Introduction to “nexus9500v64.10.2.1.F.ova” Software
The “nexus9500v64.10.2.1.F.ova” is a virtual appliance image for Cisco Nexus 9500 Series modular switches running NX-OS software in standalone mode. Designed for network simulation and testing environments, this OVA file enables engineers to emulate the functionality of physical Nexus 9500 devices in virtualized infrastructures. As part of Cisco’s NX-OS 10.2(1)F release train, it provides feature parity with hardware deployments while supporting advanced data center networking capabilities.
Compatible with VMware ESXi and KVM hypervisors, this virtual switch image allows administrators to validate configurations, test software upgrades, and develop automation workflows without requiring physical hardware. The 64-bit architecture ensures optimized performance for large-scale network topologies.
Key Features and Improvements
This release introduces several critical enhancements:
-
Distributed Forwarding Architecture
Implements hardware-accelerated packet processing through virtual line cards, mirroring the physical Nexus 9500’s modular design. -
Security Enhancements
- MACsec encryption support for L2 traffic
- Improved RBAC with TACACS+ integration
- Streamlined ACL management through VRF-aware policies
-
Protocol Updates
- BGP EVPN control plane optimizations
- VXLAN multi-site replication improvements
- Enhanced PTP (Precision Time Protocol) synchronization
-
Telemetry Advancements
- NetFlow-Lite integration for virtual interfaces
- Enhanced SPAN session monitoring capabilities
-
Resource Optimization
Dynamic allocation of virtual CPU and memory resources based on traffic patterns.
Compatibility and Requirements
| Category | Supported Specifications |
|---|---|
| Hardware Platforms | Nexus 9504, 9508, 9516 chassis |
| Hypervisors | VMware ESXi 7.0+, KVM (QEMU 5.0+) |
| Host Resources | 16 vCPU, 64GB RAM, 120GB storage minimum |
| Network Adapters | VMXNET3, SR-IOV (Intel 82599/X710) |
| Management | Cisco DCNM 12.x, Ansible 2.9+ |
Known limitations include lack of support for:
- Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE)
- Cisco TrustSec hardware acceleration
- Cross-hypervisor live migration
Accessing the Software
The “nexus9500v64.10.2.1.F.ova” file is available through Cisco’s official software distribution channels. As a licensed Cisco partner, https://www.ioshub.net can facilitate access to this virtual switch image for qualified enterprise users.
For download authorization:
- Verify active Cisco service contract coverage
- Provide valid CCO ID and organization details
- Complete export compliance documentation
Contact our service team via [email protected] to initiate the secure transfer process. Typical delivery includes:
- OVA image file
- SHA512 checksum verification
- Quick start deployment guide
Cisco recommends validating the cryptographic hash post-download to ensure image integrity before deployment.
