The nexus9300v.9.3.9.qcow2 file is a virtual disk image for running the Cisco Nexus 9000v switch within virtualized environments, requiring 8GB RAM and 2 vCPUs. Detailed deployment steps for setting up this image, including resource allocation, are available in Anton Karneliuk's guide. Read the full guide at Anton Karneliuk's blog
One of the most significant impacts of the nexus9300v.9.3.9 image is its role in the CI/CD pipeline for networking. Historically, network changes were manual and high-risk. With this virtual image, teams can implement "Infrastructure as Code" (IaC) workflows. By integrating the image into simulation platforms like Cisco Modeling Labs (CML) or GNS3, developers can use Terraform or Ansible to push configurations to a virtual staging environment that mirrors production. Version 9.3.9 specifically offers enhanced stability and bug fixes that ensure the automation scripts tested in the lab will behave identically when deployed to physical Nexus 9300 hardware. Educational and Strategic Value
Add network: virtio (or e1000).
Boot from the imported disk.
9. Comparison with Alternative Images
| Feature | nexus9300v.9.3.9.qcow2 | Nexus 9Kv 10.4.2 | Cisco CML (IOU) |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| RAM Usage | ~4GB | ~12GB | ~1GB |
| Boot Time | 4 Min | 8 Min | 30 Sec |
| VXLAN EVPN | Full Support | Full Support | None |
| CPU Load | Low (Idles at 10%) | High (Idles at 40%) | Very Low |
Rename the file to sataa.qcow2 (or virtioa.qcow2 depending on your driver) for proper detection. Initial Boot Configuration:
Version 9.3(9) is a maintenance release within the 9.3 train, focusing on stability, security patches, and incremental feature updates. It is widely considered a "Gold Star" or long-lived release, making it a preferred choice for production-mimicking labs. Key Features of NX-OS 9.3(9)
8. Download & Licensing
- Requires a valid Cisco CCO account and support contract.
- Available from Cisco Software Center → NX-OS → Nexus 9300v.
- No license file needed for basic lab use – runs in evaluation mode (limited time/features). Some advanced features require licensing.
Upload the file: Use WinSCP or SCP to move nexus9300v.9.3.9.qcow2 into that folder.
Cisco Nexus 9300v (release 9.3.9) is a virtualized version of the Nexus 9300 fixed-configuration switch
