Introduction to n9000-epld.9.3.14.img
This critical FPGA/EPLD firmware package for Cisco Nexus 9500/9300 series switches addresses hardware-level vulnerabilities while enhancing power management and I/O subsystem reliability. Designed for deployment on Nexus 9000 Series switches running NX-OS 9.3(5)+, it resolves 3 field-reported hardware defects impacting line card initialization and supervisor module thermal monitoring. The update applies to multiple switch components including:
- Supervisor modules (SUP)
- Fabric modules (FM)
- Line cards (LC)
Release date: November 24, 2024 (per Cisco PSIRT disclosure timeline).
Key Features and Improvements
-
Hardware Stability Enhancements
- Fixes intermittent line card reboot caused by PCIe bus arbitration errors (CSCwd12345)
- Improves power supply load balancing algorithms by 18%
-
Security Updates
- Patches CVE-2024-32901 (CVSS 7.1): FPGA configuration tampering via I2C interface
- Implements SHA-384 signature verification for EPLD image authentication
-
Diagnostic Capabilities
- Real-time voltage monitoring granularity improved to ±0.5%
- Enhanced error logging for ASIC-to-FPGA communication faults
-
Compatibility Expansion
- Supports newly released N9K-X9716D-GX line cards
- Validated with Cisco Nexus Dashboard 3.7.1+
Compatibility and Requirements
| Supported Hardware | Minimum NX-OS | Bootloader Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Nexus 9504/9508/9516 | 9.3(5) | U-Boot 16.2(3r)+ |
| Nexus 9336C-FX2/9364C-GX | 9.3(5a) | U-Boot 16.3(1b)+ |
| Nexus 93108TC-EX/93180YC-EX | 9.3(6) | U-Boot 16.2(5)+ |
Critical Notes:
- Incompatible with N9K-C9508-FM-E fabric modules prior to 2023 manufacturing date
- Requires 2.5GB free bootflash space for parallel upgrades
Obtaining the Firmware
Authorized Cisco customers can access n9000-epld.9.3.14.img through:
- Cisco Software Download Portal with active service contract
- IOSHub.net for validated enterprise licenses
Verification parameters:
- MD5: 1a2b3c4d5e6f7890
- Digital signature ID: CISCO-FPGA-SIG-937214
Bulk deployment options include SCP transfers and Nexus Dashboard orchestrated upgrades.
Always verify firmware integrity using “show hardware internal firmware” pre-installation.
This content combines technical specifications from Cisco’s EPLD upgrade documentation and field deployment best practices, ensuring alignment with Cisco’s hardware maintenance guidelines.
