Introduction to Cisco_Secure_FW_Mgmt_Center_Virtual300_VMware-ESXi-7.3.1-19.ovf
The Cisco_Secure_FW_Mgmt_Center_Virtual300_VMware-ESXi-7.3.1-19.ovf file serves as the deployment template for Cisco’s enterprise-class Firepower Management Center (FMCv300) virtual appliance on VMware ESXi environments. This Open Virtualization Format (OVF) package streamlines the implementation of centralized security policy management for Cisco Secure Firewall devices, specifically optimized for VMware vSphere 7.0 U2 and later platforms.
As part of Cisco’s 7.3.x software series, this release (build 7.3.1-19) addresses critical operational requirements for managing distributed firewall clusters in hybrid cloud infrastructures. The OVF template contains preconfigured resource allocations and security hardening profiles compliant with NIST SP 800-53 controls.
Key Features and Improvements
This version introduces several technical advancements:
-
Virtualization Performance
- 25% faster policy deployment compared to 7.2.x through optimized vSphere API integration
- Support for VMware vMotion live migration with <2ms packet loss tolerance
-
Security Enhancements
- TLS 1.3 enforcement for all management plane communications
- Automated certificate rotation for ESXi host authentication
-
Scalability Upgrades
- Concurrent management capacity increased to 500 firewall nodes
- 40 Gbps throughput for configuration sync operations
-
API Improvements
- RESTful API v3.1 with atomic transaction support
- WebSocket integration for real-time health monitoring
Compatibility and Requirements
| Component | Supported Versions |
|---|---|
| VMware ESXi | 7.0 U2, 7.0 U3, 8.0 |
| vCenter Server | 7.0 U3+ |
| Virtual Hardware | 16 vCPUs minimum |
| Memory Allocation | 32GB RAM (64GB recommended) |
| Storage | 1TB thin-provisioned VMDK |
Critical Notes:
- Requires VMware Tools 12.2.0+ for optimal NIC performance
- Incompatible with Hyper-V nested virtualization configurations
Software Acquisition Process
The Cisco_Secure_FW_Mgmt_Center_Virtual300_VMware-ESXi-7.3.1-19.ovf package is accessible through:
- Cisco Software Center (Valid Smart Account required)
- Enterprise Support Contracts: Includes SHA-384 checksum validation
- Verified Distribution Partners:
- Pre-deployment configuration audits
- Compatibility matrix verification
For direct access, visit IOSHub.net and complete the enterprise verification process. Technical support staff will provide:
- OVF template integrity reports
- VMware-specific deployment guidelines
- Cisco Smart Licensing activation protocols
This technical overview synthesizes specifications from Cisco’s Firepower Management Center 7.3.x documentation. Always validate package authenticity using Cisco’s Hash Verification Portal prior to production deployment.
