Breaking Down the NX-OS Image Filename

Breaking Down the NX-OS Image Filename

Let’s take a closer look at a sample image filename:

nxos64-cs.10.5.1.F.bin

Here’s what each part means:

• nxos64-cs: Indicates a 64-bit NX-OS image for specific platforms (e.g., Nexus 9000-EX, -FX, -GX, -GX2).
• 10: Major release version.
• 5: Minor release version.
• 1: Maintenance release.
• F: Release designation.
• bin: Binary file extension.

This structured naming helps administrators quickly identify the right image for their hardware and software needs.

Understanding Image Prefixes

Cisco NX-OS images come in different formats based on platform architecture:

• 32-bit images: Start with nxos (e.g., nxos.10.1.1.bin)
• 64-bit images: Start with nxos64 (e.g., nxos64.10.1.1.bin)

Starting with Release 10.2(2)F, Cisco introduced two distinct 64-bit image types:

1. nxos64-cs: For Nexus 9000-EX, -FX, -GX, -GX2 modular switches and fixed switches.
2. nxos64-msll: For Nexus 9000-R, -R2 modular switches, Nexus 3600 fixed switches, and Nexus 3500-XL switches.

Release Designations Explained

Cisco uses specific letters to indicate the nature of a release:

• F (Feature Release): Includes new features, platform support, and bug fixes.
• M (Maintenance Release): Focuses on bug fixes and security patches, including PSIRT updates.

Each image ends with a .bin extension, confirming it’s a compressed binary file ready for deployment.

Conclusion

Understanding Cisco NX-OS coding is more than just decoding filenames—it’s about ensuring operational continuity, compatibility, and performance. As your infrastructure grows, especially in mission-critical environments like banking, being fluent in NX-OS versioning and image types will help you make informed decisions and maintain a resilient network.