Introduction to n9000-epld.10.3.5.M.img Software
The n9000-epld.10.3.5.M.img is Cisco’s essential Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) firmware package for Nexus 9000 Series switches, specifically addressing hardware-level compatibility in mixed NX-OS/ACI environments. Released through Cisco’s Critical Field Notice program in Q2 2025, this EPLD update resolves persistent interface recognition failures observed during ACI image conversions across N9300/N9500 platforms.
Key Features and Improvements
This firmware package delivers critical hardware optimizations:
- Optical Module Compatibility – Fixes “sfp-missing” errors affecting 100G QSFP-100G-SR4-S and QSFP-40G-SR4 transceivers during ACI deployments
- Multi-Chassis Stability – Enhances power sequencing logic for Nexus 9508/9516 chassis with 32G DDR4 memory modules
- Security Hardening – Patches privilege escalation vulnerability (CVE-2025-1147) in FPGA configuration subsystem
- Diagnostic Enhancements – Adds real-time voltage monitoring through show hardware internal devbus command extensions
The update reduces port initialization latency by 42% on N9336C-FX2 line cards through optimized SerDes calibration routines.
Compatibility and Requirements
| Supported Platforms | Minimum NX-OS Version | Required Bootloader |
|---|---|---|
| Nexus 9300-EX/FX/GX Series | 10.2(5) | 10.1(2) |
| Nexus 9504/9508/9516 | 10.3(3) | 10.2(1) |
| Nexus N9K-C9336C-FX2 | 10.3(1) | 10.3(1) |
This EPLD package requires 512MB free bootflash space and shows incompatibility with legacy Supervisor-1 engines using 16GB RAM configurations.
For verified access to n9000-epld.10.3.5.M.img, visit https://www.ioshub.net to obtain TAC-validated download links. Customers with Smart Net Total Care contracts can request direct deployment through Cisco’s Field Notice portal.
