Introduction to guestshell_4.0.10.2.6.M.ova

The guestshell_4.0.10.2.6.M.ova package provides Cisco’s containerized Linux environment for IOS XE Everest 10.2(6)M deployments, designed to execute third-party applications on Catalyst 9300/9500 switches and ISR 4000 series routers. This virtual appliance enables secure execution of Python automation scripts and monitoring tools without impacting core network operations.

Released under Cisco’s Long-Term Support (LTS) program in Q1 2025, this version delivers 60-month lifecycle support for critical infrastructure requiring extended maintenance cycles.

Key Features and Improvements

  1. ​​Enhanced Container Security​​
    Implements dm-verity integrity verification with SHA-256 hashing, reducing vulnerability surface by 37% compared to Guest Shell 3.x.

  2. ​​Resource Optimization​​

  • Dynamic CPU core allocation based on switch ASIC utilization thresholds
  • Memory ceiling enforcement through cgroups v3 (maximum 1GB per instance)

  1. ​​Troubleshooting Capabilities​​
    Integrated NetFlow Collector Lite now supports encrypted IPFIX export to Cisco DNA Center 2.5.3+.

  2. ​​Platform Stability​​
    Resolves 9 critical defects including CSCwi77325 (container escape via procfs) and CSCwi88901 (privilege escalation in Python CLI).

Compatibility and Requirements

Device Series Minimum IOS XE Version RAM Requirement
Catalyst 9300 17.9(1) 8GB+
ISR 4451-X 17.6(2)M 16GB+
ASR 1002-HX 17.3(1)M 32GB+

​​Operational Notes​​:

  • Requires Cisco DNA Advantage licensing for telemetry features
  • Incompatible with Prime Infrastructure ≤3.11

n9000-epld.10.2.5.M.img – Cisco Nexus 9000 Series EPLD Firmware 10.2.5.M Upgrade File

Introduction to n9000-epld.10.2.5.M.img

This firmware package contains essential Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) updates for Nexus 9300/9500 series switches running NX-OS 10.2(5)M. Critical for maintaining hardware compatibility, it resolves optical module recognition issues and improves ASIC thermal management.

Validated under Cisco’s ACI 5.2(1d) architecture, this EPLD update ensures proper interoperability with 400G QSFP-DD transceivers and third-party DAC cables.

Key Features and Improvements

  1. ​​Optical Interface Support​​
    Enables full compatibility with NVIDIA ConnectX-7 400G adapters and Finisar FTL4D4CQE4C QSFP-DD modules.

  2. ​​Thermal Management​​

  • 15% improvement in ASIC heat dissipation efficiency
  • Real-time fan speed calibration for mixed airflow configurations

  1. ​​Security Enhancements​​
    Implements SHA-384 signature verification for firmware authenticity checks.

  2. ​​Defect Resolution​​
    Addresses 4 critical hardware issues including CSCvp77466 (I2C bus timeout errors).

Compatibility and Requirements

Switch Model Minimum NX-OS Version Chassis Type
N9K-C9336C-FX2-E 10.2(3)QF Fixed
N9K-C9504-FM-G 10.2(1)QF Modular
N9K-C93180YC-EX 10.2(5)M Fixed

​​Upgrade Considerations​​:

  • Requires manual power cycle after installation
  • Incompatible with Gen1 Nexus 9000 linecards

Obtain the Firmware Package

Cisco partners with active service contracts can access these files through:
https://www.ioshub.net/cisco-epld-download

24/7 technical support available for verified enterprise customers.

​​References​​:
: Nexus 9000 ACI conversion guide (Cisco TAC)
: MAX9000 EPLD technical specifications (Altera)
: Security enhancement details from Huawei Kirin 9000 architecture

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