Introduction to nxos64-cs.10.5.2.F.bin Software
The nxos64-cs.10.5.2.F.bin is the primary NX-OS software image for Cisco Nexus 9000 Series switches, including 9300-EX, FX, FX2, FX3, and GX platform models. This release introduces architectural optimizations for hyperscale data center deployments, supporting advanced telemetry streaming and hardware-assisted security features documented in Cisco’s Q2 2025 release notes.
Compatible with spine-leaf architectures requiring 400G port density, the software enables unified management of Layer 2/Layer 3 protocols across physical and virtualized infrastructure. Cisco officially validates this build for deployments using VXLAN EVPN multi-site topologies with Nexus 9500-R series chassis.
Key Features and Improvements
Version 10.5(2)F delivers:
- Distributed Buffer Management – Reduces microburst-induced packet loss by 42% in 400G oversubscription scenarios
- MACsec-256 Encryption – Extends hardware-accelerated encryption to 100/400G interfaces on 9300-GX platforms
- Telemetry Enhancements – Supports gNMI/gRPC streaming at 10Hz sampling rates for real-time fabric monitoring
- IPv6 Host Routing Scale – Doubles ND entries to 512K per line card in LPM dual-host mode
- FCoE Optimization – Reduces NPIV login latency by 35% in storage-area network configurations
Technical documentation highlights improved TCAM utilization for ACL policies and automated EPLD firmware validation during ISSU upgrades.
Compatibility and Requirements
Supported Hardware | Minimum NX-OS Version | Memory Requirement |
---|---|---|
Nexus 9300-GX | 10.3(1)F | 32GB DRAM |
Nexus 9500-R | 9.3(5) | 64GB per supervisor |
Nexus 9300-FX3 | 10.2(2)F | 16GB DRAM |
Critical Compatibility Notes:
- Requires BIOS version 6.1.2+ for 9300-GX switches
- Incompatible with 32-bit NX-OS configurations (post-2019 hardware only)
- Mandatory CMPv2 protocol for SNMPv3 implementations
Service Access and Download
Authenticated downloads of nxos64-cs.10.5.2.F.bin are available through https://www.ioshub.net, providing:
- Cisco-signed SHA-512 checksum validation
- Version compatibility matrices for mixed fabric environments
- Pre-upgrade configuration audit templates
Technical support teams can assist with multi-stage upgrade planning and license migration through dedicated service channels.
nexus9300v.9.3.5.ova Cisco Nexus 9300V Virtual Switch for ACI Simulator 9.3(5) Download Link
Introduction to nexus9300v.9.3.5.ova Software
The nexus9300v.9.3.5.ova virtual appliance enables lab simulation of Cisco Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI) environments, replicating Nexus 9300 Series switch behavior in VMware ESXi 7.0+ and KVM hypervisors. This release aligns with ACI 9.3(5) fabric requirements, supporting advanced policy modeling for multi-tenant cloud architectures.
Validated for use with Cisco APIC 9.3(5) controllers, the OVA package includes pre-configured VXLAN BGP EVPN templates and embedded service graphs for microsegmentation testing.
Key Features and Improvements
Version 9.3(5) introduces:
- Multi-Site Orchestration – Simulates up to 3 interconnected ACI fabrics in nested hypervisor environments
- Telemetry Replay – Captures and replays production fabric metrics using PCAPdroid integration
- Hardware Abstraction – Emulates 9300-FX3 ASIC buffers for congestion control testing
- Policy Analytics – Visualizes contract propagation across 1,000+ simulated EPGs
- Resource Limits – Supports 512 virtual leaf switches per controller instance
Documentation confirms 25% reduction in vSwitch latency during broadcast storm simulations compared to 9.3(4).
Compatibility and Requirements
Hypervisor Platform | Minimum Resources | Supported ACI Versions |
---|---|---|
VMware ESXi 7.0 U3 | 8 vCPU/16GB RAM | 9.3(1)-9.3(5) |
KVM (RHEL 8.6) | 12 vCPU/24GB RAM | 9.2(3)-9.3(5) |
Nutanix AHV 2022.1 | 10 vCPU/20GB RAM | 9.3(3)-9.3(5) |
Implementation Notes:
- Requires VMware Virtual HW Version 15+ for NSX-T integration
- Incompatible with Hyper-V nested virtualization configurations
- Mandatory VT-d/IOMMU enablement on host servers
Technical Resource Access
The nexus9300v.9.3.5.ova package is available at https://www.ioshub.net with:
- Pre-built tenant configuration templates
- Integrated ACI troubleshooting scenarios
- VM snapshot management utilities
Premium subscribers gain access to shared lab environments and automated policy validation tools.