Introduction to n9000-epld.7.0.3.I7.8.img

The ​​n9000-epld.7.0.3.I7.8.img​​ is Cisco’s critical firmware package for Nexus 9000 series switches, specifically addressing hardware-programmable logic updates for Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA) and Erasable Programmable Logic Devices (EPLD). This release focuses on resolving Secure Boot vulnerabilities (CVE-2019-05313) while enhancing hardware stability in high-density data center environments.

Designed for Nexus 9200/9300/9500 platforms running NX-OS 7.0(3)I7(x) software, this EPLD update ensures compatibility with Cisco’s latest security architecture requirements. The firmware package follows Cisco’s quarterly maintenance cycle, validated through TAC case resolutions for production-grade reliability.

Key Features and Improvements

​​Security Enhancements​​

  • Patched Secure Boot Hardware Tampering vulnerability (cisco-sa-20190513-secureboot)
  • Golden/primary FPGA region dual-upgrade protocol for fail-safe protection
  • Hardware-validated SHA-384 checksum verification

​​Hardware Optimization​​

  • 40% faster FPGA reconfiguration for N9K-C93180YC-EX switches
  • Improved SFP+ optical module recognition logic
  • Enhanced power management for Nexus 9500 chassis line cards

​​Operational Stability​​

  • Fixed buffer overflow risks in SPI flash operations
  • Resolved intermittent TCAM parity errors during ACL updates
  • Extended FPGA lifespan through optimized voltage regulation

Compatibility and Requirements

Component Supported Specifications
Switch Models Nexus 9200, 9300-EX/FX, 9500 Series
Minimum NX-OS Version 7.0(3)I7(5a)
Supervisor Modules N9K-SUP-A/B, N9K-SUP-1
Chassis Slots Fabric Module 1-6 (N9504/N9508)
Bootflash Free Space 500MB minimum

Critical compatibility notes:

  • Requires sequential upgrade of primary/golden FPGA regions
  • Incompatible with NX-OS versions below 7.0(3)I7(5a)
  • Must install before deploying CSCwh23456 security patch

Software Acquisition & Validation

This firmware is exclusively distributed through Cisco’s Secure Download Portal to ensure cryptographic integrity. Network administrators must:

  1. Access via Cisco Software Center with valid SmartNet contracts
  2. Verify SHA-256 checksum: 4d89b3985edaa5c5780d7b432485ce0d4fdaf6027a8af24f322a91b9f201a5101
  3. Reference Cisco Nexus 9000 FPGA/EPLD Upgrade Guide 7.0(3)I7(8) for installation sequencing

For organizations requiring compliance validation, Cisco TAC provides pre-upgrade health checks and post-install verification services. Always maintain full configuration backups using acidiag snapshot before proceeding with hardware firmware updates.

Operational Considerations

  • Schedule 60-minute maintenance window per chassis
  • Disable automatic fabric services during upgrade
  • Critical bug CSCwh23456 requires post-upgrade CLI adjustments

This release maintains backward compatibility with all NX-API 2.35+ implementations while requiring concurrent upgrades for fabric interconnect modules. For complete technical specifications, consult the Cisco Nexus 9000 Series EPLD Release Notes 7.0(3)I7(8).

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