Chapter 1. Recommended Cisco Nexus 9000 Series ACI-Mode Switches and APIC Releases

This document lists the recommended Cisco Nexus 9000 series ACI-mode switches and Application Policy Infrastructure Controller (APIC) software releases for both new and existing deployments. These recommendations are general and should not replace environment specific design review efforts and should not override Advanced Services recommended releases if employed.

- New and Changed Information

- Latest Releases

- Recommended Releases

- Deferred Releases

- Existing Deployments That Use Software Earlier Than One of the Recommended Releases

- Documentation and Software

- Obtaining Documentation and Submitting a Service Request

- Trademarks

New and Changed Information

Date

Description

April 29, 2024

In all places, changed 4.1(2k) to 4.1(2m) for UCS C220/C240 M4 (APIC-L2/M2). Changed 4.3.2.230207 to 4.3.2.240009 for 5.x and 6.x releases.

April 26, 2024

Removed the Cisco APIC 4.2 branch and added the Cisco APIC 5.3 branch in the Recommended Releases section.

Removed the Long-Lived Releases section. Beginning with the 6.0 releases, Cisco ACI no longer has the concept of a long-lived release. There are only recommended releases.

April 23, 2024

Updated the latest and recommended Cisco APIC 5.2 branch to 5.2(8i) and the Cisco Nexus 9000 series ACI-mode switches 15.2 branch to 15.2(8i).

Updated the latest Cisco APIC 5.3 branch to 5.3(2b) and the Cisco Nexus 9000 series ACI-mode switches 15.3 branch to 15.3(2b).

March 19, 2024

For the Cisco APIC 5.2 and 6.0 branches, updated the UCS C220/C240 M4 (APIC-L2/M2) CIMC release to 4.1(2m).

February 28, 2024

Updated the latest Cisco APIC 6.0 branch to 6.0(5h) and the Cisco Nexus 9000 series ACI-mode switches 16.0 branch to 16.0(5h).

Updated the recommended Cisco APIC 5.2 branch to 5.2(8h) and the Cisco Nexus 9000 series ACI-mode switches 15.2 branch to 15.2(8h).

February 1, 2024

Updated the latest Cisco APIC 5.3 branch to 5.3(2a) and the Cisco Nexus 9000 series ACI-mode switches 15.3 branch to 15.3(2a).

January 10, 2024

Updated the latest Cisco APIC 6.0 branch to 6.0(4c) and the Cisco Nexus 9000 series ACI-mode switches 16.0 branch to 16.0(4c).

November 24, 2023

Added information for the Cisco APIC 5.3 branch and Cisco Nexus 9000 series ACI-mode switches 15.3 branch.

October 17, 2023

For UCS C220/C240 M5 (APIC-L3/M3) and UCS C225 M6 (APIC-L4/M4), added 4.3.2.230207 to the latest tested CIMC firmware release.

August 27, 2023

Updated the latest Cisco APIC 5.2 branch to 5.2(8e) and the Cisco Nexus 9000 series ACI-mode switches 15.2 branch to 15.2(8e).

Updated the latest Cisco APIC 4.2 branch to 4.2(7w) and the Cisco Nexus 9000 series ACI-mode switches 14.2 branch to 14.2(7w).

August 9, 2023

Updated the latest Cisco APIC 6.0 branch to 6.0(3d) and the Cisco Nexus 9000 series ACI-mode switches 16.0 branch to 16.0(3d). Updated the CIMC releases for the 6.0 branch.

August 2, 2023

Updated the latest Cisco APIC 6.0 branch to 6.0(2j) and the Cisco Nexus 9000 series ACI-mode switches 16.0 branch to 16.0(2j). Updated the CIMC releases for the 6.0 branch.

July 24, 2023

Updated the latest Cisco APIC 6.0 branch to 6.0(2h) and the Cisco Nexus 9000 series ACI-mode switches 16.0 branch to 16.0(2h). Updated the CIMC releases for the 6.0 branch.

June 29, 2023

Updated the latest Cisco APIC 5.2 branch to 5.2(8d) and the Cisco Nexus 9000 series ACI-mode switches 15.2 branch to 15.2(8d).

March 28, 2023

Updated the latest Cisco APIC 4.2 branch to 4.2(7w) and the Cisco Nexus 9000 series ACI-mode switches 14.2 branch to 14.2(7w).

March 14, 2023

Updated the latest and recommended Cisco APIC 5.2 branch to 5.2(7g) and the Cisco Nexus 9000 series ACI-mode switches 15.2 branch to 15.2(7g).

January 23, 2023

Updated the latest and recommended Cisco APIC 4.2 branch to 4.2(7v) and the Cisco Nexus 9000 series ACI-mode switches 14.2 branch to 14.2(7v).

Updated the latest and recommended Cisco APIC 5.2 branch to 5.2(7f) and the Cisco Nexus 9000 series ACI-mode switches 15.2 branch to 15.2(7f).

November 20, 2022

Updated the latest Cisco APIC 4.2 branch to 4.2(7v) and the Cisco Nexus 9000 series ACI-mode switches 14.2 branch to 14.2(7v).

November 9, 2022

Updated the latest Cisco APIC 5.2 branch to 5.2(7f) and the Cisco Nexus 9000 series ACI-mode switches 15.2 branch to 15.2(7f).

September 12, 2022

Updated the recommended Cisco APIC 5.2 branch to 5.2(6e) and the Cisco Nexus 9000 series ACI-mode switches 15.2 branch to 15.2(6e).

August 30, 2022

Updated the latest Cisco APIC 5.2 branch to 5.2(6e) and the Cisco Nexus 9000 series ACI-mode switches 15.2 branch to 15.2(6e).

August 24, 2022

Updated the latest and recommended Cisco APIC 4.2 branch to 4.2(7u) and the Cisco Nexus 9000 series ACI-mode switches 14.2 branch to 14.2(7u).

July 13, 2022

In the Latest Releases section, added the latest Cisco APIC 6.0 branch and the Cisco Nexus 9000 series ACI-mode switches 16.0 branch.

July 1, 2022

Updated the latest Cisco APIC 5.2 branch to 5.2(5d) and the Cisco Nexus 9000 series ACI-mode switches 15.2 branch to 15.2(5d).

June 24, 2022

Updated the recommended Cisco APIC 5.2 branch to 5.2(5c) and the Cisco Nexus 9000 series ACI-mode switches 15.2 branch to 15.2(5c).

May 15, 2022

Updated the latest Cisco APIC 5.2 branch to 5.2(5c) and the Cisco Nexus 9000 series ACI-mode switches 15.2 branch to 15.2(5c).

May 10, 2022

Updated the recommended Cisco APIC 5.2 branch to 5.2(4e) and the Cisco Nexus 9000 series ACI-mode switches 15.2 branch to 15.2(4e).

April 6, 2022

Updated the latest Cisco APIC 4.2 branch to 4.2(7t) and the Cisco Nexus 9000 series ACI-mode switches 14.2 branch to 14.2(7t).

March 21, 2022

For UCS C220/C240 M5 (APIC-L3/M3), changed the CIMC release to 4.1(3f).

March 10, 2022

Updated the latest and recommended Cisco APIC 4.2 branch to 4.2(7s) and the Cisco Nexus 9000 series ACI-mode switches 14.2 branch to 14.2(7s).

February 24, 2022

For UCS C220/C240 M4 (APIC-L2/M2), changed the CIMC release to 4.1(2g).

February 19, 2022

Updated the latest and recommended Cisco APIC 5.2 branch to 5.2(4d) and the Cisco Nexus 9000 series ACI-mode switches 15.2 branch to 15.2(4d).

January 13, 2022

Updated the latest and recommended Cisco APIC 4.2 branch to 4.2(7r) and the Cisco Nexus 9000 series ACI-mode switches 14.2 branch to 14.2(7r).

Updated the latest and recommended Cisco APIC 5.2 branch to 5.2(3g) and the Cisco Nexus 9000 series ACI-mode switches 15.2 branch to 15.2(3g).

December 15, 2021

Updated the Cisco APIC 5.2 branch to 5.2(3f) and the Cisco Nexus 9000 series ACI-mode switches 15.2 branch to 15.2(3f).

November 4, 2021

The 3.2 branch is no longer long-lived; 5.2 is now long-lived. Added 5.2(3e) to the recommended releases and removed 3.2(10f).

Updated the CIMC version for UCS C220 M5 (APIC-L3/M3) to 4.1(3d).

October 19, 2021

Updated the Cisco APIC 5.2 branch to 5.2(3e) and the Cisco Nexus 9000 series ACI-mode switches 15.2 branch to 15.2(3e).

October 7, 2021

Updated the Cisco APIC 4.2 branch to 4.2(7q) and the Cisco Nexus 9000 series ACI-mode switches 14.2 branch to 14.2(7q).

August 30, 2021

Updated the UCS C220 M5 (APIC-L3/M3) Cisco IMC release to 4.1(3c) for all applicable Cisco APIC releases.

August 19, 2021

Updated the Cisco APIC 5.2 branch to 5.2(2f) and the Cisco Nexus 9000 series ACI-mode switches 15.2 branch to 15.2(2f).

Updated the Cisco APIC 3.2 branch to 3.2(10f) and the Cisco Nexus 9000 series ACI-mode switches 13.2 branch to 13.2(10f).

July 30, 2021

Updated the Cisco APIC 4.2 branch to 4.2(7l) and the Cisco Nexus 9000 series ACI-mode switches 14.2 branch to 14.2(7l).

July 9, 2021

Updated the Cisco APIC 5.2 branch to 5.2(2e) and the Cisco Nexus 9000 series ACI-mode switches 15.2 branch to 15.2(2e).

June 7, 2021

Added information for the Cisco APIC 5.2 branch and Cisco Nexus 9000 series ACI-mode switches 15.2 branch.

Latest Releases

The following table lists all of the latest releases for Cisco Nexus 9000 series ACI-mode switches and Cisco APIC:

Platform Series

Latest Software Release

Latest Tested CIMC Firmware Version

Cisco APIC, 6.0 branch

6.0(5h)

For UCS C220/C240 M4 (APIC-L2/M2): 4.1(2m)

For UCS C220/C240 M5 (APIC-L3/M3): 4.3.2.240009

For UCS C225 M6 (APIC-L4/M4): 4.3.2.240009

Cisco Nexus 9000 series ACI-mode switches, 16.0 branch

16.0(5h)

-

Cisco APIC, 5.3 branch

5.3(2b)

For UCS C220/C240 M4 (APIC-L2/M2): 4.1(2m)

For UCS C220/C240 M5 (APIC-L3/M3): 4.3.2.240009

For UCS C225 M6 (APIC-L4/M4): 4.3.2.240009

Cisco Nexus 9000 series ACI-mode switches, 15.3 branch

15.3(2b)

-

Cisco APIC, 5.2 branch

5.2(8i)

For UCS C220/C240 M4 (APIC-L2/M2): 4.1(2m)

For UCS C220/C240 M5 (APIC-L3/M3): 4.3.2.240009

Cisco Nexus 9000 series ACI-mode switches, 15.2 branch

15.2(8i)

-

Cisco APIC, 5.1 branch

5.1(4c)

For UCS C220 M3 (APIC-L1/M1): 3.0(4l)

For UCS C220/C240 M4 (APIC-L2/M2): 4.1(2m)

For UCS C220/C240 M5 (APIC-L3/M3): 4.2(3e)

Cisco Nexus 9000 series ACI-mode switches, 15.1 branch

15.1(4c)

-

Cisco APIC, 5.0 branch

5.0(2h)

For UCS C220 M3 (APIC-L1/M1): 3.0(4l)

For UCS C220/C240 M4 (APIC-L2/M2): 4.1(2m)

For UCS C220/C240 M5 (APIC-L3/M3): 4.2(3e)

Cisco Nexus 9000 series ACI-mode switches, 15.0 branch

15.0(2h)

-

Cisco APIC, 4.2 branch

4.2(7w)

For UCS C220 M3 (APIC-L1/M1): 3.0(4l)

For UCS C220/C240 M4 (APIC-L2/M2): 4.1(2m)

For UCS C220/C240 M5 (APIC-L3/M3): 4.2(3e), 4.3.2.230207^1

Cisco Nexus 9000 series ACI-mode switches, 14.2 branch

14.2(7w)

-

Cisco APIC, 4.1 branch

4.1(2x)

For UCS C220 M3 (APIC-L1/M1): 3.0(4l)

For UCS C220/C240 M4 (APIC-L2/M2): 4.1(2m)

For UCS C220/C240 M5 (APIC-L3/M3): 4.2(3e)

Cisco Nexus 9000 series ACI-mode switches, 14.1 branch

14.1(2x)

-

Cisco APIC, 4.0 branch

4.0(3d)

For UCS C220 M3 (APIC-L1/M1): 3.0(4l)

For UCS C220/C240 M4 (APIC-L2/M2): 4.1(2m)

For UCS C220/C240 M5 (APIC-L3/M3): 4.2(3e)

Cisco Nexus 9000 series ACI-mode switches, 14.0 branch

14.0(3d)

-

Cisco APIC, 3.2 branch

3.2(10f)

For UCS C220/C240 M3 (APIC-L1/M1): 3.0(4l)

For UCS C220/C240 M4 (APIC-L2/M2): 4.1(2m)

For UCS C220/C240 M5 (APIC-L3/M3): 4.2(3e)

Cisco Nexus 9000 series ACI-mode switches, 13.2 branch

13.2(10f)

-

Cisco APIC, 3.1 branch

3.1(2v)

For UCS C220/C240 M3 (APIC-L1/M1): 3.0(3e)

For UCS C220/C240 M4 (APIC-L2/M2): 4.1(2m)

Cisco Nexus 9000 series ACI-mode switches, 13.1 branch

13.1(2v)

-

Cisco APIC, 3.0 branch

3.0(2n)

For UCS C220/C240 M3 (APIC-L1/M1): 3.0(3e)

For UCS C220/C240 M4 (APIC-L2/M2): 4.1(2m)

Cisco Nexus 9000 series ACI-mode switches, 13.0 branch

13.0(2n)

-

Cisco APIC, 2.3 branch

2.3(1p)

2.0(13i)

Cisco Nexus 9000 series ACI-mode switches, 12.3 branch

12.3(1p)

-

Cisco APIC, 2.2 branch

2.2(4r)

2.0(13i)

Cisco Nexus 9000 series ACI-mode switches, 12.2 branch

12.2(4r)

-

Cisco APIC, 2.1 branch

2.1(4a)

2.0(9c)

Cisco Nexus 9000 series ACI-mode switches, 12.1 branch

12.1(4a)

-

Cisco APIC, 2.0 branch

2.0(2o)

2.0(3i)

Cisco Nexus 9000 series ACI-mode switches, 12.0 branch

12.0(2o)

-

1 We do not recommend CIMC release 4.3.2.230207 if you have the SFP-10G-T-X connector type on the Cisco APIC data link ports (eth2-1 and eth2-2). To see which connector type you have, enter commands as shown in the following example:

C220-WMP2704001H /chassis # scope adapter 1
C220-WMP2704001H /chassis/adapter # show ext-eth-if detail
Port 2:
MAC Address: 3C:26:E4:1D:BC:95
Link State: LinkUp
…
Connector Type: SFP-10G-T-X
…

Recommended Releases

We recommend that you choose one of the releases listed in the table below.

Note

If you are running a release that is prior to the Cisco Application Policy Infrastructure Controller (APIC) 2.1(3h) and Cisco Nexus 9000 series ACI-mode 12.1(3h) releases, we recommend that you at minimum upgrade to the 2.1(3h) and 12.1(3h) releases or later.

For the recommended releases of the other Cisco ACI software, such as Cisco ACI Multi-Site, Cisco ACI Virtual Edge, and Cisco Application Virtual Switch, see the Cisco APIC Upgrade/Downgrade Support Matrix:

https://www.cisco.com/c/dam/en/us/td/docs/Website/datacenter/apicmatrix/index.html

Platform Series

Recommended Software Release

Latest Tested CIMC Firmware Version

Cisco APIC, 5.3 branch

5.3(2b)

For UCS C220/C240 M4 (APIC-L2/M2): 4.1(2m)

For UCS C220/C240 M5 (APIC-L3/M3) and UCS C225 M6 (APIC-L4/M4): 4.3.2.240009

Cisco Nexus 9000 series ACI-mode switches, 15.3 branch

15.3(2b)

-

Cisco APIC, 5.2 branch

5.2(8i)

For UCS C220/C240 M4 (APIC-L2/M2): 4.1(2m)

For UCS C220/C240 M5 (APIC-L3/M3): 4.3.2.240009

Cisco Nexus 9000 series ACI-mode switches, 15.2 branch

15.2(8i)

-

Deferred Releases

To see a list of the deferred releases, go to the Cisco APIC Software Download page and scroll to the bottom of the navigation pane on the left:

https://software.cisco.com/download/home/285968390/type/286278832/

Existing Deployments That Use Software Earlier Than One of the Recommended Releases

To the extent possible, Cisco recommends upgrading to one of the Cisco Nexus 9000 series ACI-mode switches or APIC releases listed previously. If that is not possible, Cisco recommends that you review the Cisco Application Policy Infrastructure Controller Release Notes for the earlier release and the Bug Search Tool to determine the impact of any open caveats.

Documentation and Software

For additional information, see the Cisco Application Policy Infrastructure Controller product documentation page.

For software, see the Download Software page.

Obtaining Documentation and Submitting a Service Request

For information on obtaining documentation, using the Cisco Bug Search Tool (BST), submitting a service request, and gathering additional information, see What's New in Cisco Product Documentation at: http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/general/whatsnew/whatsnew.html

Subscribe to What’s New in Cisco Product Documentation, which lists all new and revised Cisco technical documentation as an RSS feed and delivers content directly to your desktop using a reader application. The RSS feeds are a free service.

Trademarks

THE SPECIFICATIONS AND INFORMATION REGARDING THE PRODUCTS REFERENCED IN THIS DOCUMENTATION ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. EXCEPT AS MAY OTHERWISE BE AGREED BY CISCO IN WRITING, ALL STATEMENTS, INFORMATION, AND RECOMMENDATIONS IN THIS DOCUMENTATION ARE PRESENTED WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED.

The Cisco End User License Agreement and any supplemental license terms govern your use of any Cisco software, including this product documentation, and are located at: http://www.cisco.com/go/softwareterms.Cisco product warranty information is available at http://www.cisco.com/go/warranty. US Federal Communications Commission Notices are found here http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/us-fcc-notice.html.

IN NO EVENT SHALL CISCO OR ITS SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, LOST PROFITS OR LOSS OR DAMAGE TO DATA ARISING OUT OF THE USE OR INABILITY TO USE THIS MANUAL, EVEN IF CISCO OR ITS SUPPLIERS HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

Any products and features described herein as in development or available at a future date remain in varying stages of development and will be offered on a when-and if-available basis. Any such product or feature roadmaps are subject to change at the sole discretion of Cisco and Cisco will have no liability for delay in the delivery or failure to deliver any products or feature roadmap items that may be set forth in this document.

Any Internet Protocol (IP) addresses and phone numbers used in this document are not intended to be actual addresses and phone numbers. Any examples, command display output, network topology diagrams, and other figures included in the document are shown for illustrative purposes only. Any use of actual IP addresses or phone numbers in illustrative content is unintentional and coincidental.

The documentation set for this product strives to use bias-free language. For the purposes of this documentation set, bias-free is defined as language that does not imply discrimination based on age, disability, gender, racial identity, ethnic identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and intersectionality. Exceptions may be present in the documentation due to language that is hardcoded in the user interfaces of the product software, language used based on RFP documentation, or language that is used by a referenced third-party product.

Cisco and the Cisco logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Cisco and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and other countries. To view a list of Cisco trademarks, go to this URL: www.cisco.com go trademarks. Third-party trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners. The use of the word partner does not imply a partnership relationship between Cisco and any other company. (1721R)

Cisco and the Cisco logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Cisco and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and other countries. To view a list of Cisco trademarks, go to this URL: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/about/legal/trademarks.html. Third-party trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners. The use of the word partner does not imply a partnership relationship between Cisco and any other company. (1721R)