Nxosv9k-7.0.3.i7.4.qcow2 -

If you need VXLAN EVPN Multisite or MPLS Segment Routing, you will eventually upgrade. The process is straightforward because the .qcow2 is just a disk.

Network engineers testing Ansible's nxos_* modules or NAPALM prefer this image because its CLI response times are predictable, and the NETCONF agent (default port 830) functions without the bugs found in earlier 6.x releases.

Release 7.0(3)I7(4) introduced mature support for:

Setting up a leaf-spine VXLAN fabric with four virtual Nexus 9ks requires about 24 GB of RAM. Newer 10.x images would demand 40+ GB, making this image the only viable option for laptop users. nxosv9k-7.0.3.i7.4.qcow2

Unlike physical Nexus 9000 (which uses the Cloud Scale ASIC), the virtual version is a pure software switch.

| Metric | Physical N9K-C93180YC-FX | nxosv9k-7.0.3.i7.4.qcow2 | |--------|---------------------------|---------------------------| | Switching capacity | 2.4 Tbps | ~2 Gbps (host CPU bound) | | Latency (P99) | < 1 µs | 50–200 µs | | BGP converge (1k routes) | < 1 sec | 8–15 sec | | VXLAN tunnels | 8000+ | ~100 (limited by CPU) |

Conclusion: Use for config parity and protocol behavior – not for throughput benchmarking. If you need VXLAN EVPN Multisite or MPLS

When you acquire nxosv9k-7.0.3.i7.4.qcow2, verify its integrity:

Deploy it, console into it, and run show version to see:

BIOS: version 07.40
NXOS: version 7.0(3)I7(4)
Compiler: GCC 4.8.5

That output confirms you are running the definitive reference standard for virtual Nexus switching. Setting up a leaf-spine VXLAN fabric with four

Have a specific lab scenario or error code while using nxosv9k-7.0.3.i7.4.qcow2? Share your console logs or topology—troubleshooting tips are always welcome in the comments below.

Cause: Missing console=ttyS0 in kernel args. The NX-OS grub expects serial.
Fix: At the loader> prompt, type:

grub> serial --unit=0 --speed=9600
grub> terminal_input serial
grub> terminal_output serial

Then boot normally. Or pre-set in EVE-NG: set serial console baud to 9600.

If you use vPC (virtual Port Channel), avoid version 7.0.3.I7.4 with feature vpc on more than two v9ks. Use 7.0.3.I7.6 or later for multi-chassis vPC. This image is best for standalone or VXLAN EVPN labs, not classic vPC.

The nxosv9k images do not require a PAK or smart license for lab use. They boot in evaluation mode with a 60-day grace period. After 60 days, the switch continues to work but disables certain crypto features (SSHv2, MACsec). To reset:

clear license grace-period