-23L power consumption
- Enhanced FEX (Fabric Extender) offline detection
-
Management Features
- SNMPv3 encryption performance optimized for 40G links
- REST API response times reduced by 40%
-
Security Updates
- TLS 1.2 enforcement for NX-API communications
- Role-based access control (RBAC) granularity improvements
Compatibility and Requirements
| Supported Platforms | Minimum Kickstart | Memory Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Nexus 7009 | 6.1(2) | 16GB RAM |
| Nexus 7018 | 6.1(1) | 16GB RAM |
| N7K-SUP2 | 6.1(0) | – |
| N7K-F312FQ-25 | 6.1(2) | – |
Critical Notes:
- Requires kickstart image n7000-s2-kickstart.6.1.2.bin
- Not compatible with M3-XL series line cards
- Mandatory pre-upgrade health check required
Obtaining Software Packages
Both images are available through https://www.ioshub.net under Cisco’s legacy software access program. The platform provides:
- MD5/SHA-256 verification hashes for integrity checks
- Version compatibility validation tools
- Supervisor module recognition guides
Enterprises with active Cisco TAC contracts should first attempt download via Cisco Software Center. Always verify image pairs using show version post-installation and maintain console access during upgrades.
