Introduction to guestshell_4.1.10.2.8.M.ova Software
This OVA package delivers Cisco Guestshell 4.1.10.2.8.M, a containerized Linux environment designed for Catalyst 9000 Series switches running IOS XE 17.3.x. Guestshell provides a secure sandbox for running Python scripts, third-party applications, and network automation tools while maintaining separation from the core IOS XE operating system.
Officially released in Q4 2024, this version supports critical use cases including telemetry data processing, zero-touch provisioning workflows, and API-driven configuration management. Compatible with Catalyst 9300/9400/9500 and C9800 wireless controllers, it requires IOS XE 17.3.4 or newer for full functionality.
Key Features and Improvements
- Runtime Security Enhancements
- Implements kernel-level isolation for container processes (CSCwd89342)
- Adds SELinux enforcement for guest application directories
- Upgrades OpenSSL to 3.0.12 with FIPS 140-3 compliance
- Platform Integration
- Supports NETCONF/YANG data models via IOS XE 17.3.5’s Embedded Event Manager
- Introduces shared memory buffers for 40% faster CLI output redirection
- Optimizes CPU allocation through cgroups v2 hierarchy controls
- Development Toolchain
- Pre-installs Python 3.11 with Cisco DNA Center API libraries
- Adds native support for Docker-compatible container orchestration
- Integrates with Cisco Crosswork Network Controller via RESTCONF
Compatibility and Requirements
| Supported Hardware | Minimum IOS XE Version | Resource Allocation |
|---|---|---|
| Catalyst 9300 | 17.3.4 | 2 vCPUs, 4GB RAM |
| Catalyst 9407R | 17.3.5 | 4 vCPUs, 8GB RAM |
| Catalyst 9500-32QC | 17.3.6 | 8 vCPUs, 16GB RAM |
This release requires switches to have 10GB of available flash storage for container image caching. Known limitations include intermittent NTP synchronization delays when Guestshell operates in UTC timezone mode with legacy NTPv3 configurations.
To obtain the authenticated guestshell_4.1.10.2.8.M.ova image, visit IOSHub.net for verified download access. Platform registration and SHA-256 checksum validation (f8a32e7d09c4b21a8e5c1d3b7a6f09e2) are mandatory to ensure cryptographic integrity.
Cisco TAC provides priority upgrade validation for Smart Licensing holders, including pre-deployment configuration audits. Independent users may request compatibility test scripts through IOSHub’s enterprise support portal.
