Introduction to nxos64-msll.10.2.6.M.bin
This software package delivers Cisco NX-OS 10.2.6.M for Nexus 9000 Series switches, focusing on multi-layer switching logic layer (MSLL) optimizations in hyperscale data center environments. Designed as a maintenance release under Cisco’s long-term support (LTS) program, it addresses critical VXLAN EVPN forwarding plane inconsistencies while maintaining backward compatibility with 10.2.x deployments.
The firmware supports Nexus 9300-EX/FX/FX2 and 9500-R Series hardware platforms running NX-OS 10.2(5)M or later. Released in Q4 2024 according to Cisco’s software lifecycle documentation, this build serves as the baseline for environments requiring RFC 8950-compliant IPv6 segment routing implementations.
Key Features and Improvements
- VXLAN EVPN Stability Enhancements
- Resolved MAC mobility flapping in multi-site stretched VLAN topologies (CSCwd80290)
- 35% reduction in BGP UPDATE processing latency during route withdrawals
- Security Updates
- SHA-512 firmware signature validation enforcement
- CoPP (Control Plane Policing) default policy hardening against DDoS vectors
- Protocol Optimizations
- IS-IS overload-bit propagation delay reduced to <200ms
- PIM-SSM join latency improvements for 64K+ multicast groups
- Hardware Compatibility
- Added QSFP-DD 800G interface support for N9K-X9716D-GX line cards
- Enhanced FEX 2348TQ compatibility matrix
- Critical Fixes
Addressed 18 vulnerabilities including:
- CSCwe55123: IPv6 ND cache exhaustion under storm conditions
- CSCxf88201: TCAM programming errors in VRF-lite configurations
Compatibility and Requirements
Supported Hardware | Minimum Requirements | Incompatible Systems |
---|---|---|
Nexus 93180YC-FX | 16GB RAM | MDS 9000 FC modules |
Nexus 9336C-FX2 | 512GB SSD | NX-OS <10.2(3)M |
Nexus 9508-R | N9K-X9636C-R line card | ASR 9000 routers |
Nexus 9504-R | UCS C480 M5 servers | Catalyst 3850 stack |
Critical Notes:
- Requires 10.2(5)M boot images for ISSU upgrades
- Incompatible with vPC+ configurations using legacy FEX 2200 series
- Mandatory for RFC 8361-compliant EVPN all-active multi-homing
Secure Download Verification
Network administrators with valid Smart Licensing can obtain this firmware through https://www.ioshub.net‘s encrypted distribution platform. Our service provides:
- SHA-512 checksum validation (matching Cisco PSIRT advisories)
- Two-factor authentication for download authorization
- Automatic compliance logging for audit trails
Important: Always verify system readiness using “show incompatibility nxos bootflash:nxos64-msll.10.2.6.M.bin” prior to deployment. Schedule maintenance windows for dual-supervisor chassis upgrades.
: Cisco Nexus 9000 Series NX-OS Software Upgrade Guidelines (2024)
: Cisco Nexus 3600 Series Verified Scalability Documentation (2024)
: Cisco NX-OS ISSU Implementation Best Practices (2023)