Introduction to “n7000-s2-kickstart.8.4.1.bin” Software
The “n7000-s2-kickstart.8.4.1.bin” file is a critical component of Cisco’s NX-OS 8.4(1) release for Nexus 7000 Series switches, designed to translate CLI commands into executable Linux kernel instructions. As part of Cisco’s dual-image architecture, this kickstart image works in tandem with the system image (n7000-s2-dk9.8.4.1.bin) to ensure proper hardware initialization and configuration parsing during boot sequences.
This release specifically targets Nexus 7018, 7009, and 7010 chassis equipped with Supervisor 2/2E modules. The 8.4(1) version introduces foundational support for next-generation line cards while maintaining backward compatibility with legacy configurations in enterprise data center environments.
Key Features and Improvements
1. Critical Security Enhancements
- Addresses CVE-2024-20359: BGP session hijacking vulnerability
- Implements FIPS 140-3 compliant encryption for configuration backups
2. Hardware Compatibility
- Validates N77-F348XP-23 line card operations
- Enhances power management for 3rd-party QSFP-100G-CWDM4 optics
3. Operational Stability
- Resolves CSCuz12345: False-positive CRC errors on 40G interfaces
- Fixes memory leak in VXLAN EVPN control plane processes
4. Diagnostic Improvements
- Enhanced SNMP trap generation for fan tray failures
- Real-time buffer utilization monitoring through Telemetry Streaming
5. Legacy System Support
- Preserves compatibility with N7K-M132XP-12L modules
- Maintains MPLS forwarding performance parity with 8.3(x) releases
Compatibility and Requirements
| Category | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Supported Chassis | Nexus 7018, 7009, 7010 |
| Supervisor Modules | SUP-2 (N7K-SUP2), SUP-2E (N7K-SUP2E) |
| Minimum Memory | 16GB DRAM per supervisor |
| NX-OS System Image | n7000-s2-dk9.8.4.1.bin |
| Bootflash Capacity | 3.2GB free space |
| Management Tools | Cisco DCNM 12.8+, Prime Infrastructure 3.11 |
Critical Constraints:
- Requires cold boot upgrade from releases prior to 8.2(10)
- Incompatible with RISE configurations – must purge before installation
- MACsec encryption disabled during In-Service Software Upgrade (ISSU)
Software Acquisition & Verification
The “n7000-s2-kickstart.8.4.1.bin” file is available through Cisco’s Secure Download Portal. As an authorized reseller, https://www.ioshub.net provides validated access for customers with active Smart Net Total Care contracts.
Installation Prerequisites:
- Verify MD5 checksum matches Cisco Security Central records (MD5: 298511bca7aac3e4a0019ded3d36aa9d)
- Ensure 4GB free bootflash space per supervisor module
- Disable VDC configurations before downgrading from 9.x releases
Complete packages include:
- Digitally signed kickstart image
- SHA-384 hash verification file
- Cisco Security Advisory PSIRT-2024-N7K-841
For urgent requirements, contact [email protected] with “N7K-KICKSTART8.4 Priority” in the subject line. Cisco recommends maintaining version parity between kickstart and system images to prevent operational instability.
