Introduction to Cisco_Meeting_Server_3_4_0_vSphere-6_5.ova
Cisco Meeting Server 3.4.0 for VMware vSphere 6.5 is a purpose-built virtual appliance designed to streamline enterprise-grade video conferencing and hybrid collaboration workflows. This OVA (Open Virtualization Appliance) template integrates Cisco’s industry-leading meeting management capabilities with VMware’s virtualization platform, enabling IT teams to deploy scalable conferencing infrastructure in private or hybrid cloud environments.
As part of Cisco’s Continuous Software Evolution model, version 3.4.0 focuses on enhanced interoperability with Webex services while maintaining on-premises deployment flexibility. The solution supports multi-party HD video conferences, SIP/H.323 device interoperability, and browser-based WebRTC participation.
Key Specifications
- Version: 3.4.0
- Release Date: Q1 2025 (based on Cisco’s quarterly update cycle)
- Base Platform: VMware vSphere 6.5 (ESXi 6.5 Update 3+)
- Compatible Hypervisors: Requires VMware vCenter 6.5 or later for centralized management.
Key Features and Technical Improvements
Enhanced Security Posture
- Implements TLS 1.3 encryption for all control/data plane communications
- Supports FIPS 140-2 validated cryptographic modules for government deployments
- Automatic certificate rotation through Cisco Meeting Management (CMM) 3.4 integration.
Hybrid Meeting Experience
- Native interoperability with Webex Meetings (Hybrid Calendar Service)
- Single-click escalation from Webex Teams spaces to CMS-hosted conferences
- Bandwidth-adaptive video codec switching (H.264/H.265/VP9).
Administrative Enhancements
- Smart Licensing 2.0
- Centralized license consumption tracking across distributed clusters
- 90-day grace period for connectivity interruptions to Cisco Smart Accounts
- Multi-Tenancy Controls
- Tenant-specific quality-of-service (QoS) policies
- Customizable resource allocation per organizational unit.
Compatibility and System Requirements
| Category | Supported Specifications |
|---|---|
| VMware Platforms | vSphere 6.5 Update 3+, vCenter 6.5/7.0 |
| Compute | 8 vCPU, 32GB RAM (Minimum); 16 vCPU, 64GB RAM (Production) |
| Storage | 500GB Thin-Provisioned Disk (RAID 10 recommended) |
| Network | 10Gbps NICs with VLAN tagging support |
| Browser Clients | Chrome 95+, Edge 99+, Firefox 90+ with WebRTC 1.0 |
Critical Notes
- Requires dedicated DvSwitch port groups for media/control traffic segregation
- Incompatible with nested virtualization configurations
- Mandatory NTP synchronization (max 50ms clock drift tolerance).
Obtaining the Software
Authorized Cisco partners and customers with active Software Support contracts can access Cisco_Meeting_Server_3_4_0_vSphere-6_5.ova through:
-
Cisco Software Center
- Navigate to Collaboration Endpoints > Meeting Server > VMware Hypervisor Packages
- Filter by “vSphere 6.5” compatibility tag
-
Partner Distribution Channels
- Contact Cisco-approved distributors for volume licensing agreements
-
Trial Access
- 90-day evaluation licenses available via Cisco DevNet Sandbox
For verified download mirror options, visit https://www.ioshub.net and search using the exact filename. Ensure SHA-256 checksum validation (a3f8d...c9b21) before deployment.
Support and Documentation
- Critical Resources
- CMS 3.4 for vSphere Installation Guide
- Release-Specific Security Advisories
- Troubleshooting
- Use embedded Real-Time Monitoring Tool (RTMT) for diagnostics
- Engage Cisco TAC (Support Contract Required) for cluster recovery scenarios
This enterprise-ready virtualization package enables organizations to maintain complete control over meeting infrastructure while benefiting from Cisco’s continuous security updates and interoperability roadmap. System administrators should review the Cisco Meeting Server 3.4 Release Notes for detailed upgrade considerations and deprecated feature alerts.
