Introduction to oac.7.3.4.N1.1.ova Software
The oac.7.3.4.N1.1.ova package provides Cisco’s virtual appliance solution for centralized network observability and automation control in hybrid cloud environments. Designed for Cisco DNA Center 2.3+ integrations, this Open Virtual Appliance (OVA) template delivers enhanced telemetry processing capabilities compatible with Nexus 9000/3000 series switches and Catalyst 9200/9300 platforms running IOS-XE 17.9+.
Released in Q2 2025, this maintenance update resolves critical TLS 1.3 handshake failures reported in multi-vendor SD-WAN deployments. The 7.3(4)N1(1) build supports simultaneous monitoring of up to 5,000 network endpoints while maintaining backward compatibility with Cisco Crosswork Network Controller 4.2.x ecosystems.
Key Features and Improvements
This version introduces enterprise-grade monitoring enhancements:
- Security Hardening
- FIPS 140-3 validated cryptographic modules for federal deployments
- Fixed CVE-2025-3281 (OpenSSL DSA key validation vulnerability)
- Performance Optimization
- 40% faster NetFlow v10 processing through FPGA acceleration
- Reduced memory footprint to 16GB minimum allocation
- Protocol Support
- Extended gNMI/gRPC telemetry collection for Catalyst 9600 switches
- Enhanced SNMPv3 context engine ID management
- Diagnostic Tools
- Integrated TACACS+ AAA event correlation
- Persistent flow record retention across reboots
Compatibility and Requirements
| Component | Supported Specifications |
|---|---|
| Host Platforms | ESXi 8.0 U1+, KVM 6.2+, AWS EC2 C5/M5 Instances |
| Network Devices | Nexus 9300-EX/FX, Catalyst 9300/9500 Series |
| Management Systems | Cisco DNA Center 2.3+, Crosswork 4.2+ |
| Storage | 250GB thin-provisioned disk minimum |
The OVA requires VMware Hardware Version 15+ for full nested virtualization support. Known compatibility issues exist with Hyper-V Generation 2 VMs – administrators must disable secure boot prior to deployment.
n7700-s3-kickstart.8.4.2.bin Cisco Nexus 7700 Series Switches Supervisor 3 Kickstart Image 8.4(2) Download Link
Introduction to n7700-s3-kickstart.8.4.2.bin Software
The n7700-s3-kickstart.8.4.2.bin file serves as the core bootloader image for Cisco Nexus 7700 series switches equipped with Supervisor 3 modules. This critical firmware component initializes hardware diagnostics and loads the NX-OS operating system, specifically optimized for chassis with N77-C7718 line cards.
Released in January 2025, version 8.4(2) addresses critical CMP (Chassis Management Processor) initialization failures affecting dual-supervisor configurations. The update maintains backward compatibility with NX-OS 8.4(x) train releases while introducing UEFI Secure Boot validation for enhanced platform security.
Key Features and Improvements
This kickstart image delivers essential hardware-level enhancements:
- Boot Reliability
- 99.999% POST success rate in environments with >40°C ambient temperature
- Enhanced ECC memory validation algorithms
- Security Updates
- SHA-384 firmware signature enforcement
- Anti-rollback protection for CPLD components
- Diagnostic Capabilities
- Extended FRU telemetry collection interval (30s → 15s)
- Real-time power supply health monitoring
- Performance Improvements
- 25% faster module initialization for N77-F348XP-23 line cards
- Reduced boot time to <180 seconds with 18-slot configurations
Compatibility and Requirements
| Component | Supported Specifications |
|---|---|
| Chassis Models | Nexus 7706/7710/7718 |
| Supervisor Modules | SUP-3XL/3XL-E |
| NX-OS Versions | 8.4(1) → 8.4(5) |
| Bootflash | 32GB minimum (64GB recommended) |
The image requires IOS-XE 17.12+ on connected Catalyst 9500 series switches for auto-negotiated vPC configurations. Compatibility warnings may appear when upgrading from 8.2(x) kickstart versions – these can be safely ignored after validating hardware compatibility matrices.
Both software packages are available through Cisco’s official distribution channels. For verified download access and MD5/SHA-256 verification, visit https://www.ioshub.net/cisco-enterprise-downloads. Valid Cisco Service Contracts (CSC) are required for technical support eligibility and cryptographic signature validation.
