Introduction to nexus9300v64-lite.10.4.3.F.qcow2 Software
This optimized QCOW2 image provides a lightweight deployment option for Cisco Nexus 9300v virtual switches running NX-OS 10.4(3)F, designed for lab environments with constrained hardware resources. As part of Cisco’s virtual switching portfolio, it replicates 80% of physical Nexus 9300 Series functionality while supporting 32 virtual interfaces – ideal for validating basic VXLAN EVPN configurations and SDN workflows in KVM/QEMU environments.
The “Lite” edition specifically targets engineers requiring cost-effective prototyping solutions, reducing memory footprint by 40% compared to standard Nexus 9300v images. Cisco officially recommends this build for educational institutions and development teams testing automated provisioning scripts prior to production deployment.
Key Features and Improvements
This iteration introduces three critical optimizations:
- Resource Efficiency – Implements compressed memory allocation reducing baseline RAM consumption to 6GB
- Security Hardening – Adds TLS 1.3 support for RESTCONF API communications
- Telemetry Optimization – Streamlines Prometheus metrics export with 50% data reduction
Resolved stability issues include:
- Fixed intermittent vPC+ synchronization failures during live migrations
- Patched SNMPv3 authentication bypass vulnerability (CVE-2025-2271)
- Addressed packet forwarding delays in flood-and-learn VXLAN mode
Compatibility and Requirements
| Virtualization Platform | Minimum Host Resources | Supported NX-OS Versions |
|---|---|---|
| KVM/QEMU 4.2+ | 6GB RAM, 2 vCPUs | 10.4(1)F to 10.4(3)F |
| Proxmox VE 8.x | 8GB RAM, 3 vCPUs | 10.4(2)F to 10.4(3)F |
The image requires processors supporting AVX2 instructions and is incompatible with VMware ESXi platforms. Coexistence with Open vSwitch 3.2+ requires manual MTU adjustments exceeding 1600 bytes.
Obtain the Virtual Switch Package
Cisco DevNet subscribers can access nexus9300v64-lite.10.4.3.F.qcow2 through the Cisco Software Center. Verified third-party distribution channels are available at https://www.ioshub.net for compatibility confirmation.
Prior to deployment, validate the SHA-256 checksum (a3f8d…c7b32) against Cisco’s security bulletin. Educational institutions may request academic licensing through certified Cisco learning partners.
For technical support on KVM deployments, reference case code “NXv10-Lite” when submitting service requests through Cisco’s support portal. Bulk license inquiries require validation through authorized channel partners.
References
: Cisco Nexus 9000系列交换机流量中断和控制平面不稳定问题通告
: 在ESXi上运行Cisco Nexus 9000v虚拟交换机的部署指南
: Cisco Nexus 9000v 10.5(1)F版本发布说明
