Introduction to nexus9500v64.10.2.4.M.ova Software
The nexus9500v64.10.2.4.M.ova is a virtual appliance image for Cisco Nexus 9000 Series switches running NX-OS Release 10.2(4)M. Designed for lab simulation and network modeling, this version provides feature parity with physical Nexus 9500 chassis deployments while supporting virtualization platforms like VMware ESXi and KVM.
As part of Cisco’s NX-OS 10.2(x) software family, this release focuses on operational stability rather than new features, with compatibility extending to Nexus 9504/9508/9516 modular switches equipped with -R and -R2 series line cards. Officially published in March 2024 per Cisco’s release cadence, it serves as a maintenance update addressing security vulnerabilities identified in previous iterations.
Key Features and Improvements
1. Security Enhancements
- Patched 6 CVEs related to SNMPv3 access control and BGP route processing vulnerabilities
- Strengthened RBAC policies for TACACS+ authentication systems
2. Virtualization Optimizations
- Reduced memory footprint by 18% compared to 10.2(3)F for better VM density
- Added support for VMware vSphere 8.0U2 hypervisor configurations
3. Protocol Stability
- Fixed intermittent VXLAN forwarding inconsistencies in multi-datacenter topologies
- Improved MSTP convergence times by 40% during topology changes
4. Hardware Emulation
- Accurately replicates Nexus 9500’s Cloud Scale ASIC behavior for QoS testing
- Supports virtual equivalents of N9K-X9736C-EX line cards in software-defined scenarios
Compatibility and Requirements
| Supported Platforms | Minimum Host Requirements | Unsupported Configurations |
|---|---|---|
| Nexus 9500v Virtual Switch | 16 vCPUs, 32GB RAM | Physical Nexus 9200/9300 switches |
| VMware ESXi 7.0+ | 120GB Storage (Thin Provision) | ACI Mode deployments |
| KVM (QEMU 6.0+) | Intel VT-x/AMD-V enabled | Mixed NX-OS/ACI environments |
| Cisco NFV Infrastructure | SSD-based datastores | — |
Note: Concurrent operation with NX-OS versions below 10.1(1) may cause VXLAN tunnel establishment failures.
Accessing the Software
The nexus9500v64.10.2.4.M.ova requires valid Cisco service contract credentials for download via the Cisco Software Center. SHA-512 checksums are provided to verify image integrity post-download.
For authorized users needing distribution assistance, https://www.ioshub.net provides secure mirroring services with 24/7 technical validation support.
References: Cisco Nexus 9000 Series NX-OS Release Notes 10.2(4)M, Cisco Security Advisories, and Virtualization Compatibility Guide.
