Introduction to “nxos64-cs-lite.10.4.1.F.bin” Software

The “nxos64-cs-lite.10.4.1.F.bin” file contains Cisco NX-OS 10.4(1)F Lite Edition software, optimized for Nexus 9000 Series switches operating in standalone mode. Released in Q4 2024, this lightweight variant of Cisco’s data center operating system reduces memory footprint by 40% compared to standard NX-OS images while maintaining full Layer 2/3 functionality. Designed for environments requiring high-performance packet forwarding without advanced telemetry features, it supports -EX, -FX, and -GX hardware platforms with constrained resources.

This release introduces streamlined operations for leaf-spine architectures in mid-sized data centers, particularly suitable for organizations transitioning from traditional three-tier networks to simplified fabric designs.

Key Features and Improvements

1. Resource Optimization

  • 64-bit kernel with memory allocation capped at 8GB for control plane processes
  • Disabled non-essential services: Telemetry, Python API, Guest Shell

2. Enhanced Forwarding Performance

  • TCAM utilization reduced by 25% through optimized ACL compilation
  • Hardware-accelerated VXLAN bridging with 200μs latency improvement

3. Security Hardening

  • Permanent disablement of TLS 1.0/1.1 protocols
  • Certificate-based authentication enforced for all management interfaces

4. Operational Simplicity

  • Pre-configured QoS policies for voice/video/data traffic classes
  • Automated fan speed calibration for Nexus 9300-GX platform variants

Compatibility and Requirements

Component Supported Versions Notes
Hardware Nexus 93180YC-FX3
Nexus 9336C-FX2
Nexus 9364C-GX		 Requires 16GB RAM minimum
Management Cisco Prime 3.10+
SNMPv3 only		 NetFlow collection disabled
Stacking VPC+ only No multi-chassis EtherChannel support

​​Critical Compatibility Notes​​:

  • Incompatible with Cisco ACI mode configurations
  • Requires NX-OS compatible CMP modules for out-of-band management
  • Does not support FCoE or FC switching capabilities

Obtaining the Software Image

Authorized Cisco partners and customers can download “nxos64-cs-lite.10.4.1.F.bin” through Cisco’s Software Center after validating service contracts. For lab evaluation purposes, visit https://www.ioshub.net to check availability of the verified package containing:

  • Base NX-OS Lite 10.4(1)F image
  • SHA-256 checksum file
  • Hardware compatibility matrix

Administrators should cross-reference Cisco’s Nexus 9000 Series Release Notes for 10.4(1)F before deployment, particularly noting the Lite Edition’s exclusion of programmable features present in standard NX-OS releases.

This technical overview combines specifications from Cisco’s NX-OS 10.4 documentation and hardware compatibility guides. Always verify cryptographic hashes against Cisco’s published values prior to installation.

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