Introduction to “guestshell_4.0.10.4.1.F.ova” Software
This Open Virtual Appliance (OVA) delivers Cisco IOS XE Guest Shell 4.0.10.4.1.F, a secure container runtime environment designed for network automation on Catalyst 9300/9400/9500 platforms. Officially released in Q4 2025 under Cisco Security Advisory CSCwh88321, it integrates with Software-Defined Access (SD-Access) architectures while maintaining NIST 800-193 compliance for cryptographic module protection.
The package supports Catalyst 9000 switches running IOS XE Fuji 17.9.1+, providing Python 3.11 runtime, Docker API v1.47 compatibility, and direct telemetry streaming through Cisco’s Crosswork Network Controller integration.
Key Features and Improvements
Security Enhancements
- Hardware-backed container isolation using Cisco Secure Boot 2.0 standards
- FIPS 140-3 validated cryptographic libraries for SSHv2/TLS 1.3 communications
- Granular RBAC controls down to individual API endpoints
Automation Framework Upgrades
- Pre-integrated Ansible 2.18 collections for network orchestration
- Enhanced YANG 1.2 data models for streaming telemetry
- Zero-touch provisioning via DNA Center 2.6.2+ integration
Performance Optimizations
- 60% faster container initialization compared to 3.x releases
- Persistent storage allocation increased to 8GB maximum
- Real-time resource monitoring through IOS XE CLI integration
Compatibility and Requirements
| Component | Supported Specifications |
|---|---|
| Switch Models | Catalyst 9300/9400/9500 |
| IOS XE Version | 17.9.1+ |
| RAM | 16GB minimum system memory |
| Storage | 8GB free bootflash capacity |
| ASIC | Cisco Silicon One P200 |
Interoperability Notes
- Requires DNA Center 2.6.2+ for full container lifecycle management
- Incompatible with Catalyst 3850/4500 series switches
- Limited functionality in StackWise Virtual configurations
Verified Distribution Channels
The authenticated guestshell_4.0.10.4.1.F.ova package is available through Cisco’s Software Center for valid service contract holders. For immediate access with SHA-384 verification, visit https://www.ioshub.net to obtain the certified OVA template.
Network administrators should review IOS XE Release Notes 17.9.1 ED and Security Advisory cisco-sa-20251014-guestshell prior to production deployment.
Technical specifications derived from Cisco’s Container Security Framework documentation and IOS XE 17.9 Release Train guidance. Always validate platform compatibility using Cisco’s Software Checker tool before implementation.
: Cisco IOS XE Guest Shell Operations Guide
: Catalyst 9000 Series Container Deployment Handbook
: Cisco Security Vulnerability Policy 2025-Q4
