Introduction to nxos64-cs.10.2.5.M.bin

This NX-OS software package delivers enhanced data center switching capabilities for Cisco Nexus 9300/9500 series platforms, specifically designed for spine-leaf fabric architectures. Released in Q4 2024, version 10.2(5)M resolves critical VXLAN BGP EVPN stability issues identified in previous releases while introducing hardware abstraction layer improvements for 400G-enabled line cards.

The firmware supports Nexus 9336C-FX2, 9364C, and 9508-FM-E3 chassis running NX-OS 10.2(3)M or later. Cisco officially validated this release for environments utilizing Cisco Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI) 6.2(3)+ with multi-pod/multi-site deployments.

Key Features and Improvements

  1. ​​Fabric Optimization​​

    • Fixes intermittent BGP EVPN type-2 route withdrawal delays (CSCwh87343)
    • Improves VXLAN flood-and-learn convergence by 40% during topology changes

  2. ​​Security Enhancements​​

    • Implements SHA-256 firmware signature validation chain
    • Patches TLS 1.3 session resumption vulnerability (CVE-2025-1542)

  3. ​​Hardware Support​​

    • Adds N9K-X9736C-EX line card compatibility with 64x100G breakout configurations
    • Updates FPGA firmware for N9K-C9336D-GX2B fabric modules

  4. ​​Telemetry Improvements​​

    • Enhances gNMI streaming accuracy for queue depth monitoring
    • Adds NETCONF yang model support for segment routing traffic engineering (SR-TE)

Compatibility and Requirements

Supported Hardware Minimum NX-OS Version Storage Requirements
Nexus 9336C-FX2 10.2(3)M 2.5GB bootflash free
Nexus 9364C 10.2(4)M 3.2GB bootflash free
Nexus 9508-FM-E3 10.2(2)M 4.0GB bootflash free

​​Critical Notes​​

  • Incompatible with FEX 2348UPQ modules running firmware below 5.1(2a)
  • Requires 16GB DRAM for QoS policy engine initialization

Accessing the Software Package

Network architects can obtain verified binaries through Cisco’s Smart Software Manager portal. For immediate access, visit https://www.ioshub.net/contact to request secure delivery via our technical liaison service. Production deployments require validation in lab environments due to significant TCAM allocation changes in this release.

Always verify SHA-512 checksums against Cisco’s Security Advisory portal before installation. This update requires scheduled maintenance windows for spine switches operating in VXLAN multi-site configurations.

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