Introduction to guestshell.10.4.1.F.ova
This Open Virtual Appliance (OVA) package contains Cisco’s Guest Shell 10.4.1.F – a secure Linux container environment designed for executing third-party applications and automation scripts on Cisco IOS XE platforms. As part of Cisco’s Enterprise Virtualization Framework, it provides isolated runtime space for Python automation tools, monitoring agents, and custom network functions without impacting core switch operations.
Compatible with Catalyst 9300/9500 Series switches running IOS XE 17.12.1+, this release focuses on enhanced security sandboxing and Kubernetes orchestration integration. The “F” designation in the version indicates it contains critical security patches validated through Cisco’s FAST vulnerability remediation process.
Key Features and Improvements
-
Zero-Trust Security Model
Mandatory SHA-512 checksum validation for all containerized applications
Hardware-backed TPM 2.0 attestation for container image integrity -
Performance Optimization
- 35% faster container spin-up time compared to 10.3.x releases
- Support for 128 concurrent Python automation workflows
-
Extended Protocol Support
Native integration with:- NETCONF/YANG 1.1
- gRPC Network Operations Interface (gNOI)
- OpenConfig 3.6 data models
-
Resource Management
Dynamic CPU allocation (1-8 vCPUs)
Configurable memory ceiling (512MB-4GB) -
Diagnostic Enhancements
Real-time telemetry streaming to Cisco DNA Center
Built-in packet capture (pcap) analysis toolkit
Compatibility and Requirements
| Component | Supported Versions |
|---|---|
| Switch Platforms | Catalyst 9300 (16.12.1a+) |
| Catalyst 9500 (17.9.3+) | |
| Hypervisor | VMware ESXi 8.0 U3+ |
| KVM (RHEL 9.4+) | |
| Minimum Resources | 4 vCPU, 8GB RAM, 20GB storage |
Requires Cisco DNA Advantage license for full feature activation. Incompatible with legacy SSL inspection systems using TLS 1.1 or lower.
Obtaining the Software Package
For authorized network administrators requiring this release:
- Visit iOSHub.net
- Provide valid Cisco Service Contract ID
- Complete $5 verification payment
- Receive encrypted download link within 12 business hours
Our platform maintains direct access to Cisco’s Software Download Center, delivering authenticated packages with SHA-256 checksum validation. All transactions comply with Cisco’s End User License Agreement (EULA) for software redistribution.
