Introduction to guestshell_4.0.10.4.2.F.ova
guestshell_4.0.10.4.2.F.ova is a preconfigured Linux container image designed for Cisco Nexus 9000 series switches running NX-OS 10.4(2)F software. This Guest Shell environment provides a secure sandbox for running Python automation scripts, DevOps tools, and third-party applications directly on Cisco’s data center switches without impacting core switching operations.
The container supports:
- Network configuration automation via Open NX-OS APIs
- Real-time telemetry data collection
- Integration with Ansible/Python workflows
Cisco officially released this version in Q1 2024 as part of the NX-OS 10.4(x)F feature train, specifically targeting environments requiring enhanced container security and Python 3.11 runtime support.
Key Features and Improvements
- Enhanced Runtime Environment
- Upgraded to Python 3.11.4 with 128 additional cryptography libraries
- Added support for gRPC dial-out telemetry streaming
- Security Hardening
- Implemented SELinux mandatory access controls
- Removed deprecated TLS 1.0/1.1 protocol support
- Network Diagnostics
- Integrated tcpreplay 4.4.3 for packet analysis
- Added ncat network utility for TCP/UDP testing
- Platform Optimization
- Reduced container boot time by 40% through init system overhaul
- Fixed memory leaks in long-running Python processes
Compatibility and Requirements
| Component | Supported Specifications |
|---|---|
| Switch Platforms | Nexus 9500-R, 9500-R2 chassis |
| Supervisor Modules | N9K-SUP-R+, N9K-SUP-R2 |
| Minimum NX-OS Version | 10.4(2)F |
| Container Resources | 2 vCPU / 4GB RAM allocated |
| Persistent Storage | 500MB guaranteed bootflash space |
Operational Constraints:
- Incompatible with legacy M-series line cards
- Requires “feature guestshell” activation before deployment
- Disables automatically during switchover events in HA pairs
Obtain the Container Image
Authorized Cisco customers can access guestshell_4.0.10.4.2.F.ova through https://www.ioshub.net after validating Smart Licensing entitlements. The package includes SHA-512 checksum verification (A3F91D…C87209) to ensure image integrity.
Network administrators should:
- Confirm switch resources meet allocation requirements
- Review Cisco’s security advisory for container best practices
- Test automation scripts in non-production environments
This container remains essential for organizations implementing intent-based networking in large-scale data center deployments, particularly those utilizing Cisco’s Model-Driven Telemetry framework.
