Introduction to nxos64-cs.10.5.2.F.bin Software

The nxos64-cs.10.5.2.F.bin represents Cisco’s latest feature-enriched release for Nexus 9000 Series switches, continuing the evolution of its modular NX-OS architecture. Designed for enterprise data centers and cloud-scale networks, this firmware builds upon Cisco’s 15+ years of NX-OS development with enhanced automation capabilities and hardware integration.

Compatible with multiple Nexus 9500/9300 platform variants including:

  • Nexus 93180YC-FX
  • Nexus 9336C-FX2
  • Nexus 9504/9508 chassis with N9K-X9736C-FX line cards

The software operates on Cisco’s Linux-based kernel (5.10+ in this release), maintaining backward compatibility with configurations from NX-OS 7.x-10.x while introducing new management APIs.


Key Features and Improvements

​1. Enhanced Protocol Stack​
Implements BGP Add-Path support for EVPN routes and improved VXLAN multi-tenancy controls, enabling scalable spine-leaf architectures up to 10,000 endpoints.

​2. Security Updates​

  • TLS 1.3 default encryption for management plane
  • RBAC granularity improvements for network-admin roles
  • Certificate-based authentication for NX-API REST calls

​3. Hardware Optimization​
Full support for 400G-capable Nexus 9336D-H3R platforms, including:

  • Dynamic buffer allocation for mixed 100G/400G traffic profiles
  • Enhanced telemetry for QSFP-DD800 transceiver monitoring

​4. Reliability Enhancements​

  • Non-disruptive ISSU upgrades from 10.3(x) releases
  • Predictive failure analysis for power supplies and fans

Compatibility and Requirements

Component Supported Versions/Models
Chassis Nexus 9500 (Modular), Nexus 9300 (Fixed)
Supervisor Engines N9K-SUP-A/B/C, N9K-SUP1
Line Cards N9K-X9716D-GX, N9K-X9636C-R, N9K-X9736C-FX
Minimum RAM 16GB (32GB recommended for telemetry features)
Bootloader 16.1(1r) or later

​Critical Compatibility Notes​

  • Requires BIOS version 07.69 for Nexus 9332D-H2R switches
  • Incompatible with N9K-M12PQ fabric modules
  • Third-party optic support limited to Cisco-validated modules

Accessing the Software Package

To obtain nxos64-cs.10.5.2.F.bin through authorized channels:

  1. Verified Cisco partners may download directly from Cisco Software Center
  2. Registered users can access via Cisco IOS Hub after license validation
  3. TAC-assisted deployment available for Smart Accounts with Service Connection enabled

For enterprise support contracts, contact your Cisco account team to validate upgrade paths and review the complete release notes covering 23 resolved defects and 4 open caveats.


This article synthesizes information from Cisco’s Nexus 9000 Series documentation portal and technical advisories. Always validate configurations against official compatibility matrices before deployment.

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