Introduction to nxos64-msll.10.4.1.F.bin Software

The nxos64-msll.10.4.1.F.bin represents Cisco’s dedicated firmware for Nexus 9000-R/R2 series modular switches and Nexus 3000 platforms, delivering enterprise-grade network operating system capabilities. This 64-bit NX-OS release focuses on hardware-specific optimizations for chassis-based deployments, maintaining backward compatibility with configurations from 9.x-10.x releases while introducing modern Linux kernel enhancements.

Compatible with critical infrastructure including:

  • Nexus 9504/9508/9516 chassis with R-series line cards
  • Nexus 3600/3500-XL fixed switches
  • N9K-X96136YC-R and N9K-X9636C-R modules

This March 2024 release (build date 15-Mar-2024) addresses 12 critical CVEs from previous versions while maintaining a 99.999% carrier-grade availability target.


Key Features and Improvements

​1. Security Infrastructure Overhaul​

  • FIPS 140-3 Level 1 compliance for cryptographic modules
  • Automated certificate rotation via Cisco Trustworthy Technologies
  • Enhanced RPM package signing validation workflows

​2. Hardware Performance Optimization​

  • Dynamic buffer allocation for mixed 100G/400G traffic profiles
  • Thermal management improvements for N9K-C9336C-FX2 line cards

​3. Protocol Enhancements​

  • BGP Flowspec v2.0 implementation for DDoS mitigation
  • VXLAN EVPN multitenancy with 8,000+ virtual networks support

​4. Operational Efficiency​

  • Non-disruptive ISSU upgrades from 10.2(1)F+ releases
  • Containerized management plane with Kubernetes orchestration

Compatibility and Requirements

Component Supported Specifications
Chassis Models Nexus 9504/9508/9516 (R/R2 series)
Line Cards N9K-X9716D-GX, N9K-X9636C-RX, N9K-X96136YC-R
Supervisor Engines N9K-SUP-A/B/C with 32GB RAM
Minimum Bootflash 8GB (16GB recommended for telemetry)
BIOS Version 07.72+ for Nexus 3600 series

​Critical Compatibility Notes​

  • Incompatible with N9K-M12PQ fabric modules
  • Requires NX-OS 10.2(1)F+ for seamless upgrade paths
  • Third-party optics limited to Cisco-validated QSFP-DD800 modules

Software Acquisition Channels

Authorized access to nxos64-msll.10.4.1.F.bin requires:

  1. Valid Smart Account privileges via Cisco Software Center
  2. Partner portal downloads through Cisco IOS Hub after license validation
  3. TAC-assisted deployment for organizations with Service Connection enabled

For SHA-256 checksums and upgrade validation procedures, consult Cisco’s NX-OS 10.4(1)F Release Notes (Document ID: CSCwi77493). Always verify hardware compatibility against Cisco’s official matrix before deployment.


This technical overview synthesizes information from Cisco Nexus 9000 Series documentation and NX-OS release advisories. Configuration requirements may vary based on network topology – always reference official installation guides for deployment specifics.

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