diff --git a/lib/ansible/module_utils/network/nxos/nxos.py b/lib/ansible/module_utils/network/nxos/nxos.py
index 4eaad230cda..b8025d68e7c 100644
--- a/lib/ansible/module_utils/network/nxos/nxos.py
+++ b/lib/ansible/module_utils/network/nxos/nxos.py
@@ -29,11 +29,13 @@
 #
 
 import collections
+import json
+import re
 
 from ansible.module_utils._text import to_text
 from ansible.module_utils.basic import env_fallback, return_values
 from ansible.module_utils.network.common.utils import to_list, ComplexList
-from ansible.module_utils.connection import exec_command
+from ansible.module_utils.connection import Connection, ConnectionError
 from ansible.module_utils.six import iteritems, string_types
 from ansible.module_utils.urls import fetch_url
 
@@ -107,39 +109,34 @@ class Cli:
     def __init__(self, module):
         self._module = module
         self._device_configs = {}
+        self._connection = None
 
-    def exec_command(self, command):
-        if isinstance(command, dict):
-            command = self._module.jsonify(command)
-        return exec_command(self._module, command)
+    def _get_connection(self):
+        if self._connection:
+            return self._connection
+        self._connection = Connection(self._module._socket_path)
+
+        return self._connection
 
     def get_config(self, flags=None):
         """Retrieves the current config from the device or cache
         """
         flags = [] if flags is None else flags
 
-        cmd = 'show running-config '
-        cmd += ' '.join(flags)
-        cmd = cmd.strip()
-
-        try:
-            return self._device_configs[cmd]
-        except KeyError:
-            rc, out, err = self.exec_command(cmd)
-            if rc != 0:
-                self._module.fail_json(msg=to_text(err))
-            try:
-                cfg = to_text(out, errors='surrogate_or_strict').strip()
-            except UnicodeError as e:
-                self._module.fail_json(msg=u'Failed to decode config: %s' % to_text(out))
-
-            self._device_configs[cmd] = cfg
+        if self._device_configs != {}:
+            return self._device_configs
+        else:
+            connection = self._get_connection()
+            out = connection.get_config(flags=flags)
+            cfg = to_text(out, errors='surrogate_then_replace').strip()
+            self._device_configs = cfg
             return cfg
 
     def run_commands(self, commands, check_rc=True):
         """Run list of commands on remote device and return results
         """
         responses = list()
+        connection = self._get_connection()
 
         for item in to_list(commands):
             if item['output'] == 'json' and not is_json(item['command']):
@@ -149,29 +146,34 @@ class Cli:
             else:
                 cmd = item['command']
 
-            rc, out, err = self.exec_command(cmd)
+            out = ''
+            try:
+                out = connection.get(cmd)
+                code = 0
+            except ConnectionError as e:
+                code = getattr(e, 'code', 1)
+                message = getattr(e, 'err', e)
+                err = to_text(message, errors='surrogate_then_replace')
+
             try:
                 out = to_text(out, errors='surrogate_or_strict')
             except UnicodeError:
                 self._module.fail_json(msg=u'Failed to decode output from %s: %s' % (cmd, to_text(out)))
 
-            if check_rc and rc != 0:
-                self._module.fail_json(msg=to_text(err))
+            if check_rc and code != 0:
+                self._module.fail_json(msg=err)
 
-            if not check_rc and rc != 0:
+            if not check_rc and code != 0:
                 try:
                     out = self._module.from_json(err)
                 except ValueError:
-                    out = to_text(err).strip()
+                    out = to_text(message).strip()
             else:
                 try:
                     out = self._module.from_json(out)
                 except ValueError:
                     out = to_text(out).strip()
 
-            if item['output'] == 'json' and out != '' and isinstance(out, string_types):
-                self._module.fail_json(msg='failed to retrieve output of %s in json format' % item['command'])
-
             responses.append(out)
         return responses
 
@@ -181,24 +183,37 @@ class Cli:
         if opts is None:
             opts = {}
 
-        rc, out, err = self.exec_command('configure')
-        if rc != 0:
-            self._module.fail_json(msg='unable to enter configuration mode', output=to_text(err))
+        connection = self._get_connection()
 
         msgs = []
-        for cmd in config:
-            rc, out, err = self.exec_command(cmd)
-            if opts.get('ignore_timeout') and rc == 1:
-                msgs.append(err)
+        try:
+            responses = connection.edit_config(config)
+            out = json.loads(responses)[1:-1]
+            msg = out
+        except ConnectionError as e:
+            code = getattr(e, 'code', 1)
+            message = getattr(e, 'err', e)
+            err = to_text(message, errors='surrogate_then_replace')
+            if opts.get('ignore_timeout') and code:
+                msgs.append(code)
                 return msgs
-            elif rc != 0:
-                self._module.fail_json(msg=to_text(err))
-            elif out:
-                msgs.append(out)
+            elif code:
+                self._module.fail_json(msg=err)
 
-        self.exec_command('end')
+        msgs.extend(msg)
         return msgs
 
+    def get_capabilities(self):
+        """Returns platform info of the remove device
+        """
+        if hasattr(self._module, '_capabilities'):
+            return self._module._capabilities
+
+        connection = self._get_connection()
+        capabilities = connection.get_capabilities()
+        self._module._capabilities = json.loads(capabilities)
+        return self._module._capabilities
+
 
 class Nxapi:
 
@@ -301,8 +316,8 @@ class Nxapi:
             )
             self._nxapi_auth = headers.get('set-cookie')
 
-            if opts.get('ignore_timeout') and headers['status'] == -1:
-                result.append(headers['msg'])
+            if opts.get('ignore_timeout') and re.search(r'(-1|5\d\d)', str(headers['status'])):
+                result.append(headers['status'])
                 return result
             elif headers['status'] != 200:
                 self._error(**headers)
@@ -384,6 +399,9 @@ class Nxapi:
         else:
             return []
 
+    def get_capabilities(self):
+        return {}
+
 
 def is_json(cmd):
     return str(cmd).endswith('| json')
@@ -425,7 +443,7 @@ def get_config(module, flags=None):
     flags = [] if flags is None else flags
 
     conn = get_connection(module)
-    return conn.get_config(flags)
+    return conn.get_config(flags=flags)
 
 
 def run_commands(module, commands, check_rc=True):
@@ -436,3 +454,8 @@ def run_commands(module, commands, check_rc=True):
 def load_config(module, config, return_error=False, opts=None):
     conn = get_connection(module)
     return conn.load_config(config, return_error, opts)
+
+
+def get_capabilities(module):
+    conn = get_connection(module)
+    return conn.get_capabilities()
diff --git a/lib/ansible/modules/network/nxos/nxos_aaa_server_host.py b/lib/ansible/modules/network/nxos/nxos_aaa_server_host.py
index 55dceed3844..916ca1ea57e 100644
--- a/lib/ansible/modules/network/nxos/nxos_aaa_server_host.py
+++ b/lib/ansible/modules/network/nxos/nxos_aaa_server_host.py
@@ -156,18 +156,20 @@ changed:
 import re
 
 from ansible.module_utils.network.nxos.nxos import load_config, run_commands
-from ansible.module_utils.network.nxos.nxos import nxos_argument_spec, check_args
+from ansible.module_utils.network.nxos.nxos import get_capabilities, nxos_argument_spec
 from ansible.module_utils.basic import AnsibleModule
 
 
 def execute_show_command(command, module, command_type='cli_show'):
-    provider = module.params['provider']
-    if provider['transport'] == 'cli':
+    device_info = get_capabilities(module)
+    network_api = device_info.get('network_api', 'nxapi')
+
+    if network_api == 'cliconf':
         if 'show run' not in command:
             command += ' | json'
         cmds = [command]
         body = run_commands(module, cmds)
-    elif provider['transport'] == 'nxapi':
+    elif network_api == 'nxapi':
         cmds = {'command': command, 'output': 'text'}
         body = run_commands(module, cmds)
 
@@ -279,7 +281,6 @@ def main():
                            supports_check_mode=True)
 
     warnings = list()
-    check_args(module, warnings)
 
     server_type = module.params['server_type']
     address = module.params['address']
diff --git a/lib/ansible/modules/network/nxos/nxos_bgp.py b/lib/ansible/modules/network/nxos/nxos_bgp.py
index 3be4ceaac8e..77289faefa6 100644
--- a/lib/ansible/modules/network/nxos/nxos_bgp.py
+++ b/lib/ansible/modules/network/nxos/nxos_bgp.py
@@ -683,7 +683,7 @@ def main():
 
     if candidate:
         candidate = candidate.items_text()
-        warnings.extend(load_config(module, candidate))
+        load_config(module, candidate)
         result['changed'] = True
         result['commands'] = candidate
     else:
diff --git a/lib/ansible/modules/network/nxos/nxos_bgp_neighbor.py b/lib/ansible/modules/network/nxos/nxos_bgp_neighbor.py
index eff32a94121..1b0f8c34f12 100644
--- a/lib/ansible/modules/network/nxos/nxos_bgp_neighbor.py
+++ b/lib/ansible/modules/network/nxos/nxos_bgp_neighbor.py
@@ -493,7 +493,7 @@ def main():
 
     if candidate:
         candidate = candidate.items_text()
-        warnings.extend(load_config(module, candidate))
+        load_config(module, candidate)
         result['changed'] = True
         result['commands'] = candidate
     else:
diff --git a/lib/ansible/modules/network/nxos/nxos_bgp_neighbor_af.py b/lib/ansible/modules/network/nxos/nxos_bgp_neighbor_af.py
index 2a2f71b6a44..cb72595028d 100644
--- a/lib/ansible/modules/network/nxos/nxos_bgp_neighbor_af.py
+++ b/lib/ansible/modules/network/nxos/nxos_bgp_neighbor_af.py
@@ -728,7 +728,7 @@ def main():
 
     if candidate:
         candidate = candidate.items_text()
-        warnings.extend(load_config(module, candidate))
+        load_config(module, candidate)
         result['changed'] = True
         result['commands'] = candidate
     else:
diff --git a/lib/ansible/modules/network/nxos/nxos_facts.py b/lib/ansible/modules/network/nxos/nxos_facts.py
index c9cf6e8a839..88ddbd19236 100644
--- a/lib/ansible/modules/network/nxos/nxos_facts.py
+++ b/lib/ansible/modules/network/nxos/nxos_facts.py
@@ -184,11 +184,13 @@ class FactsBase(object):
     def populate(self):
         pass
 
-    def run(self, command, output=None):
+    def run(self, command, output='text'):
         command_string = command
-        if output:
-            command = {'command': command, 'output': output}
-        resp = run_commands(self.module, command, check_rc=False)
+        command = {
+            'command': command,
+            'output': output
+        }
+        resp = run_commands(self.module, [command], check_rc=False)
         try:
             return resp[0]
         except IndexError:
@@ -226,7 +228,7 @@ class Default(FactsBase):
     ])
 
     def populate(self):
-        data = self.run('show version', 'json')
+        data = self.run('show version', output='json')
         if data:
             if data.get('sys_ver_str'):
                 self.facts.update(self.transform_dict(data, self.VERSION_MAP_7K))
@@ -244,11 +246,11 @@ class Config(FactsBase):
 class Hardware(FactsBase):
 
     def populate(self):
-        data = self.run('dir', 'text')
+        data = self.run('dir')
         if data:
             self.facts['filesystems'] = self.parse_filesystems(data)
 
-        data = self.run('show system resources', 'json')
+        data = self.run('show system resources', output='json')
         if data:
             self.facts['memtotal_mb'] = int(data['memory_usage_total']) / 1024
             self.facts['memfree_mb'] = int(data['memory_usage_free']) / 1024
@@ -282,7 +284,7 @@ class Interfaces(FactsBase):
     ])
 
     def ipv6_structure_op_supported(self):
-        data = self.run('show version', 'json')
+        data = self.run('show version', output='json')
         if data:
             unsupported_versions = ['I2', 'F1', 'A8']
             for ver in unsupported_versions:
@@ -294,11 +296,11 @@ class Interfaces(FactsBase):
         self.facts['all_ipv4_addresses'] = list()
         self.facts['all_ipv6_addresses'] = list()
 
-        data = self.run('show interface', 'json')
+        data = self.run('show interface', output='json')
         if data:
             self.facts['interfaces'] = self.populate_interfaces(data)
 
-        data = self.run('show ipv6 interface', 'json') if self.ipv6_structure_op_supported() else None
+        data = self.run('show ipv6 interface', output='json') if self.ipv6_structure_op_supported() else None
         if data and not isinstance(data, string_types):
             self.parse_ipv6_interfaces(data)
 
@@ -306,7 +308,7 @@ class Interfaces(FactsBase):
         if data:
             self.facts['neighbors'] = self.populate_neighbors(data)
 
-        data = self.run('show cdp neighbors detail', 'json')
+        data = self.run('show cdp neighbors detail', output='json')
         if data:
             self.facts['neighbors'] = self.populate_neighbors_cdp(data)
 
@@ -428,23 +430,23 @@ class Legacy(FactsBase):
     ])
 
     def populate(self):
-        data = self.run('show version', 'json')
+        data = self.run('show version', output='json')
         if data:
             self.facts.update(self.transform_dict(data, self.VERSION_MAP))
 
-        data = self.run('show interface', 'json')
+        data = self.run('show interface', output='json')
         if data:
             self.facts['_interfaces_list'] = self.parse_interfaces(data)
 
-        data = self.run('show vlan brief', 'json')
+        data = self.run('show vlan brief', output='json')
         if data:
             self.facts['_vlan_list'] = self.parse_vlans(data)
 
-        data = self.run('show module', 'json')
+        data = self.run('show module', output='json')
         if data:
             self.facts['_module'] = self.parse_module(data)
 
-        data = self.run('show environment', 'json')
+        data = self.run('show environment', output='json')
         if data:
             self.facts['_fan_info'] = self.parse_fan_info(data)
             self.facts['_power_supply_info'] = self.parse_power_supply_info(data)
diff --git a/lib/ansible/modules/network/nxos/nxos_gir.py b/lib/ansible/modules/network/nxos/nxos_gir.py
index 373ee56c602..a7530b68174 100644
--- a/lib/ansible/modules/network/nxos/nxos_gir.py
+++ b/lib/ansible/modules/network/nxos/nxos_gir.py
@@ -165,16 +165,18 @@ changed:
 
 import re
 from ansible.module_utils.network.nxos.nxos import get_config, load_config, run_commands
-from ansible.module_utils.network.nxos.nxos import nxos_argument_spec, check_args
+from ansible.module_utils.network.nxos.nxos import get_capabilities, nxos_argument_spec
 from ansible.module_utils.basic import AnsibleModule
 
 
 def execute_show_command(command, module, command_type='cli_show_ascii'):
     cmds = [command]
-    provider = module.params['provider']
-    if provider['transport'] == 'cli':
+    device_info = get_capabilities(module)
+    network_api = device_info.get('network_api', 'nxapi')
+
+    if network_api == 'cliconf':
         body = run_commands(module, cmds)
-    elif provider['transport'] == 'nxapi':
+    elif network_api == 'nxapi':
         body = run_commands(module, cmds)
 
     return body
@@ -292,7 +294,6 @@ def main():
                            supports_check_mode=True)
 
     warnings = list()
-    check_args(module, warnings)
 
     state = module.params['state']
     mode = get_system_mode(module)
diff --git a/lib/ansible/modules/network/nxos/nxos_hsrp.py b/lib/ansible/modules/network/nxos/nxos_hsrp.py
index 6776ba49b12..64ae9675394 100644
--- a/lib/ansible/modules/network/nxos/nxos_hsrp.py
+++ b/lib/ansible/modules/network/nxos/nxos_hsrp.py
@@ -124,17 +124,19 @@ commands:
 '''
 
 from ansible.module_utils.network.nxos.nxos import load_config, run_commands
-from ansible.module_utils.network.nxos.nxos import nxos_argument_spec, check_args
+from ansible.module_utils.network.nxos.nxos import get_capabilities, nxos_argument_spec
 from ansible.module_utils.basic import AnsibleModule
 
 
 def execute_show_command(command, module):
-    provider = module.params['provider']
-    if provider['transport'] == 'cli':
+    device_info = get_capabilities(module)
+    network_api = device_info.get('network_api', 'nxapi')
+
+    if network_api == 'cliconf':
         command += ' | json'
         cmds = [command]
         body = run_commands(module, cmds)
-    elif provider['transport'] == 'nxapi':
+    elif network_api == 'nxapi':
         cmds = [command]
         body = run_commands(module, cmds)
 
@@ -382,7 +384,6 @@ def main():
     module = AnsibleModule(argument_spec=argument_spec, supports_check_mode=True)
 
     warnings = list()
-    check_args(module, warnings)
     results = dict(changed=False, warnings=warnings)
 
     interface = module.params['interface'].lower()
@@ -395,7 +396,8 @@ def main():
     auth_type = module.params['auth_type']
     auth_string = module.params['auth_string']
 
-    transport = module.params['provider']['transport']
+    device_info = get_capabilities(module)
+    network_api = device_info.get('network_api', 'nxapi')
 
     if state == 'present' and not vip:
         module.fail_json(msg='the "vip" param is required when state=present')
@@ -405,7 +407,7 @@ def main():
             validate_params(param, module)
 
     intf_type = get_interface_type(interface)
-    if (intf_type != 'ethernet' and transport == 'cli'):
+    if (intf_type != 'ethernet' and network_api == 'cliconf'):
         if is_default(interface, module) == 'DNE':
             module.fail_json(msg='That interface does not exist yet. Create '
                                  'it first.', interface=interface)
@@ -463,7 +465,7 @@ def main():
             load_config(module, commands)
 
             # validate IP
-            if transport == 'cli' and state == 'present':
+            if network_api == 'cliconf' and state == 'present':
                 commands.insert(0, 'config t')
                 body = run_commands(module, commands)
                 validate_config(body, vip, module)
diff --git a/lib/ansible/modules/network/nxos/nxos_install_os.py b/lib/ansible/modules/network/nxos/nxos_install_os.py
index d17f75df617..21d1f2c8c20 100644
--- a/lib/ansible/modules/network/nxos/nxos_install_os.py
+++ b/lib/ansible/modules/network/nxos/nxos_install_os.py
@@ -238,15 +238,27 @@ def parse_show_install(data):
     if len(data) > 0:
         data = massage_install_data(data)
     ud = {'raw': data}
-    ud['list_data'] = data.split('\n')
     ud['processed'] = []
     ud['disruptive'] = False
     ud['upgrade_needed'] = False
     ud['error'] = False
     ud['install_in_progress'] = False
-    ud['backend_processing_error'] = False
+    ud['server_error'] = False
     ud['upgrade_succeeded'] = False
     ud['use_impact_data'] = False
+
+    # Check for server errors
+    if isinstance(data, int):
+        if data == -1:
+            ud['server_error'] = True
+        elif data >= 500:
+            ud['server_error'] = True
+        elif data == -32603:
+            ud['server_error'] = True
+        return ud
+    else:
+        ud['list_data'] = data.split('\n')
+
     for x in ud['list_data']:
         # Check for errors and exit if found.
         if re.search(r'Pre-upgrade check failed', x):
@@ -264,7 +276,10 @@ def parse_show_install(data):
             ud['install_in_progress'] = True
             break
         if re.search(r'Backend processing error', x):
-            ud['backend_processing_error'] = True
+            ud['server_error'] = True
+            break
+        if re.search(r'^(-1|5\d\d)$', x):
+            ud['server_error'] = True
             break
 
         # Check for messages indicating a successful upgrade.
@@ -465,7 +480,7 @@ def check_install_in_progress(module, commands, opts):
 def check_mode(module, issu, image, kick=None):
     """Check switch upgrade impact using 'show install all impact' command"""
     data = check_mode_nextgen(module, issu, image, kick)
-    if data['backend_processing_error']:
+    if data['server_error']:
         # We encountered an unrecoverable error in the attempt to get upgrade
         # impact data from the 'show install all impact' command.
         # Fallback to legacy method.
@@ -500,11 +515,11 @@ def do_install_all(module, issu, image, kick=None):
         # it's done.
         upgrade = check_install_in_progress(module, commands, opts)
 
-        # Special case:  If we encounter a backend processing error at this
-        # stage it means the command was sent and the upgrade was started but
+        # Special case:  If we encounter a server error at this stage
+        # it means the command was sent and the upgrade was started but
         # we will need to use the impact data instead of the current install
         # data.
-        if upgrade['backend_processing_error']:
+        if upgrade['server_error']:
             upgrade['upgrade_succeeded'] = True
             upgrade['use_impact_data'] = True
 
diff --git a/lib/ansible/modules/network/nxos/nxos_ip_interface.py b/lib/ansible/modules/network/nxos/nxos_ip_interface.py
index 74c68c62600..b636b9af3e6 100644
--- a/lib/ansible/modules/network/nxos/nxos_ip_interface.py
+++ b/lib/ansible/modules/network/nxos/nxos_ip_interface.py
@@ -176,7 +176,7 @@ except ImportError:
     HAS_IPADDRESS = False
 
 from ansible.module_utils.network.nxos.nxos import load_config, run_commands
-from ansible.module_utils.network.nxos.nxos import nxos_argument_spec, check_args
+from ansible.module_utils.network.nxos.nxos import get_capabilities, nxos_argument_spec
 from ansible.module_utils.basic import AnsibleModule
 
 
@@ -457,6 +457,9 @@ def flatten_list(command_lists):
 
 
 def validate_params(addr, interface, mask, dot1q, tag, allow_secondary, version, state, intf_type, module):
+    device_info = get_capabilities(module)
+    network_api = device_info.get('network_api', 'nxapi')
+
     if state == "present":
         if addr is None or mask is None:
             module.fail_json(msg="An IP address AND a mask must be provided "
@@ -466,7 +469,7 @@ def validate_params(addr, interface, mask, dot1q, tag, allow_secondary, version,
             module.fail_json(msg="IPv6 address and mask must be provided when "
                                  "state=absent.")
 
-    if intf_type != "ethernet" and module.params["provider"]["transport"] == "cli":
+    if intf_type != "ethernet" and network_api == 'cliconf':
         if is_default(interface, module) == "DNE":
             module.fail_json(msg="That interface does not exist yet. Create "
                                  "it first.", interface=interface)
@@ -538,7 +541,6 @@ def main():
         module.fail_json(msg="ipaddress is required for this module. Run 'pip install ipaddress' for install.")
 
     warnings = list()
-    check_args(module, warnings)
 
     addr = module.params['addr']
     version = module.params['version']
diff --git a/lib/ansible/modules/network/nxos/nxos_nxapi.py b/lib/ansible/modules/network/nxos/nxos_nxapi.py
index ff6a587c98e..775c975f00f 100644
--- a/lib/ansible/modules/network/nxos/nxos_nxapi.py
+++ b/lib/ansible/modules/network/nxos/nxos_nxapi.py
@@ -126,18 +126,17 @@ import re
 
 from ansible.module_utils.network.nxos.nxos import run_commands, load_config
 from ansible.module_utils.network.nxos.nxos import nxos_argument_spec
-from ansible.module_utils.network.nxos.nxos import check_args as nxos_check_args
+from ansible.module_utils.network.nxos.nxos import get_capabilities
 from ansible.module_utils.basic import AnsibleModule
 from ansible.module_utils.six import iteritems
 
 
 def check_args(module, warnings):
-    provider = module.params['provider']
-    if provider['transport'] == 'nxapi':
+    device_info = get_capabilities(module)
+    network_api = device_info.get('network_api', 'nxapi')
+    if network_api == 'nxapi':
         module.fail_json(msg='module not supported over nxapi transport')
 
-    nxos_check_args(module, warnings)
-
     state = module.params['state']
 
     if state == 'started':
diff --git a/lib/ansible/modules/network/nxos/nxos_portchannel.py b/lib/ansible/modules/network/nxos/nxos_portchannel.py
index 11d3a2492e6..0875c99d262 100644
--- a/lib/ansible/modules/network/nxos/nxos_portchannel.py
+++ b/lib/ansible/modules/network/nxos/nxos_portchannel.py
@@ -99,7 +99,7 @@ import collections
 import re
 
 from ansible.module_utils.network.nxos.nxos import get_config, load_config, run_commands
-from ansible.module_utils.network.nxos.nxos import nxos_argument_spec, check_args
+from ansible.module_utils.network.nxos.nxos import get_capabilities, nxos_argument_spec
 from ansible.module_utils.basic import AnsibleModule
 from ansible.module_utils.network.common.config import CustomNetworkConfig
 
@@ -142,13 +142,15 @@ def get_custom_value(arg, config, module):
 
 
 def execute_show_command(command, module):
-    provider = module.params['provider']
-    if provider['transport'] == 'cli':
+    device_info = get_capabilities(module)
+    network_api = device_info.get('network_api', 'nxapi')
+
+    if network_api == 'cliconf':
         if 'show port-channel summary' in command:
             command += ' | json'
         cmds = [command]
         body = run_commands(module, cmds)
-    elif provider['transport'] == 'nxapi':
+    elif network_api == 'nxapi':
         cmds = [command]
         body = run_commands(module, cmds)
 
@@ -446,7 +448,6 @@ def main():
     module = AnsibleModule(argument_spec=argument_spec, supports_check_mode=True)
 
     warnings = list()
-    check_args(module, warnings)
     results = dict(changed=False, warnings=warnings)
 
     group = str(module.params['group'])
diff --git a/lib/ansible/modules/network/nxos/nxos_switchport.py b/lib/ansible/modules/network/nxos/nxos_switchport.py
index 0aaae80bd4c..cc11d304761 100644
--- a/lib/ansible/modules/network/nxos/nxos_switchport.py
+++ b/lib/ansible/modules/network/nxos/nxos_switchport.py
@@ -127,7 +127,7 @@ commands:
 '''
 
 from ansible.module_utils.network.nxos.nxos import load_config, run_commands
-from ansible.module_utils.network.nxos.nxos import nxos_argument_spec, check_args
+from ansible.module_utils.network.nxos.nxos import get_capabilities, nxos_argument_spec
 from ansible.module_utils.basic import AnsibleModule
 
 
@@ -434,12 +434,14 @@ def apply_value_map(value_map, resource):
 
 
 def execute_show_command(command, module, command_type='cli_show'):
-    provider = module.params['provider']
-    if provider['transport'] == 'cli':
+    device_info = get_capabilities(module)
+    network_api = device_info.get('network_api', 'nxapi')
+
+    if network_api == 'cliconf':
         command += ' | json'
         cmds = [command]
         body = run_commands(module, cmds)
-    elif provider['transport'] == 'nxapi':
+    elif network_api == 'nxapi':
         cmds = [command]
         body = run_commands(module, cmds)
 
@@ -479,7 +481,6 @@ def main():
     warnings = list()
     commands = []
     results = {'changed': False}
-    check_args(module, warnings)
 
     interface = module.params['interface']
     mode = module.params['mode']
diff --git a/lib/ansible/modules/network/nxos/nxos_udld.py b/lib/ansible/modules/network/nxos/nxos_udld.py
index 2291d92f0db..c0a4536588b 100644
--- a/lib/ansible/modules/network/nxos/nxos_udld.py
+++ b/lib/ansible/modules/network/nxos/nxos_udld.py
@@ -110,24 +110,23 @@ changed:
     sample: true
 '''
 
+import re
 
 from ansible.module_utils.network.nxos.nxos import get_config, load_config, run_commands
-from ansible.module_utils.network.nxos.nxos import nxos_argument_spec, check_args
+from ansible.module_utils.network.nxos.nxos import get_capabilities, nxos_argument_spec
 from ansible.module_utils.basic import AnsibleModule
 
 
-import re
-import re
-
-
 def execute_show_command(command, module, command_type='cli_show'):
-    provider = module.params['provider']
-    if provider['transport'] == 'cli':
+    device_info = get_capabilities(module)
+    network_api = device_info.get('network_api', 'nxapi')
+
+    if network_api == 'cliconf':
         if 'show run' not in command:
             command += ' | json'
         cmds = [command]
         body = run_commands(module, cmds)
-    elif provider['transport'] == 'nxapi':
+    elif network_api == 'nxapi':
         cmds = [command]
         body = run_commands(module, cmds)
 
@@ -227,7 +226,6 @@ def main():
                            supports_check_mode=True)
 
     warnings = list()
-    check_args(module, warnings)
 
     aggressive = module.params['aggressive']
     msg_time = module.params['msg_time']
diff --git a/lib/ansible/modules/network/nxos/nxos_udld_interface.py b/lib/ansible/modules/network/nxos/nxos_udld_interface.py
index 3e641d7fe0f..258bd222b5a 100644
--- a/lib/ansible/modules/network/nxos/nxos_udld_interface.py
+++ b/lib/ansible/modules/network/nxos/nxos_udld_interface.py
@@ -111,18 +111,20 @@ changed:
 
 
 from ansible.module_utils.network.nxos.nxos import get_config, load_config, run_commands
-from ansible.module_utils.network.nxos.nxos import nxos_argument_spec, check_args
+from ansible.module_utils.network.nxos.nxos import get_capabilities, nxos_argument_spec
 from ansible.module_utils.basic import AnsibleModule
 
 
 def execute_show_command(command, module, command_type='cli_show'):
-    provider = module.params['provider']
-    if provider['transport'] == 'cli':
+    device_info = get_capabilities(module)
+    network_api = device_info.get('network_api', 'nxapi')
+
+    if network_api == 'cliconf':
         if 'show run' not in command:
             command += ' | json'
         cmds = [command]
         body = run_commands(module, cmds)
-    elif provider['transport'] == 'nxapi':
+    elif network_api == 'nxapi':
         cmds = [command]
         body = run_commands(module, cmds)
 
@@ -248,7 +250,6 @@ def main():
                            supports_check_mode=True)
 
     warnings = list()
-    check_args(module, warnings)
 
     interface = module.params['interface'].lower()
     mode = module.params['mode']
diff --git a/lib/ansible/modules/network/nxos/nxos_vrf_interface.py b/lib/ansible/modules/network/nxos/nxos_vrf_interface.py
index c989f58091a..c08e87b8f64 100644
--- a/lib/ansible/modules/network/nxos/nxos_vrf_interface.py
+++ b/lib/ansible/modules/network/nxos/nxos_vrf_interface.py
@@ -81,7 +81,7 @@ commands:
 import re
 
 from ansible.module_utils.network.nxos.nxos import load_config, run_commands
-from ansible.module_utils.network.nxos.nxos import nxos_argument_spec, check_args
+from ansible.module_utils.network.nxos.nxos import get_capabilities, nxos_argument_spec
 from ansible.module_utils.basic import AnsibleModule
 
 
@@ -199,20 +199,22 @@ def main():
     module = AnsibleModule(argument_spec=argument_spec, supports_check_mode=True)
 
     warnings = list()
-    check_args(module, warnings)
     results = {'changed': False, 'commands': [], 'warnings': warnings}
 
     vrf = module.params['vrf']
     interface = module.params['interface'].lower()
     state = module.params['state']
 
+    device_info = get_capabilities(module)
+    network_api = device_info.get('network_api', 'nxapi')
+
     current_vrfs = get_vrf_list(module)
     if vrf not in current_vrfs:
         warnings.append("The VRF is not present/active on the device. "
                         "Use nxos_vrf to fix this.")
 
     intf_type = get_interface_type(interface)
-    if (intf_type != 'ethernet' and module.params['provider']['transport'] == 'cli'):
+    if (intf_type != 'ethernet' and network_api == 'cliconf'):
         if is_default(interface, module) == 'DNE':
             module.fail_json(msg="interface does not exist on switch. Verify "
                                  "switch platform or create it first with "
diff --git a/lib/ansible/modules/network/nxos/nxos_vrrp.py b/lib/ansible/modules/network/nxos/nxos_vrrp.py
index 74e01c6f8de..ec4966b82f8 100644
--- a/lib/ansible/modules/network/nxos/nxos_vrrp.py
+++ b/lib/ansible/modules/network/nxos/nxos_vrrp.py
@@ -114,7 +114,7 @@ commands:
 '''
 
 from ansible.module_utils.network.nxos.nxos import load_config, run_commands
-from ansible.module_utils.network.nxos.nxos import nxos_argument_spec, check_args
+from ansible.module_utils.network.nxos.nxos import get_capabilities, nxos_argument_spec
 from ansible.module_utils.basic import AnsibleModule
 
 
@@ -343,7 +343,6 @@ def main():
     module = AnsibleModule(argument_spec=argument_spec, supports_check_mode=True)
 
     warnings = list()
-    check_args(module, warnings)
     results = {'changed': False, 'commands': [], 'warnings': warnings}
 
     state = module.params['state']
@@ -355,13 +354,14 @@ def main():
     authentication = module.params['authentication']
     admin_state = module.params['admin_state']
 
-    transport = module.params['transport']
+    device_info = get_capabilities(module)
+    network_api = device_info.get('network_api', 'nxapi')
 
     if state == 'present' and not vip:
         module.fail_json(msg='the "vip" param is required when state=present')
 
     intf_type = get_interface_type(interface)
-    if (intf_type != 'ethernet' and transport == 'cli'):
+    if (intf_type != 'ethernet' and network_api == 'cliconf'):
         if is_default(interface, module) == 'DNE':
             module.fail_json(msg='That interface does not exist yet. Create '
                                  'it first.', interface=interface)
diff --git a/lib/ansible/plugins/cliconf/nxos.py b/lib/ansible/plugins/cliconf/nxos.py
index 60372126bc1..1012c1272c3 100644
--- a/lib/ansible/plugins/cliconf/nxos.py
+++ b/lib/ansible/plugins/cliconf/nxos.py
@@ -35,21 +35,36 @@ class Cliconf(CliconfBase):
         device_info['network_os'] = 'nxos'
         reply = self.get(b'show version | json')
         data = json.loads(reply)
+        platform_reply = self.get(b'show inventory | json')
+        platform_info = json.loads(platform_reply)
 
-        device_info['network_os_version'] = data['sys_ver_str']
+        device_info['network_os_version'] = data.get('sys_ver_str') or data.get('kickstart_ver_str')
         device_info['network_os_model'] = data['chassis_id']
         device_info['network_os_hostname'] = data['host_name']
-        device_info['network_os_image'] = data['isan_file_name']
+        device_info['network_os_image'] = data.get('isan_file_name') or data.get('kick_file_name')
+
+        inventory_table = platform_info['TABLE_inv']['ROW_inv']
+        for info in inventory_table:
+            if 'Chassis' in info['name']:
+                device_info['network_os_platform'] = info['productid']
 
         return device_info
 
-    def get_config(self, source='running'):
+    def get_config(self, source='running', flags=None):
         lookup = {'running': 'running-config', 'startup': 'startup-config'}
-        return self.send_command(b'show %s' % lookup[source])
+
+        cmd = b'show {} '.format(lookup[source])
+        cmd += ' '.join(flags)
+        cmd = cmd.strip()
+
+        return self.send_command(cmd)
 
     def edit_config(self, command):
+        responses = []
         for cmd in chain([b'configure'], to_list(command), [b'end']):
-            self.send_command(cmd)
+            responses.append(self.send_command(cmd))
+
+        return json.dumps(responses)
 
     def get(self, command, prompt=None, answer=None, sendonly=False):
         return self.send_command(command, prompt=prompt, answer=answer, sendonly=sendonly)
diff --git a/test/units/modules/network/nxos/test_nxos_hsrp.py b/test/units/modules/network/nxos/test_nxos_hsrp.py
index 5812cdfdb95..382a0c97035 100644
--- a/test/units/modules/network/nxos/test_nxos_hsrp.py
+++ b/test/units/modules/network/nxos/test_nxos_hsrp.py
@@ -36,10 +36,15 @@ class TestNxosHsrpModule(TestNxosModule):
         self.mock_load_config = patch('ansible.modules.network.nxos.nxos_hsrp.load_config')
         self.load_config = self.mock_load_config.start()
 
+        self.mock_get_capabilities = patch('ansible.modules.network.nxos.nxos_hsrp.get_capabilities')
+        self.get_capabilities = self.mock_get_capabilities.start()
+        self.get_capabilities.return_value = {'network_api': 'cliconf'}
+
     def tearDown(self):
         super(TestNxosHsrpModule, self).tearDown()
         self.mock_run_commands.stop()
         self.mock_load_config.stop()
+        self.mock_get_capabilities.stop()
 
     def load_fixtures(self, commands=None, device=''):
         self.load_config.return_value = None
diff --git a/test/units/modules/network/nxos/test_nxos_ip_interface.py b/test/units/modules/network/nxos/test_nxos_ip_interface.py
index 2e1e5e1b128..86999a3a6e3 100644
--- a/test/units/modules/network/nxos/test_nxos_ip_interface.py
+++ b/test/units/modules/network/nxos/test_nxos_ip_interface.py
@@ -42,11 +42,16 @@ class TestNxosIPInterfaceModule(TestNxosModule):
         self.mock_load_config = patch('ansible.modules.network.nxos.nxos_ip_interface.load_config')
         self.load_config = self.mock_load_config.start()
 
+        self.mock_get_capabilities = patch('ansible.modules.network.nxos.nxos_ip_interface.get_capabilities')
+        self.get_capabilities = self.mock_get_capabilities.start()
+        self.get_capabilities.return_value = {'network_api': 'cliconf'}
+
     def tearDown(self):
         super(TestNxosIPInterfaceModule, self).tearDown()
         self.mock_get_interface_mode.stop()
         self.mock_send_show_command.stop()
         self.mock_load_config.stop()
+        self.mock_get_capabilities.stop()
 
     def load_fixtures(self, commands=None, device=''):
         self.get_interface_mode.return_value = 'layer3'
diff --git a/test/units/modules/network/nxos/test_nxos_nxapi.py b/test/units/modules/network/nxos/test_nxos_nxapi.py
index 36754dc85e7..0f101837934 100644
--- a/test/units/modules/network/nxos/test_nxos_nxapi.py
+++ b/test/units/modules/network/nxos/test_nxos_nxapi.py
@@ -37,10 +37,15 @@ class TestNxosNxapiModule(TestNxosModule):
         self.mock_load_config = patch('ansible.modules.network.nxos.nxos_nxapi.load_config')
         self.load_config = self.mock_load_config.start()
 
+        self.mock_get_capabilities = patch('ansible.modules.network.nxos.nxos_nxapi.get_capabilities')
+        self.get_capabilities = self.mock_get_capabilities.start()
+        self.get_capabilities.return_value = {'network_api': 'cliconf'}
+
     def tearDown(self):
         super(TestNxosNxapiModule, self).tearDown()
         self.mock_run_commands.stop()
         self.mock_load_config.stop()
+        self.mock_get_capabilities.stop()
 
     def load_fixtures(self, commands=None, device=''):
         def load_from_file(*args, **kwargs):
diff --git a/test/units/modules/network/nxos/test_nxos_portchannel.py b/test/units/modules/network/nxos/test_nxos_portchannel.py
index 32b3a04ed64..2bb564b8e25 100644
--- a/test/units/modules/network/nxos/test_nxos_portchannel.py
+++ b/test/units/modules/network/nxos/test_nxos_portchannel.py
@@ -40,11 +40,16 @@ class TestNxosPortchannelModule(TestNxosModule):
         self.mock_get_config = patch('ansible.modules.network.nxos.nxos_portchannel.get_config')
         self.get_config = self.mock_get_config.start()
 
+        self.mock_get_capabilities = patch('ansible.modules.network.nxos.nxos_portchannel.get_capabilities')
+        self.get_capabilities = self.mock_get_capabilities.start()
+        self.get_capabilities.return_value = {'network_api': 'cliconf'}
+
     def tearDown(self):
         super(TestNxosPortchannelModule, self).tearDown()
         self.mock_run_commands.stop()
         self.mock_load_config.stop()
         self.mock_get_config.stop()
+        self.mock_get_capabilities.stop()
 
     def load_fixtures(self, commands=None, device=''):
         self.load_config.return_value = None
diff --git a/test/units/modules/network/nxos/test_nxos_switchport.py b/test/units/modules/network/nxos/test_nxos_switchport.py
index ef05f7b6e06..424b6790f3c 100644
--- a/test/units/modules/network/nxos/test_nxos_switchport.py
+++ b/test/units/modules/network/nxos/test_nxos_switchport.py
@@ -37,10 +37,15 @@ class TestNxosSwitchportModule(TestNxosModule):
         self.mock_load_config = patch('ansible.modules.network.nxos.nxos_switchport.load_config')
         self.load_config = self.mock_load_config.start()
 
+        self.mock_get_capabilities = patch('ansible.modules.network.nxos.nxos_switchport.get_capabilities')
+        self.get_capabilities = self.mock_get_capabilities.start()
+        self.get_capabilities.return_value = {'network_api': 'cliconf'}
+
     def tearDown(self):
         super(TestNxosSwitchportModule, self).tearDown()
         self.mock_run_commands.stop()
         self.mock_load_config.stop()
+        self.mock_get_capabilities.stop()
 
     def load_fixtures(self, commands=None, device=''):
         def load_from_file(*args, **kwargs):