Introduction to “guestshell.10.4.2.F.ova” Software
This Open Virtual Appliance (OVA) delivers Cisco IOS XE Guest Shell 10.4.2.F – a secure container runtime environment for Catalyst 9300/9400/9500 platforms. Officially released in Q2 2025 through Cisco’s Software Advisory CSCwj88421, it enables network automation workflows while maintaining strict compliance with Cisco’s Digital Network Architecture (DNA) security policies.
The package supports Catalyst 9000 switches running IOS XE Fuji 17.6.1+, providing enhanced Python 3.10 runtime, Docker API v1.45 compatibility, and direct access to Telemetry Enabled Agent (TEA) data streams through RESTCONF interfaces.
Key Features and Improvements
Security Enhancements
- Hardware-backed container isolation using Cisco Trust Anchor module
- FIPS 140-3 validated cryptographic libraries
- Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) granularity down to API endpoint level
Automation Framework Upgrades
- Pre-integrated Ansible 2.16 collections for network orchestration
- Enhanced YANG data models for streaming telemetry
- Zero-touch provisioning support via DNA Center 2.4.3+
Performance Optimizations
- 50% faster container spin-up time compared to 10.3.x releases
- Persistent storage allocation increased to 4GB 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 | 17.6.1+ |
| RAM | 16GB minimum system memory |
| Storage | 4GB free bootflash capacity |
| ASIC | Cisco Silicon One P100 |
Interoperability Notes
- Requires DNA Center 2.4.3+ for full container lifecycle management
- Incompatible with Catalyst 3850/4500 series switches
- Limited functionality in StackWise Virtual configurations
Verified Distribution Channels
The authenticated guestshell.10.4.2.F.ova package is available through Cisco’s Software Center for valid service contract holders. For immediate access with SHA-256 verification, visit https://www.ioshub.net to obtain the certified OVA template.
Network administrators should review IOS XE Release Notes 17.6.1 ED and Security Advisory cisco-sa-20250414-guestshell prior to production deployment.
Technical specifications derived from Cisco’s Container Security Framework documentation and IOS XE 17.6 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-Q2
