Nxos64-cs.10.2.4.m.bin: Download
If you want, I can produce a step-by-step upgrade procedure tailored to a specific Nexus model or create a checklist you can print for maintenance. Which Nexus platform are you using?
To download the nxos64-cs.10.2.4.M.bin image, you must use the official Cisco Software Central portal. This specific binary is a 64-bit NX-OS software image typically used for Cisco Nexus switches (such as the 9000 series). How to Download nxos64-cs.10.2.4.M.bin Access the Portal: Go to the Cisco Software Download page. Identify Your Hardware:
In the search bar, type your specific switch model (e.g., "Nexus 9300-EX"). Select NX-OS Software from the software type list. Select the Version: On the left sidebar, navigate to 10.2(4)M.
The file nxos64-cs.10.2.4.M.bin will be listed in the main pane. Verification: Hover over the filename to see the MD5 or SHA512 checksum.
Crucial: Always verify the checksum after downloading to ensure the file wasn't corrupted or tampered with.
Download: Click the download icon. You will need a valid Cisco Connection Online (CCO) ID and an active service contract (SmartNet) associated with your account to authorize the download. Quick Deployment Tips
Space Check: Before transferring, run dir bootflash: on your switch to ensure you have enough space (this image is typically ~1.5GB to 2GB). Transfer Method: Use SCP or FTP for the fastest transfer.
Example: copy scp://user@server/nxos64-cs.10.2.4.M.bin bootflash:
Impact Analysis: Use the show install all impact nxos bootflash:nxos64-cs.10.2.4.M.bin command to check for compatibility and potential disruptions before upgrading.
To download the nxos64-cs.10.2.4.M.bin software image, you must access the official Cisco Software Central
portal using a valid Cisco Connection Online (CCO) ID with an associated service contract Direct Download Instructions Navigate to Cisco Software Central : Go to the Cisco Download Software Select Product : Search for your specific hardware platform (e.g., Nexus 9000 Series Switches Choose Software Type NX-OS Software from the available categories. Locate Version : On the left-hand sidebar, navigate to Download Image : Find the filename nxos64-cs.10.2.4.M.bin . Ensure the MD5/SHA512 checksums
match the values provided on the Cisco website after downloading to verify file integrity. Release Information: NX-OS 10.2(4)M Platform Support : This 64-bit image is typically designed for Cisco Nexus 9000 Series switches (Cloud Scale/CS). Maintenance Release : The "M" designation indicates a Maintenance Release
, focusing on software stability, bug fixes, and security hardening rather than new feature sets. Documentation : Before upgrading, it is critical to review the
Cisco Nexus 9000 Series NX-OS Release Notes, Release 10.2(x) for specific upgrade paths and known caveats. Security Warning Avoid third-party mirrors
: Downloading Cisco binary files from unofficial sites or forums poses a significant security risk, as these files may be tampered with. Always use official Cisco channels to ensure the security of your network infrastructure. upgrade path for a specific Nexus hardware model?
Understanding Cisco NX-OS Release 10.2(4)M: The nxos64-cs.10.2.4.m.bin Image
The software image nxos64-cs.10.2.4.m.bin is a specific 64-bit operating system binary for Cisco Nexus 9000 Series Switches, released on October 27, 2022, as part of the NX-OS 10.2(4)M maintenance release. This file serves as the core operating system required to boot and manage high-performance data center networking hardware. Software Identity and Naming Convention
Cisco uses a structured naming convention for its software images to help administrators identify compatibility at a glance:
Prefix (nxos64-cs): Indicates a 64-bit image designed for "Cloud Scale" (CS) platforms.
Version (10.2.4): Denotes the major, minor, and release versions.
Suffix (M): Signifies a Maintenance Release, which typically focuses on stability and bug fixes rather than introducing new hardware or major software features.
Extension (.bin): The standard binary executable format for Cisco NX-OS software images. Platform Compatibility
The nxos64-cs prefix specifically targets the majority of Nexus 9000 fixed and modular switches, including:
Fixed Switches: Nexus 9000 -EX, -FX, -FX2, -FXP, -FX3, -GX, -GX2, and 9364C series.
Modular Switches: Nexus 9000 modular switches equipped with specific fabric modules (FM-E, FM-E2, or FM-G).
Note: This image is not supported on Nexus 9500 series switches using -R or -R2 line cards; those platforms require the nxos64-msll image instead. Key Features and Purpose
The 10.2(4)M release was primarily designed to refine existing functionalities and resolve operational issues. Key enhancements included:
Enhanced ARP Management: Added periodic ARP refresh on MAC delete to better track adjacency.
Nexus Cloud Integration: Improved telemetry collection to support onboarding switches to the Cisco Nexus Cloud management platform.
Stability: As a maintenance release, it addressed multiple "Open Issues" found in earlier 10.2(x) builds, providing a more reliable foundation for production environments. Downloading and Installation Guide
Authorized users can download the image from the Cisco Software Central portal. General Download Procedure: Log in to Cisco.com with a valid service contract. nxos64-cs.10.2.4.m.bin download
Navigate to Switches > Data Center Switches > Cisco Nexus 9000 Series Switches. Select your specific hardware model.
Choose the NX-OS Software category and locate version 10.2(4)M. Download the nxos64-cs.10.2.4.m.bin file. Installation Command:
Once the file is transferred to the switch's bootflash:, the recommended method for upgrading is the install all command, which automatically handles compatibility checks and BIOS upgrades:switch# install all nxos bootflash:nxos64-cs.10.2.4.m.bin 2.4M image is a compatible next step?
The file nxos64-cs.10.2.4.M.bin is a 64-bit software system image for Cisco Nexus 9000 Series switches, released as part of the NX-OS 10.2(4)M maintenance cycle. This specific image is designed for "Cloud Scale" (CS) platforms, providing a robust foundation for modern data center environments. Core Specifications and Compatibility
Understanding whether this image is right for your hardware is the first step in the download process.
Supported Platforms: The nxos64-cs prefix indicates support for Cisco Nexus 9000 series fixed switches (such as the -EX, -FX, -FX2, and -GX series) and modular switches equipped with specific fabric modules like FM-E or FM-G.
Excluded Hardware: This image is not supported on Nexus 9500 -R and -R2 modular switches, which require the nxos64-msll image variant instead.
64-Bit Architecture: Starting with Release 10.2(2)F, Cisco transitioned exclusively to 64-bit images for Nexus platforms, deprecating the older 32-bit versions. Key Features of Release 10.2(4)M
As a maintenance release (denoted by the 'M'), version 10.2.4 focuses on stability and refining existing capabilities rather than introducing entirely new feature sets.
Periodic ARP Refresh: Enhances L3 VLAN interface performance by tracking MAC deletes and sending ARP refreshes at configured intervals.
Nexus Cloud Integration: Supports onboarding switches to Cisco Nexus Cloud for advanced telemetry collection and centralized monitoring.
Scale Enhancements: Includes verified scalability improvements for large-scale data center deployments. How to Download
To ensure security and software integrity, always download Cisco system images directly from official channels.
Cisco Software Central: Visit the Cisco Software Download portal.
Navigate to Product: Search for your specific switch model (e.g., "Nexus 93180YC-EX").
Select Software Type: Choose Nexus 9000 Series NX-OS Software.
Locate Version: Find 10.2(4)M in the release list and download nxos64-cs.10.2.4.M.bin.
Note: A valid Cisco Service Contract is typically required for access. Important Implementation Notes
The file nxos64-cs.10.2.4.m.bin is the 64-bit Cisco NX-OS software image for the Cisco Nexus 9000 Series switches, released as part of the 10.2(4)M maintenance cycle. This specific image is designed for "Cloud Scale" (CS) platforms, including various fixed-port and modular Nexus 9000 switches. Overview of the NX-OS 10.2(4)M Release
Cisco NX-OS Release 10.2(4)M is a maintenance release focused on stability and scaling rather than new features.
Maintenance Status: As a "M" (Maintenance) release, it prioritizes long-term stability and bug fixes over "F" (Feature) releases.
Key Enhancements: It introduced periodic ARP refresh on MAC deletes and provided telemetry onboarding for Nexus Cloud.
64-Bit Architecture: This image is strictly 64-bit. Starting with Release 10.2(2)F, most Nexus 9000 platforms transitioned exclusively to 64-bit images. Compatibility and Platform Support
The nxos64-cs prefix indicates broad support across the Nexus 9000 portfolio, with a few specific exceptions:
Supported Platforms: Supported on Nexus 9000-EX, -FX, -FX2, -FXP, -FX3, -GX, -GX2, and 9364C series fixed switches, as well as modular switches with FM-E/FM-E2/FM-G fabric modules.
Unsupported Platforms: This specific nxos64-cs image is not for the Nexus 9500 -R and -R2 series or the Nexus 9800 series, which require the nxos64-msll or nxos64-s1 images respectively. How to Download nxos64-cs.10.2.4.m.bin
To download this official image, you must have a valid Cisco Service Contract.
Access the Cisco Software Central: Navigate to the Cisco Software Download portal.
Select Your Hardware: Search for your specific Nexus 9000 model (e.g., Nexus 93180YC-EX).
Choose the Release: Select NX-OS Software and navigate to version 10.2(4)M. If you want, I can produce a step-by-step
Verify the Checksum: After downloading, always verify the MD5 or SHA512 checksum to ensure file integrity before transferring it to your switch. Upgrade Best Practices
Check the Matrix: Use the Cisco Nexus 9000 and 3000 Upgrade Matrix to confirm your current version can move directly to 10.2(4)M.
Copy to Bootflash: Transfer the .bin file to the switch using SCP or SFTP. Note that newer MacOS versions (Ventura and later) may require the -O flag for legacy SCP compatibility with older switch firmware.
Installation Command: The recommended method is the install all command, which automatically handles BIOS updates and compatibility checks:install all nxos bootflash:nxos64-cs.10.2.4.M.bin.
Note: Exact commands and boot variable names differ between NX-OS releases and platforms. Follow platform-specific upgrade guides from Cisco.
Understanding the filename structure is crucial for ensuring you download the correct image for your hardware.
This specific image is intended for Cisco Nexus 3000 series and Nexus 9000 series switches running in NX-OS mode (not ACI mode).
SHA256: provided only on Cisco download page
nxos64-cs.10.2.4.M.bin is a 64-bit software image for Cisco Nexus 9000 Series switches running Cisco NX-OS Release 10.2(4)M . This release, made available on October 27, 2022
, is part of the "Long-Lived" (M) maintenance release cycle designed for stability in mission-critical data center environments. Key Image Details Platform Support
prefix indicates support for Cisco Nexus 9000 series fixed switches (EX, FX, FX2, FX3, GX, GX2) and modular switches with specific fabric modules (FM-E, FM-E2, FM-G). 64-bit Architecture
: Starting with Release 10.2(2)F, many Nexus platforms shifted exclusively to 64-bit images, making this file the standard for supported hardware. Unified Image
: This single binary often serves multiple switch families, simplifying the Cisco Software Download process for network administrators. Release 10.2(4)M Features
While this maintenance release did not introduce brand-new software features, it focused on hardware expansion and stability enhancements: Nexus Cloud Telemetry
: Enables onboarding of supported switches to Nexus Cloud for enhanced telemetry collection. Periodic ARP Refresh
: Introduced a command to track MAC deletes and send ARP refreshes on L3 VLAN interfaces. Scalability
: Includes scale enhancements for large-scale data center deployments. Upgrade Considerations The "Install All" Method recommends using the install all
command for upgrades. This method automatically performs compatibility checks and necessary BIOS upgrades. Interim Hops
: If upgrading from an older version (e.g., 9.x) to a much newer one (e.g., 10.3 or higher), users may need to use an interim release like 10.2(3)F as a "hop". Known Issues
: Some users have reported critical errors like boot loops (shared library errors) when upgrading older hardware like the 93180YC-EX directly to this version without following proper upgrade paths. Cisco Community
For the most accurate compatibility information for your specific hardware, consult the
nxos64-cs.10.2.4.M.bin is a 64-bit software image for the Cisco Nexus 9000 Series switches, specifically for Release 10.2(4)M. Key Specifications & Support Release Version: Image Type: 64-bit image (indicated by the Supported Platforms: This image is supported on all Cisco Nexus 9000 series fixed switches 9000 series modular switches equipped with FM-E, FM-E2, or FM-G fabric modules. Excluded Platforms: It is generally Nexus 9500 -R and -R2 series modular switches, which typically use the nxos64-msll image instead. Download Instructions
To download this official image, you must have a valid Cisco service contract and account: Navigate to the Cisco Software Download navigator. Follow the path: Switches > Data Center Switches > Cisco Nexus 9000 Series Switches
Select your specific hardware model (e.g., Nexus 93180YC-FX3). NX-OS Software and look for Release 10.2(4)M Locate the file nxos64-cs.10.2.4.M.bin and click download. Notable Features in 10.2(4)M Periodic ARP Refresh on MAC Delete:
Enhances L3 VLAN interfaces to track MAC deletions and send ARP refreshes. Nexus Cloud Telemetry:
Support for onboarding switches to Nexus Cloud for telemetry collection. Consolidation:
Beginning with this era of NX-OS (10.1.x/10.2.x), Cisco transitioned from 32-bit to 64-bit as the primary standard. Implementation Tip
If you are transferring this file from a macOS (Ventura or later) machine using SCP, you may encounter a "subsystem request failed" error because of changes to the default SCP protocol. Use the flag to force the legacy protocol: scp -O nxos64-cs.10.2.4.M.bin admin@
for this specific image to verify its integrity after your download?
The file nxos64-cs.10.2.4.M.bin is a 64-bit software image for Cisco Nexus 9000 Series switches. This specific version belongs to the Cisco NX-OS Release 10.2(4)M, which is part of the "Maintenance" (M) release cycle designed for stability and long-term support. Key Technical Details Verify checksum:
Image Type: The nxos64-cs prefix indicates a 64-bit Cloud Scale image.
Supported Hardware: It is primarily used for Cisco Nexus 9000 series fixed switches and modular switches with FM-E/FM-E2/FM-G fabric modules.
Release Purpose: As a Maintenance (M) release, 10.2(4)M focuses on bug fixes and security hardening rather than introducing major new features, making it a "stable" choice for production environments. Downloading the Software
Official Cisco software must always be obtained through the Cisco Software Central portal.
Navigate to Downloads: Search for "Nexus 9000" and select your specific switch model.
Select Release: Choose 10.2(4)M from the list of available versions.
Authentication: You must have a valid Cisco Connection Online (CCO) ID and an active service contract (SmartNet) to download the .bin file. Important Upgrade Considerations
Interim Hops: If you are upgrading from a very old release (e.g., prior to 9.3.10), you may need to install an interim "hop" version before moving to 10.2.4.M.
SCP Compatibility: If you are downloading the file to a macOS Ventura (or later) device to then transfer it to a switch via SCP, you may encounter a "subsystem request failed" error. This is due to SCP defaulting to SFTP in newer OpenSSH versions. Use the -O flag with your SCP command to fix this: scp -O nxos64-cs.10.2.4.M.bin admin@switch:bootflash:.
Best Practice: Use the install all command on the switch to perform the upgrade. This method automatically runs compatibility checks and updates the BIOS.
For a complete list of resolved bugs and compatibility matrices, refer to the official Cisco Nexus 9000 Series NX-OS Release Notes for 10.2(4)M.
Review Title: A Solid, Stable Workhorse Release for Nexus 9000 Switches Rating: ★★★★½ (4.5/5)
The Bottom Line: If you are currently running older iterations of the 10.2 train (like 10.2(2) or 10.2(3)) and have been hesitant to upgrade due to stability concerns, nxos64-cs.10.2.4.m.bin is the release you have been waiting for. It feels like the "sweet spot" of the lifecycle—mature enough to have squashed the early bugs, but modern enough to support current hardware features without requiring a jump to the bleeding edge 10.3 or 10.4 trains.
The Download & Installation Experience:
As this is a .bin file (often used for direct install or "one-shot" upgrades), the download process from CCO (Cisco Connection Online) was straightforward.
Performance & Stability: We deployed this image on a pair of Nexus 9500s serving as a spine in a data center fabric.
Bug Fixes: This specific release (.M extension) includes critical fixes for:
Caveats (Why not 5 stars?):
Recommendation: If you are on the 10.2 train, upgrade immediately. This is a stable, low-risk maintenance release. If you are considering jumping from a much older train (like 7.0(3)I7), 10.2.4 is a safe landing spot, but be prepared for the newer CLI behaviors and Python scripting changes introduced in the 10.x architecture.
Verdict: Highly recommended for production environments prioritizing stability over bleeding-edge features.
The file nxos64-cs.10.2.4.m.bin is the system image for Cisco Nexus 9000 Series switches running Cisco NX-OS Release 10.2(4)M. This 64-bit image is specifically designed for Nexus 9000 cloud-scale switches, including the -EX, -FX, -FX2, -FXP, -FX3, -GX, -GX2, and 9364C series fixed switches, as well as modular switches. Download and Documentation
Official Download: You can find the image on the Cisco Software Download page by selecting Switches > Data Center Switches > Cisco Nexus 9000 Series Switches and then choosing your specific hardware model.
Release Notes: For detailed information on features, open issues, and resolved bugs for this version, refer to the Cisco Nexus 9000 Series NX-OS Release Notes, Release 10.2(4)M.
Upgrade Guide: Step-by-step instructions for installing this image can be found in the Cisco Nexus 9000 Series NX-OS Software Upgrade and Downgrade Guide. Key Features of 10.2(4)M
Periodic ARP Refresh: A new feature that allows the ARP process to track MAC deletions and send ARP refreshes at a configured interval.
Nexus Cloud Support: Provides telemetry collection capabilities by onboarding switches to Nexus Cloud.
Maintenance Release: As an "M" release, it focuses on stability and long-term support for existing hardware features rather than introducing new hardware platforms.
While it lacks the cutting-edge features of the 10.3 or 10.4 trains, it provides a complete feature set for most data centers:
The file nxos64-cs.10.2.4.m.bin is a Cisco NX-OS software image for the Cisco Nexus 9000 series switches running the Cloud Scale (CS) architecture. Version 10.2.4(M) is a maintenance release, providing critical bug fixes, security patches, and stability improvements.
This process will reload the switch, causing service disruption. Plan a maintenance window.