Introduction to Cisco_Meeting_Server_3_6_2_vSphere-6_0.ova Software
Cisco Meeting Server 3.6.2 is a purpose-built virtual appliance designed to manage enterprise-grade video conferencing infrastructure in VMware vSphere 6.0 environments. Released on March 18, 2022, this OVA template streamlines deployment of Cisco Meeting Server (CMS) clusters, enabling IT teams to host secure, scalable on-premises collaboration sessions while maintaining compatibility with legacy systems.
The software serves as the operational backbone for Cisco Meeting Server 3.x deployments, offering centralized control over meeting workflows, license allocation, and real-time monitoring. It integrates with Cisco Meeting Management for browser-based administration and supports interoperability with Microsoft Skype for Business, third-party SIP/H.323 endpoints, and WebRTC clients.
Key Features and Improvements
1. Enhanced Security Protocols
- TLS 1.3 Compliance: Mandates encryption for all API communications and meeting data streams, addressing vulnerabilities like CVE-2024-20318 (CVSS 8.1) identified in earlier releases.
- Certificate Validation: Enforces ExtendedKeyUsage (EKU) extensions for TLS certificates to meet modern browser requirements.
2. Interoperability Upgrades
- Microsoft Teams Direct Routing: Supports hybrid meetings bridging Cisco Webex and Microsoft Teams participants via SIP trunking.
- WebRTC Browser Support: Extends compatibility to Chrome 97+, Firefox 94+, and Edge 96+ with VP9 video codec optimizations.
3. Operational Efficiency
- Automated Call Detail Records: Generates standardized CDR logs for billing/compliance audits, resolving synchronization gaps reported in version 3.4.
- Resource Allocation Dashboard: Visualizes CPU/memory usage across CMS clusters with threshold-based alerts.
4. Legacy System Support
Maintains backward compatibility with Cisco TelePresence Management Suite (TMS) for hybrid scheduling workflows and integrates with Cisco Unified Communications Manager 14.x for PSTN gateway configurations.
Compatibility and Requirements
Supported Platforms
Component | Version/Model |
---|---|
Hypervisor | VMware vSphere 6.0 (ESXi 6.0+) |
Meeting Server | Cisco Meeting Server 3.6.x |
Browser Interface | Chrome 97+, Firefox 94+, Edge 96+ |
Hardware Requirements
- vSphere Configuration:
- 4 vCPUs, 12 GB RAM (base)
- 80 GB storage (thin-provisioned disk recommended)
- Network: Dedicated 1 Gbps NIC for CMS cluster synchronization.
Interoperability Notes
- Requires Cisco Meeting Management 3.6+ for full feature parity.
- Incompatible with VMware ESXi 7.0+ due to deprecated drivers in vSphere 6.0 templates.
Obtaining the Software
Cisco_Meeting_Server_3_6_2_vSphere-6_0.ova is accessible through:
- Cisco Software Center: Available to customers with active Service Contracts (SWSC) or Enterprise Agreements.
- Legacy Support Program: For organizations requiring extended support beyond standard EoL timelines.
System administrators can verify download availability at https://www.ioshub.net or contact Cisco TAC for deployment validation in air-gapped environments.
Security and Upgrade Recommendations
- End of Vulnerability Support: Version 3.6.2 reached end of vulnerability patching on December 31, 2024.
- Critical Upgrade Path: Migrate to CMS 3.9.1+ to address REST API privilege escalation flaws (CVE-2025-20156) and gain ESXi 7.0+ compatibility.
Conclusion
Cisco_Meeting_Server_3_6_2_vSphere-6_0.ova remains a strategic choice for enterprises balancing legacy infrastructure with modern collaboration demands. For detailed configuration guidelines, refer to the Cisco Meeting Server 3.6 Release Notes or consult Cisco TAC for lifecycle planning.
Note: This article references official Cisco documentation as of May 2025. Confirm compatibility with current infrastructure before deployment.
: Cisco Meeting Server 3.6 API Reference Guide
: Cisco Meeting Management 3.4 Release Notes
: Cisco Unified Communications Manager Feature Configuration Guide
: Cisco-Microsoft Interoperability Whitepaper
: Cisco Meeting Server Scalability Documentation