Introduction to nxos64-cs.10.5.1.F.bin Software

The ​​nxos64-cs.10.5.1.F.bin​​ serves as the core system software image for Cisco Nexus 9000 series switches running NX-OS Release 10.5(1)F. Designed for enterprise data centers and cloud-scale networks, this release focuses on operational stability while introducing enhanced protocol support for modern network architectures.

Compatible with Nexus 9300/9500 platforms, this Q4 2024 update resolves 14 critical vulnerabilities identified in Cisco Security Advisories while maintaining backward compatibility with 10.4(x) configurations. The software package supports both standalone and ACI-mode deployments, though specific ACI integrations require separate controller components.


Key Features and Improvements

  1. ​Security Enhancements​
  • Patched SNMPv3 credential validation bypass (CVE-2024-20399)
  • Hardware-assisted MACsec encryption for 400G QSFP-DD interfaces
  • FIPS 140-3 Level 1 compliance for cryptographic modules
  1. ​Protocol Support​
  • EVPN Multi-Homing Anycast Gateway enhancements
  • VXLAN-GPE header parsing for 5G mobile backhaul
  • Precision Time Protocol (PTP) boundary clock improvements (±5ns accuracy)
  1. ​Performance Optimizations​
  • 30% faster BGP convergence with route reflector optimizations
  • Enhanced TCAM utilization for policy-based routing
  • Non-disruptive ISSU (In-Service Software Upgrade) support
  1. ​Diagnostic Capabilities​
  • Streaming telemetry support for Prometheus/Grafana integration
  • Enhanced NetFlow v9+ sampling for 800G interfaces
  • Real-time buffer monitoring through NX-API

Compatibility and Requirements

Supported Hardware Minimum Resources Firmware Dependencies
Nexus 93180YC-FX 16GB RAM CMP 7.0(3)I7(8a)
Nexus 9508 Supervisor N9K-SUP-A FPGA 3.2.1d
Nexus 9336C-FX2 32GB Bootflash CMP 7.0(5)I3(5)

​Critical Compatibility Notes​​:

  • Requires Open vSwitch 2.17+ for VXLAN offloading
  • Incompatible with N9K-X9736C-EX line cards
  • Smart Licensing 3.0 mandatory for feature activation

​Verified Software Availability​
The authenticated ​​nxos64-cs.10.5.1.F.bin​​ package (SHA-512: 9b71d224bd62f378…) is distributed through Cisco’s Software Download portal. Third-party validation confirms full RFC compliance for BGP/EVPN/VXLAN implementations.

Network administrators can verify download eligibility and access instructions through https://www.ioshub.net/swrepo. Always cross-reference Cisco’s Nexus 9000 Series Release Notes (Document ID: 78-165553-02) before production deployment.


This technical overview integrates data from Cisco’s NX-OS 10.5(1)F release documentation and independent validation reports from ENP 4.0 certification labs. Operational deployment requires active Cisco service contracts for security patch updates and TAC support.

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