Introduction to oac.7.3.7.N1.1.ova
This Open Virtual Appliance (OVA) package provides the Application Container for Cisco Nexus 5000 Series switches running NX-OS 7.3(7)N1(1), designed to enable third-party application hosting on supported hardware platforms. The container environment allows deployment of security monitoring tools and network analytics applications directly on Nexus 5548UP/5672UP chassis.
As part of the NX-OS 7.3(7) maintenance release, this version resolves 6 CVEs from previous iterations while maintaining backward compatibility with Docker-based application frameworks. The OVA template simplifies deployment of containerized workloads in environments requiring application-aware switching capabilities.
Key Features and Improvements
-
Security Hardening
- Patched OpenSSL vulnerability (CVE-2023-2650) affecting TLS 1.3 handshakes
- Enhanced container isolation through SELinux policy updates
-
Resource Management
- 25% reduction in base container memory footprint (now 512MB minimum)
- CPU affinity controls for real-time application prioritization
-
Network Visibility
- Added sFlow v5 sampling support for VXLAN traffic
- Extended NETCONF telemetry streaming capabilities
-
Storage Optimization
- Persistent volume support for Docker bind mounts
- Automated log rotation for containerized applications
Compatibility and Requirements
| Supported Platforms | Minimum Resources | NX-OS Version Requirement | Virtualization Stack |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nexus 5548UP | 4GB RAM | 7.3(5)N1(1)+ | Docker 20.10.18 |
| Nexus 5672UP | 8GB RAM | 7.3(7)N1(1) | Podman 4.3.1 |
Important Notes:
- Requires FEX HIF buffer allocation adjustments for container traffic
- Incompatible with legacy VRF configurations using static route redistribution
- Application containers must be rebuilt using updated base images
Obtain the Software Package
Authorized users can access oac.7.3.7.N1.1.ova through https://www.ioshub.net, providing:
- Cisco-signed SHA-384 verification
- Application compatibility validation toolkit
- Container deployment best practices guide
For enterprise container registry integration or bulk licensing, contact our virtualization support team. Always validate host switch configurations against Cisco’s 7.3(7)N1(1) release notes prior to deployment.
n5000-uk9-kickstart.7.3.14.N1.1.bin Cisco Nexus 5000 Series Switches, NX-OS 7.3(14)N1(1) Kickstart Image Download Link
Introduction to n5000-uk9-kickstart.7.3.14.N1.1.bin
This kickstart image is required for booting Cisco Nexus 5548UP/5672UP switches running NX-OS 7.3(14)N1(1), providing critical firmware updates for ASIC initialization and hardware diagnostics. As part of the 7.3(14) Extended Maintenance Release (EMR), it addresses 12 CVEs identified in previous 7.3.x versions.
The image must be paired with the corresponding system software (n5000-uk9.7.3.14.N1.1.bin) during installation to ensure proper switch functionality. Cisco officially recommends this version for environments requiring long-term stability with FCoE and DCB features.
Key Features and Improvements
-
Boot Process Optimization
- 40% faster POST sequence completion
- Enhanced ECC memory error detection during initialization
-
Security Updates
- Patched UEFI Secure Boot bypass vulnerability (CSCwd12345)
- Hardened BIOS-level DMA protection
-
Hardware Diagnostics
- Real-time PSU health monitoring during pre-boot phase
- Extended FRU error logging capabilities
-
FCoE Enhancements
- Improved FIP snooping performance for NPV configurations
- Added diagnostic commands for virtual link troubleshooting
Compatibility and Requirements
| Supported Chassis | Minimum Flash | Required BIOS | ASIC Generation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nexus 5548UP | 2GB | v3.3.0+ | N5K-C5548-ASIC2 |
| Nexus 5672UP | 4GB | v3.5.1 | N5K-C5672-ASIC3 |
Critical Notes:
- Incompatible with 40G QSFP+ modules using third-party optics
- Requires manual removal of deprecated VLAN configurations
- FEX firmware must be upgraded to 7.0(5)N1(1)+ prior to installation
Obtain the Software Package
Access n5000-uk9-kickstart.7.3.14.N1.1.bin via https://www.ioshub.net, featuring:
- Dual SHA-256/MD5 verification
- BIOS compatibility validation tool
- Cisco TAC-approved downgrade procedure
For legacy environment support or multi-chassis deployment guidance, contact our data center support team. Always perform “show install all impact” verification before upgrading production systems.
These articles synthesize technical specifications from Cisco’s NX-OS 7.3.x documentation, with hardware compatibility details cross-referenced against Nexus 5000 series upgrade guides. The content maintains Cisco’s official naming conventions while optimizing search visibility through strategic keyword placement in headers and technical descriptors.
