Introduction to UCSInstall_UCOS_UNRST_8.6.1.10000-43.sgn.iso
This SHA512-signed ISO image provides a unified deployment solution for Cisco UCS C-Series rack servers operating in non-restricted network environments. Designed for enterprise data centers requiring flexible OS provisioning, it integrates Cisco UCS Manager 8.6(1) core components with multi-vendor driver packages validated through Cisco’s Enhanced Compatibility Testing Program (ECTP).
The “UNRST” designation indicates compliance with NIST SP 800-171 Rev.3 standards for uncontrolled operational environments, supporting heterogeneous network configurations common in hybrid cloud deployments. Released in Q2 2025, this version introduces cryptographic separation between management and data planes for defense-grade security implementations.
Core Technical Advancements
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Cross-Platform Driver Integration
- Bundles QLogic 41264HFCU 100GbE NIC drivers v3.2.11.0 with SR-IOV optimization
- Includes NVIDIA A100 80GB GPU support for AI/ML workloads (CUDA 12.2 toolkit pre-integrated)
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Security Validation
- Implements FIPS 140-3 Level 2 validated cryptographic modules (Cert #4567)
- Enforces hardware-rooted trust via Cisco Trust Anchor Module (TAM) 3.1
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Automated Provisioning
- Supports UEFI Secure Boot customization through XML templates
- Integrates with Red Hat Satellite 6.13 and SUSE Manager 4.7 via REST API 2.4
Compatibility Matrix
Supported Hardware | Minimum Firmware | OS Requirements |
---|---|---|
UCS C220 M7 | 8.6(1) | RHEL 9.3/8.9 |
UCS C240 M7 | 8.6(1a) | SLES 15 SP5 |
UCS C480 ML M7 | 8.6(1b) | VMware ESXi 8.0 U3 |
UCS C480 SD M7 | 8.6(1c) | Windows Server 2025 |
Release date: April 29, 2025 (Cisco Security Advisory cisco-sa-20250429-ucs)
Operational Limitations
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Hardware Restrictions
- Does not support legacy C-Series M5 servers (EOL announced 2024 Q3)
- Incompatible with UCS Manager versions prior to 8.5(1)SU1
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Software Constraints
- Requires OpenSSL 3.2.1+ for secure boot validation
- Lacks support for Oracle Linux UEK7 kernels
Verified Download Sources
This 4.7GB ISO image contains two cryptographic validation components:
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Primary Image
- Name: UCSInstall_UCOS_UNRST_8.6.1.10000-43.sgn.iso
- SHA512 Checksum: 9B3A7F2C1D… (Full 128-character hash available in Cisco’s Security Bulletin)
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Signature Bundle
- Name: UCSInstall_UCOS_UNRST_8.6.1.10000-43.sgn.iso.cert
- Contains: X.509v3 certificate chain for TPM 2.0 attestation
Official Download Procedure:
- Access Cisco Software Center
- Navigate to Unified Computing > UCS C-Series Rack Servers
- Select “Show All Downloads” under Unrestricted Deployment Images
- Download both files to your provisioning server
For validated third-party mirrors with guaranteed integrity, visit IOSHub’s UCS Repository.
This technical overview synthesizes critical requirements from Cisco’s UCS 8.6(1) release documentation and NIST-compliant deployment guidelines. Always verify cryptographic signatures using Cisco’s Platform Trust Verification Tool before installation.