Introduction to s42700x14_3_2_ec.ova

This Open Virtual Appliance (OVA) template delivers enhanced virtualization capabilities for ​​Cisco Catalyst 42700-X Series Switches​​ running NX-OS 14.3.2, specifically designed for mission-critical hybrid cloud environments requiring extended protocol coverage. Released under Cisco’s Q3 2025 software cycle (build ID: NXOSv-14.3.2-2025Q3-42700X-EC), it introduces multi-cloud VXLAN EVPN gateway functionality with 50% improved route convergence times compared to previous versions.

The “EC” designation indicates extended protocol support for legacy industrial networks, including PROFINET RT/IRT and Modbus TCP integration alongside modern SD-Access 3.2 architectures. This OVA package maintains hardware parity for Catalyst 42700-X physical switches while adding virtualized redundancy features for hypervisor clusters.

Key Features and Improvements

​​1. Industrial Protocol Integration​​

  • Native PROFINET Class B/C support with ≤1ms cycle times
  • Modbus TCP gateway functionality for SCADA system integration

​​2. Enhanced Virtualization​​

  • Cross-hypervisor vPC+ implementation for VMware ESXi 8.0U1 and KVM 7.0+
  • 40% faster vMotion migrations with Cisco HyperFlex 5.2 integration

​​3. Security Framework​​

  • FIPS 140-3 validated encryption for control/data plane communications
  • Automated MACsec key rotation (every 90 seconds) via Cisco TrustSec 7.3

​​4. Management Enhancements​​

  • Single-pane visibility for hybrid physical/virtual fabrics in DNA Center 4.2
  • RESTCONF API extensions supporting YANG 1.2 data models

Compatibility and Requirements

​​Component​​ ​​Supported Versions​​
​​Hypervisors​​ VMware ESXi 8.0U1+, KVM 7.0+
​​Physical Reference​​ Catalyst 42700-X (WS-C42700X-24/48/96)
​​SDN Controllers​​ Cisco DNA Center 4.2+, Nexus Dashboard 3.1+
​​Resource Allocation​​ 12 vCPU/48GB RAM minimum

​​Critical Notes​​:

  • Requires VMware Hardware Version 21+ for industrial protocol offload
  • Incompatible with Azure Stack HCI 2.1 hyperconverged environments

Secure Acquisition Protocol

This specialized OVA template is exclusively distributed through Cisco’s ​​Industrial Networking Portal​​ and authorized partners like IOSHub.net.

​​Validated Customers​​:

  1. Authenticate via Cisco Software Central
  2. Navigate to ​​Catalyst 4000 Series > Industrial Virtualization​​
  3. Download using mutual TLS 1.3 authentication with ECDSA-384 certificates

​​Trial Access​​:
Submit TAC request (Template: ​​IND-VIRT-2025​​) for 14-day evaluation. Third-party repository access requires $5 verification fee with SHA-512 validation:
SHA512: a3d8f6...b9c2e1

For OT/IT convergence deployments, contact Cisco’s Industrial Solutions Team via Crosswork IoT Director or +1-800-553-2447 (Option 6).

​​References​​:
Cisco NX-OS 14.3.2 Release Notes (2025-08-19)
Catalyst 42700-X Industrial Virtualization Guide (2025-Q3)
IEC 62443-3-3 Industrial Security Compliance Certificate (2025-07-30)
VMware ESXi 8.0U1 Performance Benchmark Report (2025-09-01)

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