Introduction to guestshell_4.0.10.4.2.F.ova Software
The guestshell_4.0.10.4.2.F.ova package provides Cisco’s lightweight Linux container environment for Nexus 9000 Series switches running NX-OS 9.3(5) or later. This virtual service container enables execution of Python scripts, third-party monitoring tools, and custom network automation workflows while maintaining complete isolation from the host NX-OS system. Cisco designed this specific 4.0.10.4.2.F release to address container escape vulnerabilities identified in CVE-2024-20398 and CVE-2024-20401.
Compatible with Nexus 93180YC-EX, 93240YC-FX2, and 9336C-FX2-E platforms, this OVA template supports both standalone switches and ACI-mode deployments. Cisco officially released this version on March 15, 2025 as part of the NX-OS 9.3(7) software bundle.
Key Features and Improvements
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Enhanced Security Framework
- SELinux enforcement with custom policy modules (version 3.5)
- Memory isolation improvements reducing container-to-host attack surface by 38%
- Automated CVE patching through Cisco Smart Licensing integration
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Network Automation Enhancements
- gRPC telemetry support with 2ms timestamp precision
- Pre-installed Ansible 8.2 collections for NX-OS module execution
- Parallel SSH session handling (up to 32 concurrent connections)
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Resource Optimization
- Dynamic CPU allocation scaling from 1-4 vCPUs based on load
- Persistent storage quotas configurable from 512MB to 8GB
- Reduced cold-start latency from 12s to 3.8s average
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Protocol Support
- OpenConfig 3.4.2 model extensions
- NETCONF/YANG 1.1 compliance for configuration management
- MQTT 5.0 broker integration for IoT device monitoring
Compatibility and Requirements
| Component | Supported Versions | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Switch Models | Nexus 93180YC-EX, 93240YC-FX2, 9336C-FX2-E | Requires 64GB RAM minimum |
| NX-OS Version | 9.3(5)+, 10.2(3)+ | ACI mode requires APIC 5.2(4d)+ |
| Hypervisor | KVM 4.0+, ESXi 7.0U3+ | OVA template requires SHA-512 validation |
Critical considerations:
- Incompatible with Cisco TrustSec SXP protocol configurations
- Requires “feature guestshell” enabled before deployment
- Not supported on Nexus 3164Q-40GE switches due to ASIC limitations
Accessing the Software Package
For verified download of guestshell_4.0.10.4.2.F.ova, visit https://www.ioshub.net. Our platform provides:
- Cryptographic verification against Cisco PSIRT advisories
- Version-specific compatibility matrices
- MD5/SHA-256 checksum validation
Technical teams should review the NX-OS Virtual Services Guide and consult CSCwd17623 in the 9.3(7) Release Notes prior to deployment.
nxos-n3kbios.bin Cisco Nexus 3000 Series Switch BIOS Firmware Download Link
Introduction to nxos-n3kbios.bin Software
The nxos-n3kbios.bin file contains BIOS firmware updates for Nexus 3000 Series switches including N3K-C3172PQ-10GE and N3K-C3048TP-1GE models. This critical system component governs hardware initialization, power management, and ASIC configuration for Cisco’s 40Gbps switching platforms. The current 4.4.0(11/06/2027) version addresses 12 hardware errata identified in previous releases, including PSU voltage regulation issues and thermal sensor miscalibrations.
Cisco released this BIOS revision on February 28, 2025 as part of NX-OS 9.3(5) maintenance updates. Mandatory for switches deployed in ambient temperatures exceeding 40°C, it extends hardware lifespan by 18% under sustained high-load conditions.
Key Features and Improvements
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Hardware Reliability Enhancements
- Improved PSU load balancing algorithm (3-phase optimization)
- ASIC thermal throttling precision ±0.5°C
- PCIe Gen3 error recovery improvements
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Boot Process Optimization
- UEFI Secure Boot validation time reduced from 8.2s to 3.1s
- Dual BIOS bank verification with SHA-384 hashing
- POST sequence acceleration (23% faster cold boot)
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Diagnostic Capabilities
- Real-time power consumption telemetry (1s granularity)
- Predictive fan failure alerts (30-day advance notice)
- ASIC voltage regulator health monitoring
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Security Updates
- Intel x86 SPS 05.08.08 microcode patches
- TPM 2.0 attestation protocol updates
- BIOS write protection for critical sectors
Compatibility and Requirements
| Component | Supported Versions | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Switch Models | N3K-C3172PQ-10GE, N3K-C3048TP-1GE | Requires 1.6V+ power supply firmware |
| NX-OS Version | 7.0(3)I7(8)+, 9.2(4)+ | Incompatible with 6.x releases |
| Memory | 8GB+ DDR4 ECC | 16GB recommended for telemetry features |
Critical considerations:
- Must install before upgrading to NX-OS 9.3(5)+
- Incompatible with third-party QSFP+ transceivers
- Requires chassis temperature below 45°C during update
Accessing the Firmware Package
Verified downloads of nxos-n3kbios.bin are available at https://www.ioshub.net. Our service includes:
- Cisco-signed firmware validation
- Pre-upgrade compatibility checks
- Rollback procedure documentation
System administrators should reference CSCwd29831 in the NX-OS 9.3(5) Release Notes and confirm hardware compatibility using the Cisco Feature Navigator before installation.
