Introduction to nxos64-cs.10.3.3.F.bin Software
This Cisco NX-OS software package (version 10.3.3.F) provides critical infrastructure enhancements for Cisco Nexus 9000 Series switches, specifically designed for high-density data center operations. Released in Q2 2024 under Cisco’s Extended Maintenance cycle, it addresses 15 documented vulnerabilities while introducing hardware resource optimization for 400G/800G platforms.
The firmware supports Nexus 9300-EX/FX2/GX fixed switches and Nexus 9500 chassis with N9K-X9736C-EX line cards. It maintains backward compatibility with Cisco MDS 9700 Series SAN switches in unified fabric configurations.
Key Features and Improvements
Security Enhancements
- Patches buffer overflow vulnerability (CVE-2024-20399) in VXLAN control plane
- Implements FIPS 140-3 Level 2 compliance for cryptographic modules
- Adds MACsec 384-bit encryption for 800G interfaces
Performance Optimizations
- 22% reduction in TCAM utilization through enhanced ACL compression algorithms
- 35% faster FEX synchronization in vPC topologies
- Adaptive queueing for RoCEv2 traffic with DSCP-based prioritization
Protocol Upgrades
- BGP add-path support for 4-byte ASN configurations
- VRF-aware PIM sparse mode with MSDP mesh-group enhancements
- Precision Time Protocol (PTP) boundary clock accuracy improved to ±3ns
Compatibility and Requirements
Supported Hardware | Minimum Chassis | Required Supervisor |
---|---|---|
Nexus 9336C-FX2 | Fixed | N9K-SUP-C |
Nexus N9K-X9736C-EX | 9508/9516 | N9K-SUP-D |
Nexus 9300-GX | Modular | N9K-SUP-E |
Critical Notes
- Requires 32GB RAM minimum for control plane operations
- Incompatible with Nexus 9200/9300-FX3 platforms
- NX-API versions below 2.1 require separate upgrade
Obtaining the Software Package
This Cisco-proprietary firmware is exclusively available through:
- Cisco Software Center (valid service contract required)
- Smart Licensing Portal for cloud-managed deployments
- Authorized partners via Cisco Commerce Workspace
Enterprise customers with active support contracts can access verified distribution channels through https://www.ioshub.net, which provides SHA-512 checksum validation and bulk download support for multi-site deployments.
This technical summary integrates information from Cisco’s NX-OS 10.3(3)F Release Notes (Document ID: 78WX3902) and data center deployment guidelines. All performance metrics derive from Cisco’s internal testing published in Q1 2025 infrastructure reports.