diff --git a/gossip/src/cluster_info.rs b/gossip/src/cluster_info.rs
index e1414afde..a9a0c0555 100644
--- a/gossip/src/cluster_info.rs
+++ b/gossip/src/cluster_info.rs
@@ -2922,18 +2922,24 @@ fn filter_on_shred_version(
 ) -> Option<Protocol> {
     let filter_values = |from: &Pubkey, values: &mut Vec<CrdsValue>, skipped_counter: &Counter| {
         let num_values = values.len();
+        // Node-instances are always exempted from shred-version check so that:
+        // * their propagation across cluster is expedited.
+        // * prevent two running instances of the same identity key cross
+        //   contaminate gossip between clusters.
         if crds.get_shred_version(from) == Some(self_shred_version) {
-            // Retain values with the same shred-vesion, or those which are
-            // contact-info so that shred-versions can be updated.
             values.retain(|value| match &value.data {
+                // Allow contact-infos so that shred-versions are updated.
                 CrdsData::ContactInfo(_) => true,
+                CrdsData::NodeInstance(_) => true,
+                // Only retain values with the same shred version.
                 _ => crds.get_shred_version(&value.pubkey()) == Some(self_shred_version),
             })
         } else {
-            // Only allow node to update its own contact info in case their
-            // shred-version changes.
             values.retain(|value| match &value.data {
+                // Allow node to update its own contact info in case their
+                // shred-version changes
                 CrdsData::ContactInfo(node) => node.id == *from,
+                CrdsData::NodeInstance(_) => true,
                 _ => false,
             })
         }