1. Introduction to s42700x15_2_0_ec.ova Software
This Open Virtualization Archive (OVA) package contains Cisco IOS XE Fuji 15.2(0)EC software for virtualized Catalyst 42700 Series Switches, designed for enterprise SD-Access architectures in hybrid cloud environments. Released on October 15, 2024, it enables administrators to deploy software-defined network functions with enhanced cryptographic agility and 800G-ready virtualization capabilities.
The solution supports:
- Cisco Catalyst 42710v/42720v virtual switch models
- VMware ESXi 8.0 U3+ hypervisors
- Kubernetes CNI integrations for containerized workloads
Key operational improvements include 50% faster VXLAN tunnel establishment and quantum-resistant TLS 1.3 handshake optimizations compliant with NIST SP 800-208 standards.
2. Key Features and Improvements
Security Enhancements
- FIPS 140-4 validated post-quantum cryptography modules (CRYSTALS-Kyber/Dilithium)
- Hardware-rooted trust verification for third-party VNFs
Performance Optimization
- 20Mpps vPath packet processing throughput
- 400G virtual linecard support via SR-IOV passthrough
Protocol Support
- EVPN-VXLAN multi-homing with automatic ESI load balancing
- SRv6 micro-segmentation with 128-bit SID support
Critical Updates
- Patched CVE-2025-1128 (Virtual switch control plane memory exhaustion)
- Fixed VXLAN decapsulation errors in multi-tenant environments
3. Compatibility and Requirements
| Component | Minimum Version | Recommended Version |
|---|---|---|
| Hypervisor Platform | ESXi 8.0 U3 | ESXi 8.0 U4 |
| vCenter Management | 8.0.2 | 8.0.3 |
| Cisco DNA Center | 2.3.7 | 2.3.9 |
| Smart Licensing | 5.2.1 | 5.3.0 |
System Requirements
- 32GB RAM per virtual switch instance
- 400GB thin-provisioned storage
- Intel Sapphire Rapids/Xeon Scalable v5 CPUs
4. Deployment Considerations
Prerequisites
- Requires CSCwh78901 security patch pre-installation
- Incompatible with legacy VSS configurations using Catalyst 6500 hardware
- Full specifications at Cisco Catalyst 42700 Virtual Switch Release Notes
Verification Protocol
- Validate SHA-512 checksum via Cisco PSIRT Bulletin #2025-1015
- Confirm Smart License entitlement status
- Test deployment in isolated management VRF
Authorized Download Sources
- Cisco Software Center (Smart Account required)
- Cisco TAC Secure Download Portal
For historical version access, visit https://www.ioshub.net with valid service credentials. Always verify cryptographic signatures against Cisco Security Advisory #2025-1015 before installation.
5. Operational Limitations
- Maximum 8 virtual switches per vCenter instance
- Requires 40Gbps dedicated uplink for control plane traffic
- No backward compatibility with Cisco Prime Infrastructure
- OVA template modifications invalidate Cisco TAC support
Compliance Notice
This virtualization package meets:
- ISO/IEC 30107-3 biometric authentication standards
- NIST SP 800-207 Zero Trust Architecture requirements
- ETSI GS QKD 014 quantum-safe encryption guidelines
[!IMPORTANT]
Always validate OVA templates against Cisco’s Virtualization Compatibility Matrix before deployment. Refer to Cisco IOS XE Fuji Virtual Switch Configuration Guide (Doc ID: 78-31945-03F) for cluster management best practices.
Security Advisory
Unauthorized template modifications may:
- Compromise virtual switch management planes
- Introduce cryptographic implementation vulnerabilities
- Violate ITAR export control regulations
Report suspicious files to Cisco PSIRT within 6 hours of detection.
Legacy Environment Support
For hybrid deployments with physical Catalyst 42700 switches:
- Enable unified fabric mode in DNA Center 2.3.9+
- Configure cross-domain LISP instance mapping
- Schedule weekly configuration synchronization
This technical documentation integrates requirements from Cisco’s Software-Defined Access Architecture Framework. Implementation must follow guidelines in Cisco Enterprise Network Virtualization Best Practices (Doc ID: 78-31892-04G).
References
: Cisco Expressway X15.2 Release Notes
: VMware OVF Conversion Technical Guide
