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

  1. ​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
  1. ​Security Updates​
  • SHA-512 firmware signature validation enforcement
  • CoPP (Control Plane Policing) default policy hardening against DDoS vectors
  1. ​Protocol Optimizations​
  • IS-IS overload-bit propagation delay reduced to <200ms
  • PIM-SSM join latency improvements for 64K+ multicast groups
  1. ​Hardware Compatibility​
  • Added QSFP-DD 800G interface support for N9K-X9716D-GX line cards
  • Enhanced FEX 2348TQ compatibility matrix
  1. ​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)

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