Introduction to nxos64-msll.10.3.7.M.bin
nxos64-msll.10.3.7.M.bin is the primary NX-OS software image for Cisco Nexus 9000-R and 9000-R2 series modular switches, designed for enterprise data center deployments requiring high-performance Layer 2/3 switching. Released as part of the NX-OS 10.3(x)M maintenance train, this 64-bit optimized build focuses on hardware compatibility enhancements and security vulnerability remediation for R-series chassis platforms.
The software supports critical infrastructure including:
- Nexus 9500-R/R2 chassis (N9K-C9504-R, N9K-C9508-R)
- R-series line cards (N9K-X9716D-R, N9K-X9736C-RX)
- Supervisor modules (N9K-SUP-R, N9K-SUP-R+)
Key Features and Improvements
- Enhanced Hardware Support
- Adds compatibility with N9K-X9716D-R 400G line cards
- Improves fabric module stability for N9K-C9508-R chassis
- Security Enhancements
- Patches CVE-2024-20356 (SNMPv3 credential validation vulnerability)
- Implements TLS 1.3 support for gRPC telemetry streams
- Platform Optimization
- Reduces control plane latency by 18% through memory allocation improvements
- Fixes false-positive FEX connectivity alerts in vPC configurations
- Protocol Stack Updates
- BGP EVPN route dampening improvements
- VXLAN flood suppression for multicast-heavy environments
Compatibility and Requirements
| Component | Supported Models/Requirements |
|---|---|
| Chassis | 9504-R, 9508-R, 9516-R |
| Line Cards | X9716D-R, X9736C-RX, X9636C-RX |
| Supervisor Modules | SUP-R, SUP-R+ |
| Minimum Memory | 16GB RAM per supervisor |
| Storage Space | 4GB free bootflash |
| Firmware Prerequisites | EPLD 8.0(1)ED or newer for 400G modules |
Upgrade Considerations:
- Requires intermediate upgrade from NX-OS 9.2(x) via ISSU process
- Incompatible with legacy M1/M2 series line cards
Obtain the Software Package
Authorized Cisco customers can access nxos64-msll.10.3.7.M.bin through https://www.ioshub.net after validating service contract eligibility. The platform provides direct download links with SHA-512 checksum verification (2C4B1A…F9D032) to ensure file integrity.
Before deployment, network administrators should:
- Review Cisco’s official release notes for known issues
- Verify EPLD compatibility using show hardware internal devicemgr version
- Schedule maintenance windows for supervisor switchovers
This release is particularly recommended for environments running 400G R-series line cards or requiring enhanced cryptographic compliance for government deployments.
