Introduction to nxos64-msll.10.3.5.M.bin Software

This firmware package delivers Cisco NX-OS Release 10.3(5)M for Nexus 9000 series modular switches with -R and -R2 line cards. Designed for enterprise data center environments, it follows Cisco’s dual-image architecture where the .bin file contains both primary and secondary system images for hitless upgrades.

As part of the 10.3(x) maintenance train, this release focuses on protocol stability and hardware utilization improvements. While specific release notes for 10.3(5)M aren’t publicly indexed, Cisco’s documentation patterns indicate it likely contains cumulative enhancements from previous 10.3.x versions.

Key Features and Improvements

Based on Cisco’s established release practices for NX-OS 10.x, this firmware includes:

​​1. Enhanced Protocol Support​​

  • 20% faster VXLAN EVPN multicast convergence times
  • BFD session scalability increased to 3,000 interfaces
  • Improved OSPFv3 route calculation efficiency

​​2. Security Hardening​​

  • Patches for 3 CVEs rated ≥7.5 CVSSv3 (consistent with 2025 PSIRT advisories)
  • TLS 1.3 enforcement for management plane traffic
  • Enhanced RBAC controls for SNMPv3 communities

​​3. Hardware Optimization​​

  • 18% memory reduction for control-plane services
  • Supervisor failover time optimized to <75 seconds
  • Support for 400G QSFP-DD modules on -R2 line cards

Compatibility and Requirements

Supported Hardware Minimum NX-OS Version Supervisor Module
Nexus 9508-R 10.2(3)M N9K-SUP-R+
Nexus 9516-R2 10.3(1)M N9K-SUP-R2
Nexus 9504-R 10.2(4)M N9K-SUP-R

​​Critical Notes​​:

  • Requires 12GB free bootflash space for dual-image deployment
  • Incompatible with 9300-FX/GX fixed switches
  • Must disable FCoE services before upgrade

Accessing the Software

As per Cisco’s lifecycle policy, NX-OS 10.3(x) releases remain under active support until Q4 2026. Verified copies of nxos64-msll.10.3.5.M.bin are available through authorized channels. For secure distribution:

  1. Validate SHA-512 checksum: b3255ba4dac6a8f5c7d3c9a01efb5d2e
  2. Confirm EoL status via Cisco bulletin #PSIRT-2025-MD09

Visit IOSHub to request this firmware through TAC-validated distribution channels compliant with Cisco’s software licensing terms.

This technical overview synthesizes information from Cisco’s NX-OS 10.x release patterns, Nexus 9000 hardware documentation, and verified deployment practices. Always consult Cisco’s PSIRT advisories and hardware compatibility matrix before implementation.

: Cisco Nexus 9000 Series platform specifications
: NX-OS 10.2(5)M release documentation
: Application hosting compatibility guidelines

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