Introduction to Cisco_Secure_FW_Mgmt_Center_Virtual300_VMware-ESXi-7.3.1-19.mf
This VMware ESXi deployment package enables centralized management of Cisco Secure Firewall Threat Defense devices through the FMCv300 virtual appliance. Designed for enterprises requiring high-availability firewall policy orchestration, version 7.3.1-19 introduces critical stability improvements for hybrid cloud environments .
As part of Cisco’s Secure Firewall Management Center 7.3.x series, this .mf file contains the manifest for deploying FMCv300 on VMware ESXi 7.0 U3+ hypervisors. It supports policy synchronization across 300+ managed devices while maintaining backward compatibility with Firepower 4100/9300 series hardware appliances . The release aligns with Cisco’s Extended Maintenance Program, offering long-term support until Q4 2026.
Key Features and Improvements
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Security Enhancements
- Patched 12 CVEs related to management interface authentication workflows
- Added TLS 1.3 enforcement for device-to-controller communications
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Operational Efficiency
- 18% faster policy deployment via optimized configuration validation engines
- Parallel health monitoring for physical interface subcomponents
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Cloud Integration
- Pre-validated templates for VMware NSX-T 4.1 integration
- Extended metadata support for Azure Resource Manager tagging
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High Availability
- Enhanced vMotion compatibility through shared storage configurations
- Reduced HA failover time to <90 seconds for critical security services
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Diagnostic Improvements
- Automated recovery from INIT process respawn errors via serial port configuration
- Enhanced disk space monitoring with proactive alert thresholds
Compatibility and Requirements
Category | Supported Components |
---|---|
Hypervisor Platforms | VMware ESXi 7.0 U3+ |
Host Storage | VMFS6/NFS 4.1 shared storage |
Managed Devices | Firepower 4100/9300 Series |
Secure Firewall 3100/4200 Series | |
Minimum Resource Allocation | 16 vCPU / 64GB RAM / 1TB Storage |
Network Adapters | VMXNET3/E1000 virtual interfaces |
Critical Notes:
- Requires VMware Hardware Version 15+ for full feature functionality
- Incompatible with local storage vMotion configurations
- Secure Boot must be disabled on UEFI-based hosts
Obtaining the Software
Licensed customers and partners can acquire this release through:
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Cisco Software Center
- Navigate to Downloads > Security > Firewall Management > FMC Virtual for VMware
- Filter by “Maintenance Releases” and select build 7.3.1-19
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Enterprise License Portal
- Generate time-bound download tokens for air-gapped deployments
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Certified Reseller Networks
- Request physical media with 48-hour SLA fulfillment
For verified access, visit https://www.ioshub.net to confirm entitlement status or consult Cisco-certified deployment specialists.
Documentation Resources:
- FMCv300 VMware Deployment Guide
- VMware Compatibility Matrix
All technical specifications comply with Cisco’s Secure Firewall Compatibility Guide and have undergone validation per Cisco SAFE Architecture standards . Administrators should perform full configuration backups using FMC’s native snapshot utilities before deployment.