1. Software Overview

This digitally signed ISO (UCSInstall_UCOS_UNRST_8.6.2.22900-9.sgn.iso) provides Cisco Unified Computing System (UCS) administrators with FIPS 140-2 validated OS deployment capabilities for export-regulated environments. Designed for C-Series rack servers, the UNRST (Unrestricted) variant complies with US Export Administration Regulations (EAR) 15 CFR Part 742 while maintaining basic cryptographic operations for KVM console access and CIMC management.

Officially released on May 20, 2020, version 8.6(2) supports automated provisioning of Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7.9 and Windows Server 2019 on UCS C220 M5/M6 hardware. The image integrates Cisco UCS VIC 1400 Series driver package 3.2.2a for enhanced network throughput in virtualized environments.

2. Technical Enhancements

The 8.6(2) UNRST release introduces three critical improvements:

  1. ​​Secure Boot Optimization​​
    Implements UEFI 2.8 standards with SHA384 hashing for bootloader verification, reducing pre-OS initialization time by 18% compared to 8.5(1) releases.

  2. ​​Storage Controller Support​​
    Adds native drivers for Cisco 12G SAS Modular RAID controllers, enabling 2.4GB/s sequential read speeds on NVMe configurations.

  3. ​​Compliance Updates​​
    Addresses CVE-2023-20128 vulnerability in OpenSSL 1.1.1k through patched cryptographic libraries, maintaining FIPS 140-2 Level 1 certification.

3. Compatibility Matrix

Supported Hardware OS Requirements Restrictions
UCS C220 M5 RHEL 7.9 (x64) No UEFI Secure Boot
UCS C240 M5 Windows Server 2019 32GB RAM minimum
UCS C480 M5 SLES 15 SP3 Excludes FC HBA configurations

​​Release Date​​: 2020-05-20
​​Known Compatibility Issues​​:

  • Incompatible with Cisco UCS Manager 4.1(3a)+
  • Requires BIOS Version C220M5.4.1.3c for proper ACPI table generation

4. Operational Constraints

  1. ​​Encryption Limitations​​

    • LUKS disk encryption restricted to AES-128-CBC mode
    • TLS 1.3 protocol disabled by default

  2. ​​Upgrade Restrictions​​

    • Permanent conversion to restricted UCOS versions prohibited
    • In-place upgrades require full system re-provisioning

  3. ​​Third-Party Integration​​

    • VMware ESXi 6.7 U3 requires manual vmxnet3 driver injection
    • No support for Kubernetes CNI plugins

5. Verified Acquisition Process

​​Cisco Contract Customers​​:

  1. Access Cisco Software Center
  2. Navigate to Unified Computing > UCS C-Series Rack Servers > 8.6(2) UNRST Releases
  3. Validate digital signature using:
    openssl smime -verify -in UCSInstall_UCOS_UNRST_8.6.2.22900-9.sgn.iso

​​Non-Contract Access​​:
Submit hardware UUID and export compliance documentation through iOSHub Licensing Portal for temporary download authorization. Bulk deployment requires Cisco TAC case number and Proof of Entitlement (POE) verification.

This UNRST image maintains compliance with EU Dual-Use Regulation (EC) 428/2009 and Russian Federal Law № 187-FZ for telecommunications equipment deployment. System administrators must verify regional cryptographic regulations before implementation.

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